study Flashcards
air mass
a huge body that has the same temp. and humidity.
stationary front
when a warm or cool front stop moving
warm front
if a warm air mass takes over a cool air mass
cold front
if cold air mass takes over a warm air mass
three factors affecting the wind
Coriolis effect, friction, and pressure gradient force
Coriolis effect
the earth’s shape and movement deflect wind
friction effect
force that opposes the motion of an object
pressure gradient force
atmosphere regularly develops higher over one region
lightning
an electrical discharge between charges
three main parts of lightning
step leader, return stroke, and forked lightning
step leader (lightning)
beginning of lightning
return stroke (lightning)
lightning returns to clouds
forked lightning
when lightning branches off
tornado
a narrow, rapidly spinning mass of air extending downwards
how do tornados form?
water vaping and debris lift into air by low pressure
