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
what are the sizes of tornadoes?
average funnel- 1/4 of miles
smallest- 3ft or 36 in
biggest- 3 mi or 5 km
which part of a tornado is most destructive?
the base
hurricane
giant cyclonic windstorms that forms over tropical or subtropical oceans
why are hurricanes so strong? 3 main things.
strong wind, high tides, and heavy rain
name 1 way you’re going to use this knowledge.
When my family and I are watching the weather channel.
continental
air masses over land
maritime
air masses over water
three types of tempature
artic- extremely cold
polar- cool
tropical- warm
