Weather & Climate Flashcards
What is the water cycle, and what processes are involved?
The water cycle describes how water moves between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere through processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Example sentence: Water evaporates from the ocean, forms clouds, and falls back to Earth as rain.
How does evaporation contribute to the water cycle?
Evaporation turns liquid water into vapor, moving it from oceans, lakes, and streams into the atmosphere.
Example sentence: The sun heats the surface of a lake, causing the water to evaporate and rise into the air.
What is transpiration?
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plants, contributing to moisture in the atmosphere.
Example sentence: Plants release water vapor through small openings in their leaves during transpiration.
How does condensation occur in the atmosphere?
Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and turns back into liquid water, forming clouds.
Example sentence: Clouds form as water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water droplets.
What are the different types of precipitation?
Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are types of precipitation.
Example sentence: The weather forecast predicts heavy snowfall as the type of precipitation for tomorrow.
How do air masses affect weather?
Air masses with uniform temperature and humidity move, causing changes in weather when they interact with other air masses.
Example sentence: A cold air mass moving into a warm air mass can lead to drastic weather changes such as thunderstorms.
What defines a cold front?
A cold front is formed when a cold air mass moves into a warm air mass, often bringing cool temperatures and storms.
Example sentence: The cold front approaching the region is expected to bring heavy rainfall and a drop in temperature.
What is a warm front, and what weather does it typically bring?
A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves into a cold air mass, usually resulting in warm temperatures and moderate rain.
Example sentence: The warm front passing through is bringing milder temperatures and light rain showers.
How do scientists predict weather?
Scientists collect current weather data and use computer models to forecast future weather patterns.
Example sentence: Meteorologists analyze satellite images and atmospheric pressure data to predict the path of a storm.
What are currents, and how do they differ from prevailing winds?
Currents are the steady flow of fluids (air or water), while prevailing winds are consistent air currents blowing in one direction.
Example sentence: Ocean currents play a crucial role in distributing heat around the globe, affecting regional climates.
