Atmospheric Science Quiz
167 Questions
17 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the term used for the energy of motion?

  • Kinetic energy (correct)
  • Mechanical energy
  • Potential energy
  • Thermal energy
  • Which gas in the upper atmosphere provides protection from harmful ultraviolet rays?

  • Ozone (correct)
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Nitrogen
  • Methane
  • What is the definition of 'weather'?

  • The long-term atmospheric conditions
  • The state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place (correct)
  • The movement of tectonic plates
  • The average temperature over a year
  • What happens to the air's capacity for water vapor as the temperature decreases?

    <p>It decreases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what temperature does pure water freeze on the Fahrenheit scale?

    <p>32 degrees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the apparent force created by Earth's rotation?

    <p>Coriolis force (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During most nights, nighttime radiation inversions occur primarily on which type of nights?

    <p>Clear and calm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does increasing Earth's gravitational force have on atmospheric pressure at the ground?

    <p>It increases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The pressure gradient force is directed from higher pressure toward which area?

    <p>A lower pressure area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Convective clouds typically form due to which process?

    <p>Rapid warming of the surface air (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a sea breeze circulation during night?

    <p>It reverses to become a land breeze (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an unsaturated environment, how much does a parcel of air cool by per 1000 m?

    <p>6.5 Celsius (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is true about anticyclonic flow in the Northern Hemisphere?

    <p>Winds circulate clockwise around high pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used for a raindrop that freezes before reaching the ground?

    <p>Sleet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A wind that blows at a constant speed parallel to isobars is known as which type of wind?

    <p>Geostrophic wind (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What accounts for the majority of the water vapor added to the atmosphere each year?

    <p>Evaporation from oceans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What stage represents the initial stage of an ordinary cell thunderstorm?

    <p>Developing stage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cloud types is characterized by thin, white, featherlike formations?

    <p>Cirrus clouds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ingredient needed for thunderstorm development besides moisture and stability?

    <p>Lift (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which month is the average temperature typically highest in the Northern Hemisphere?

    <p>July (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes a line of thunderstorms forming ahead of a cold front?

    <p>Squall line (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a severe thunderstorm?

    <p>Production of tornadoes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of weather front is likely associated with increasing cloudiness and potential precipitation?

    <p>Warm front (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cloud type is characterized by a dark gray appearance with continuous precipitation?

    <p>Nimbostratus clouds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Absolute temperature scale that contains no negative numbers?

    <p>Kelvin scale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As the air temperature decreases, the air's capacity for water vapor tends to _____ .

    <p>decrease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Particles that serve as surfaces on which water vapor may condense are called _____ .

    <p>aerosols (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The only substance found naturally in the lower atmosphere that can exist as a solid, liquid, and gas is _____ .

    <p>water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The majority of atmospheric ozone is found in the _____ .

    <p>stratosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a boundary that separates warm, dry air from warm, moist air called?

    <p>Dry line (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of weather front is typically associated with thunderstorms and heavy rain?

    <p>Cold front (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Saffir-Simpson scale category 5 indicate?

    <p>Wind speeds of 157 mph or higher (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the heaviest rainfall typically occur during a hurricane?

    <p>The eye wall of the hurricane (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A weather watch is most likely issued for which condition?

    <p>Potential tornado conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a chart that plots air temperature changes over time at a specific station called?

    <p>Thermogram (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When are storms that form in the tropics typically given names?

    <p>Once they become a tropical cyclone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which season are mid-latitude cyclonic storms in the U.S. typically better developed?

    <p>Winter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the forecasting technique that produces several versions of a forecast model, each beginning with slightly different weather information?

    <p>Ensemble forecasting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical atmospheric condition when a humid subtropical climate is found in the United States?

    <p>Warm and humid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs just before a storm is classified as a tropical storm?

    <p>Tropical depression stage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What visual effect causes the blue color of the sky?

    <p>Rayleigh scattering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes halos?

    <p>They are caused by light refracting through ice crystals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do large volcanic eruptions that eject sulfur-rich materials into the stratosphere typically affect surface temperatures?

    <p>Decrease temperatures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to relative humidity as the difference between air temperature and dew point decreases?

    <p>It increases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'stratus', or 'strato', refer to in cloud naming?

    <p>Layered clouds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor primarily regulates the seasons on Earth?

    <p>The tilt of Earth's axis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a saturated atmosphere, how much does a parcel of air cool by for each 1000 m it rises?

    <p>6.5 degrees Celsius (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of air indicates the average speed of its molecules?

    <p>Temperature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nighttime radiation inversions typically occur on which kind of nights?

    <p>Cold and clear (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of fog is produced when warm, moist air moves over a cold surface?

    <p>Advection fog (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of atmosphere would most likely produce unstable air and lead to cloud formation?

    <p>Unstable atmosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor most directly enhances the greenhouse effect?

    <p>Higher levels of carbon dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cloud is typically characterized by thin, wispy shapes and can appear as streaks in the sky?

    <p>Cirrus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best defines the daily temperature range?

    <p>The difference between the daily maximum and minimum temperature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cloud is characterized by its individual, separate domes or towers?

    <p>Cumulus clouds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component required for the development of thunderstorms?

    <p>Moisture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes a supercell storm?

    <p>A rotating storm system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the average temperature throughout an entire year?

    <p>Yearly mean temperature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage marks the beginning of an ordinary cell thunderstorm?

    <p>Cumulus stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a boundary that separates warm, dry air from warm, moist air?

    <p>Warm front (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates the severity of a category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale?

    <p>Catastrophic damage with total roof failure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for a line of thunderstorms that develops in advance of a cold front?

    <p>Squall line (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a hurricane, which area typically experiences the heaviest rainfall?

    <p>The right front quadrant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a weather watch indicate?

    <p>Conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather event (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary fuel for hurricanes, derived from ocean waters?

    <p>Latent heat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of air mass would most likely be found over a cold ocean current?

    <p>Maritime polar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon causes the center of a hurricane, known as the eye, to be cloud-free?

    <p>Descending air (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is a tropical storm typically given a name?

    <p>When it reaches tropical storm strength, with sustained winds of 39-73 mph (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anticyclonic flow in the Northern Hemisphere typically results in which wind direction?

    <p>Clockwise around the center (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a parcel of air when it rises in an unsaturated atmosphere?

    <p>It cools by 5 Celsius per 1000 m (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During El Niño events, how do surface waters in the tropical eastern Pacific change?

    <p>They become warmer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of wind flows at a constant speed parallel to straight-line isobars?

    <p>Gradient wind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when dew freezes?

    <p>Frost formation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What environmental condition describes an atmosphere where the lapse rate is greater than both the moist and dry adiabatic rates?

    <p>Absolutely unstable atmosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process contributes the majority of water vapor added to the atmosphere each year?

    <p>Ocean evaporation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact on atmospheric concentrations of certain gases?

    <p>They vary significantly depending on time and location. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the condition of the atmosphere at any particular time and place called?

    <p>Weather (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the air pressure at the summit of Mount Everest compared to sea level?

    <p>It is lower than at sea level. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which condition will the wind around a surface high-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere blow?

    <p>Clockwise and away from the center. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to hurricanes when they move over colder water?

    <p>They dissipate and weaken. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates the increasing humidity in the air?

    <p>The difference between air temperature and dew point decreases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the stage just before a storm is classified as a tropical storm?

    <p>Tropical depression (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does climate change have on sea-surface temperatures in the tropics?

    <p>It causes them to rise. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is associated with a humid subtropical climate?

    <p>Warm, humid summers and mild winters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when light bounces off a surface at the same angle at which it strikes?

    <p>Light is reflected. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What substance is typically responsible for halos in the atmosphere?

    <p>Ice crystals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes a positive feedback mechanism in climate science?

    <p>It enhances the effects of a change in climate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of energy for a hurricane?

    <p>Latent heat of evaporation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What atmospheric condition is typically indicated by a weather warning?

    <p>Severe weather is imminent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During what phase of a hurricane does the heaviest rainfall typically occur?

    <p>Near the center of the hurricane (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    On the Saffir-Simpson scale, what does a category 5 hurricane indicate?

    <p>Wind speeds of over 157 mph (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is defined as the difference between the daily maximum and minimum temperature?

    <p>Temperature Differential (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of air mass is typically characterized as warm and moist?

    <p>Maritime tropical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cloud is characterized by being thin and featherlike in appearance?

    <p>Cirrus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to a low, gray cloud layer with a uniform base?

    <p>Stratus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What weather phenomenon is typically associated with the polar jet stream during the coldest months?

    <p>Enhanced mid-latitude cyclonic storms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data does a weather chart that tracks temperature changes display?

    <p>Air temperature changes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically the most intense stage of a wave cyclone according to its life cycle model?

    <p>Mature Stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT a necessary ingredient for thunderstorm development?

    <p>Temperature Inversion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the eye of a hurricane?

    <p>It is characterized by low pressure and calm weather (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the wind around a surface low-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere?

    <p>It blows toward the center. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of storm is characterized by severe conditions including heavy showers and thunder?

    <p>Supercell Storm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of weather front typically results in cloudy weather followed by precipitation?

    <p>Warm Front (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much does a parcel of air cool every 1000 m if it is unsaturated?

    <p>6.5 Celsius (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the average temperature for an entire year at a particular station?

    <p>Annual Mean Temperature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the heat index combine with air temperature to represent?

    <p>Humidity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of environment is characterized by the lifted parcel of air being colder than the air surrounding it?

    <p>Absolutely stable environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon occurs when dew freezes?

    <p>Frost (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor creates pressure gradients that cause sea and land breezes to blow?

    <p>Temperature differences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the seasonal winds characterized by wet and dry periods?

    <p>Monsoon season (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to average atmospheric CO2 concentrations over the past century?

    <p>They have significantly increased. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the greenhouse effect?

    <p>A process enhanced by the presence of greenhouse gases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the majority of weather phenomena?

    <p>Troposphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As air temperature decreases, how does the air's capacity for water vapor change?

    <p>It decreases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of fog is produced by warm, moist air moving over a cold surface?

    <p>Advection fog (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cloud is most likely to form in an unstable atmosphere?

    <p>Cumulus clouds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically occurs to the surface air around a strengthening low-pressure area?

    <p>It converges at the surface. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the average temperature in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer month?

    <p>It typically reaches average highs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to atmospheric air pressure at the summit of Mount Everest compared to sea level?

    <p>It is lower than at sea level. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition occurs when the atmosphere is absolutely stable?

    <p>Air parcel tends to return to its starting position. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the particles that serve as surfaces for water vapor to condense upon called?

    <p>Aerosols (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which atmospheric layer is the majority of ozone found?

    <p>Stratosphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to hurricanes when they encounter cooler water?

    <p>They dissipate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which atmospheric conditions would a humid subtropical climate typically be found in the United States?

    <p>Warm and humid regions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cloud type is most likely associated with the formation of halos or sundogs?

    <p>Cirrus clouds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the blue color of the sky?

    <p>Scattering of light by air molecules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a positive feedback mechanism in climate systems typically result in?

    <p>Amplification of climatic changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes how clouds interact with climate?

    <p>Clouds can both warm and cool the climate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are climate factors that produce the climate in a given area referred to as?

    <p>Climatic controls. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically happens to average global temperatures over the past century?

    <p>They have increased significantly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which atmospheric layer contains all the weather phenomena we are familiar with?

    <p>Troposphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anticyclonic flow means which of the following in the Northern Hemisphere?

    <p>Clockwise rotation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the greenhouse effect get enhanced?

    <p>Through more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of wind moves at a constant speed parallel to straight-line isobars with the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force in balance?

    <p>Geostrophic wind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term that describes a parcel of air that expands and cools, or compresses and warms, without exchanging heat with its surroundings?

    <p>Adiabatic process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During El Nino events, how are surface waters affected in the tropical eastern Pacific?

    <p>Warmer than average (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phenomenon is most likely to cause cold and cloudy nights to be warmer than cold and clear nights?

    <p>Cloud cover trapping heat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'rain shadow' is associated with which type of precipitation?

    <p>Orographic precipitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an absolutely stable environment, how does the lifted parcel of air compare to the surrounding air?

    <p>Colder and sinking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the characteristic of air that indicates the average speed of the atoms and molecules?

    <p>Temperature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most likely composition of Earth's first atmosphere, around 4.6 billion years ago?

    <p>Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors primarily creates pressure gradients that cause sea and land breezes to blow?

    <p>Temperature differences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average temperature of a station for the entire year called?

    <p>Annual mean temperature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the lowest and highest temperatures observed in a 24-hour period?

    <p>Diurnal temperature range (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three necessary ingredients for thunderstorm development?

    <p>Moisture, stability, and uplift (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cloud is typically composed of ice crystals and appears in thin, featherlike patches?

    <p>Cirrus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of a supercell storm?

    <p>Vertical wind shear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a severe thunderstorm?

    <p>Produces hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which weather front is responsible for producing increasing high cloudiness followed by potential precipitation?

    <p>Warm front (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon is characterized by a dark gray cloud continuously dropping precipitation without thunderstorms?

    <p>Nimbostratus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The air pressure at the summit of Mount Everest is _____ than the air pressure at sea level.

    <p>Lower (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main process through which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere?

    <p>Photosynthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer contains the majority of atmospheric ozone?

    <p>Stratosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A chart that plots how air temperature has changed over the past five days at a given station is known as a what?

    <p>Thermograph (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the heaviest rainfall location during a hurricane?

    <p>The northeastern quadrant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which condition would a weather warning most likely be issued?

    <p>Indications of severe thunderstorms nearby (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of storm is named when it forms in tropical regions?

    <p>Tropical storm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If the first tropical storm of the season was named Andrea, what would be a likely name for the second one?

    <p>Bret (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a weather watch typically indicate?

    <p>Favorable conditions for severe weather exist (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    On the Saffir-Simpson scale, what does a category 5 storm signify?

    <p>Catastrophic damage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do factors like temperature and moisture influence the climate in a specific area?

    <p>They are the primary components of climate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes halos to form in the sky?

    <p>Ice crystals in the atmosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a humid subtropical climate typically exhibit?

    <p>Hot, humid summers and mild winters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a positive feedback mechanism in the context of climate change?

    <p>When climate change causes further warming. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the process by which light is reflected at the same angle it strikes a surface?

    <p>Reflection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of increasing carbon dioxide levels on global temperatures?

    <p>It causes global temperatures to rise. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What atmospheric condition allows the setting sun to appear red?

    <p>Scattered light particles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Kinetic energy

    The energy of motion.

    Most abundant atmospheric gases

    Nitrogen and oxygen.

    Global CO2 trend

    Increased over the last century.

    Definition of weather

    The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Freezing point of pure water

    32 degrees Celsius on the Fahrenheit scale.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Absolute temperature scale

    Kelvin scale.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Earth's early atmosphere

    Primarily composed of volcanic gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Measure of air particle speed

    Temperature.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pressure Gradient Force

    The force that drives air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Convective Clouds

    Clouds formed by rising thermals of warm, moist air.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sea Breeze

    A wind that blows from the sea towards the land during the day.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Unsaturated Air Cooling Rate

    The rate at which unsaturated air cools as it rises (approximately 1 degree Celsius per 1000 meters).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Anticyclonic Flow

    Clockwise rotation of air around a high-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Freezing Rain

    Rain that freezes upon contact with a surface that has a temperature below freezing.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Geostrophic Wind

    A wind that blows parallel to straight isobars, with the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force balanced.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Evaporation

    The process by which water changes from liquid to gas.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Diurnal Temperature Range

    The difference between the daily maximum and minimum temperature, which is greatest near the ground and decreases with altitude.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Daily Mean Temperature

    The average of the highest and lowest temperature observed in a 24-hour period, typically from midnight to midnight.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Annual Temperature Range

    The difference in average temperature between the warmest month and the coldest month of the year.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Annual Average Temperature

    The average temperature of a location for the entire year, calculated as the average of the twelve monthly average temperatures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cirrus Clouds

    High-altitude clouds composed of ice crystals, appearing as thin, white, featherlike patches, filaments, or narrow bands.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cumulus Clouds

    Dense, well-defined, detached clouds that resemble domes or towers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stratus Clouds

    Low-lying, gray cloud layers with a uniform base.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Thunderstorms

    Violent storms characterized by heavy showers, lightning, thunder, and sometimes hail.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the absolute temperature scale?

    The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale that starts at absolute zero and has no negative values, making it convenient for scientific calculations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does air temperature affect water vapor?

    As air temperature decreases, the air's capacity for water vapor decreases. This is because cooler air can hold less moisture.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Atmospheric concentrations of what can vary?

    Atmospheric concentrations of gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone can vary significantly depending on time and location due to factors like weather and human activities.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What does 'PFG' point towards?

    The Pressure Gradient Force (PFG) always points towards lower pressure, meaning air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are condensation nuclei?

    Condensation nuclei are microscopic particles in the atmosphere, such as dust, pollen, and salt, that provide surfaces on which water vapor can condense to form clouds and fog.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a front?

    A boundary that separates air masses with different temperatures and humidities.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Polar jet stream's influence on mid-latitude cyclonic storms

    The polar jet stream becomes stronger and more active during the coldest months, enhancing mid-latitude cyclonic storm development in the United States.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Weather front in the image

    The image depicts a cold front, where cold air is pushing into warm air.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hurricane energy source

    Hurricane energy comes from the latent heat released when water vapor condenses.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hurricane eye's weather

    The center of a hurricane, the 'eye', experiences clear skies due to descending, dry air.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Saffir-Simpson scale category 5

    On the Saffir-Simpson scale, a category 5 hurricane represents the most intense category with devastating winds and storm surge.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Primary cause of hurricane destruction

    The majority of destruction caused by a hurricane is due to storm surge, the abnormal rise of sea level accompanying the storm.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Weather watch

    A weather watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a particular type of severe weather, but it is not yet occurring.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ensemble Forecasting

    A forecasting method where multiple versions of a forecast model are run, each starting with slightly different weather information to account for measurement errors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hurricane Warning

    An official announcement indicating that hurricane-force winds are expected within 24 hours in a specified area.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tropical Disturbance

    A cluster of thunderstorms with organized circulation, a precursor to a tropical storm.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hurricanes dissipate when...

    Hurricanes dissipate when they move over land, encounter cooler water, or lose their source of warm, moist air.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Red Object

    A red object absorbs all visible wavelengths of light except for red, which it reflects.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Specular reflection

    When light bounces off a surface at the same angle it strikes it, resulting in a mirror-like reflection.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Scattering of light

    The process by which light is deflected in various directions as it interacts with particles in the atmosphere.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Halo

    A ring of light that appears around the sun or moon, caused by the refraction and reflection of light by ice crystals in high-altitude clouds.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Earth's Dominant Atmospheric Gases

    Nitrogen and oxygen are the most abundant gases in Earth's atmosphere.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    CO2 Trend Over Time

    Over the past 100 years, average carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere have increased steadily.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is 'weather'?

    Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Freezing Point of Water

    The freezing point of pure water is 32 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the Kelvin scale?

    The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, meaning it doesn't have negative numbers and starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C). It's used in scientific calculations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Earth's First Atmosphere

    Earth's atmosphere billions of years ago was mainly composed of volcanic gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What measures air particle speed?

    Temperature is a measure of the average speed of atoms and molecules within a substance.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are the three ingredients for thunderstorm development?

    Moisture, instability, and lift (upward motion) are the three necessary ingredients for thunderstorm development.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What type of weather front causes increasing cloudiness and cold then warmer temperatures?

    A cold front is responsible for increasing cloudiness and cold followed by warmer temperatures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Air temperature and water vapor

    As air temperature decreases, the air's capacity for water vapor decreases. This is because cooler air can hold less moisture.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why are mid-latitude cyclonic storms stronger during colder months?

    Mid-latitude cyclonic storms intensify during the coldest months because the polar jet stream, a fast-moving river of air in the upper atmosphere, becomes stronger and more active. This stronger jet stream provides the energy and instability needed for these storms to develop.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Identify the weather front in the image.

    The image shows a cold front, where a mass of cold air is displacing a mass of warmer air. Cold fronts are typically associated with abrupt changes in weather, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and a drop in temperature.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Air mass C?

    Air mass C is a continental tropical air mass, characterized by being hot, dry, and stable. It originates over large landmasses in tropical regions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the weather like in a hurricane's eye?

    The eye of a hurricane is remarkably calm, often cloud-free, with descending dry air. This is because the air in the eye is sinking, compressing, and warming, preventing cloud formation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What does a category 5 storm indicate?

    On the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a category 5 storm represents the highest level of hurricane intensity, characterized by devastating winds exceeding 157 mph, causing catastrophic damage and extreme storm surge.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Major cause of hurricane destruction?

    The most significant damage caused by hurricanes is often attributed to storm surge, the abnormal rise of sea level accompanying the storm. This surge can cause flooding, erosion, and significant structural damage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What does temperature measure?

    Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance. The faster the molecules move, the higher the temperature.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Greenhouse Effect

    The trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. This is a natural process that keeps Earth warm enough to support life.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Layers of the Atmosphere

    Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers based on temperature changes. These layers include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Relative Humidity

    The amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature. It is expressed as a percentage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dew Point

    The temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor and condensation begins to form.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Condensation Nuclei

    Tiny particles in the atmosphere (dust, salt, pollen) that provide surfaces for water vapor to condense on, forming clouds and fog.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Thunderstorm Ingredients

    Moisture, instability (warm air rising), and lift (a force pushing air upwards) are needed for thunderstorms.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Thunderstorm Development Stage

    The initial stage of a thunderstorm is called the cumulus stage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does the polar jet stream influence mid-latitude storms?

    The polar jet stream, a fast-moving air current in the upper atmosphere, becomes stronger during colder months. This strengthens and enhances mid-latitude cyclonic storm development, making them more potent.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What type of front does the image show?

    The image shows a cold front, where colder air is displacing warmer air. This often brings sudden changes in weather, like thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Weather in the Hurricane's Eye

    The hurricane's eye experiences clear skies and calm conditions. This is because descending, dry air causes the air in the eye to compress, warm, and prevent cloud formation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Saffir-Simpson Scale: Category 5 Storm

    A category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale represents the highest intensity, with devastating winds exceeding 157 mph (253 km/h), causing catastrophic damage, and extreme storm surge.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Main Cause of Hurricane Destruction

    The majority of destruction caused by hurricanes is due to storm surge, the abnormal rise in sea level accompanying the storm. This surge can cause flooding, erosion, and significant structural damage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Microclimate

    The climate of a very small area, influenced by local factors like vegetation, buildings, or water bodies.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Air's capacity for water vapor

    As air temperature decreases, its ability to hold water vapor decreases. This is because cooler air molecules move slower and can't hold onto as much moisture.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Atmospheric gases

    Gases that compose the atmosphere can change in concentration depending on location and time. This is due to factors like weather patterns, human activities and natural processes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Absolutely stable atmosphere

    An air parcel in this type of atmosphere will not rise on its own. It's denser than the surrounding air, meaning it will stay put.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Anticyclonic circulation

    A pattern of air flow around a high-pressure center. In the Northern Hemisphere, it rotates clockwise.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Earth's Current Atmosphere

    The atmosphere surrounding Earth today is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). Other gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and neon make up a smaller percentage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Water's Freezing Point

    Pure water freezes at 32 degrees on the Fahrenheit temperature scale.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Kelvin Scale

    The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, meaning it starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C) and has no negative values. It's widely used in scientific calculations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Daily Temperature Range

    The difference between the highest and lowest temperature observed in a 24-hour period. It's usually greatest near the ground.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cold Front

    A boundary where a mass of cold air displaces warmer air. It typically brings sudden changes in weather, including thunderstorms and cooler temperatures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Air's water vapor capacity

    As air temperature decreases, the air's ability to hold water vapor decreases. This is because cooler air has less kinetic energy to hold onto moisture.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Atmospheric gas variations

    Concentrations of gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone in the atmosphere can significantly vary depending on location and time.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    PFG direction?

    The Pressure Gradient Force (PFG) always points from high pressure to low pressure. This is what drives air movements.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why are mid-latitude cyclones stronger in winter?

    Mid-latitude cyclones are more powerful during the coldest months because the polar jet stream, a fast-moving air current, becomes stronger and more active. This provides the energy and instability needed for cyclones to develop.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a cold front?

    A cold front is a boundary where a mass of cold air is displacing a warmer air mass. It's often associated with sudden changes in weather, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and a drop in temperature.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the Saffir-Simpson scale?

    The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on wind speed. Category 5 is the most intense, with winds exceeding 157 mph.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What causes the most destruction from hurricanes?

    Storm surge, the abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane, is the most significant cause of hurricane destruction. It causes flooding, erosion, and major structural damage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a weather watch?

    A weather watch means conditions are favorable for a particular type of severe weather, but it is not yet occurring. It's a heads up to be prepared.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Kinetic Energy

    • Energy of motion

    Atmospheric Composition

    • Most abundant gases are nitrogen and oxygen (by volume)
    • Average atmospheric CO2 concentrations have increased over the past 100 years

    Weather Definition

    • Condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place

    Temperature Scales

    • Freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Absolute temperature scale with no negative numbers is Kelvin.

    Earth's First Atmosphere

    • Primarily composed of hydrogen and helium (approximately 4.6 billion years ago)

    Air Characteristics

    • Temperature measures average atomic/molecular speed.

    Atmospheric Protection

    • Ozone layer shields Earth's surface from harmful UV rays

    Water Vapor Variations

    • Atmospheric water vapor levels vary significantly based on location and time.

    Greenhouse Effect Enhancement

    • Addition of water vapor strengthens the greenhouse effect.

    Atmospheric Vertical Profile

    • Vertical profile of atmosphere varies between layers.

    Tropospheric Weather

    • All weather occurs in the troposphere.
    • Relative humidity decreases as the difference between air temperature and dew point increases.
    • Nighttime radiation inversions happen on clear, calm nights.
    • Thin, wispy cirrus clouds are blown by wind.
    • Seasons are affected by daylight hours and the angle of sunlight striking Earth's surface.

    Fog Formation

    • Warm, moist air moving over a cold surface creates advection fog.
    • Cold, cloudy nights are warmer than cold, clear nights due to outgoing infrared energy absorption by clouds.
    • Maximum daily temperature usually occurs 2-4 hours after maximum solar heating.
    • Particles that serve as condensation surfaces are called condensation nuclei.

    Air Pressure and Forces

    • High atmospheric pressure at sea level compared to higher altitudes.
    • Adiabatic process describes air expansion/compression without heat exchange.
    • Coriolis force is an apparent force resulting from Earth's rotation.
    • Pressure gradient force directs air from higher to lower pressure.
    • Convective clouds form due to surface heating.
    • Sea breeze and land breeze circulation cycles reverse daily.
    • Anticyclonic flow = clockwise winds in the Northern Hemisphere.
    • Sleet is a raindrop that freezes before hitting the ground.
    • Geostrophic wind blows parallel to isobars with pressure and Coriolis forces balanced.
    • Evaporation from oceans accounts for most atmospheric water vapor.

    Precipitation Types and Patterns

    • Orographic precipitation is associated with rain shadows.
    • Synoptic scale is larger than mesoscale.

    El Niño

    • Surface waters in the tropical eastern Pacific are warmer during El Niño events.
    • Contouring rules include that isopleths cannot stop mid-map.

    Weather Map Interpretation

    • Weather warnings indicate imminent hazardous weather.
    • Heaviest hurricane rainfall occurs in the eyewall.
    • A meteogram shows daily air temperature changes.
    • Tropical storm names follow an alphabetical pattern.
    • All answers are correct regarding weather map rulings.

    Storm Systems

    • Squall line is a line of thunderstorms ahead of an advancing cold front.
    • Mature cyclone stage of wave cyclone is most intense.
    • Tornado Alley, or the Tornado Belt, is in the central plains of the US.
    • Severe thunderstorms produce large hail and intense downbursts.
    • Cumulus stage is the initial stage of an ordinary cell thunderstorm.
    • Mid-latitude cyclones form and move along the polar front in a wave pattern.

    Air Masses

    • Continental arctic, continental polar, continental tropical, and maritime tropical are main air masses.
    • Hurricane energy comes from latent heat of condensation.
    • A hurricane's eye is often cloud-free due to sinking air.
    • Category 5 storms are strongest on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

    Weather Forecasting

    • Weather watches predict possible hazardous weather.
    • Forecasts depend on the tracked system's position and movement.

    Atmospheric Dynamics

    • Forecasting technique using multiple versions of a model incorporating measurement errors.
    • Ensemble forecasting is mentioned.
    • Tropical storms develop into hurricanes, initially as depressions.
    • Hurricanes dissipate when they move over colder waters.
    • Objects appear red because they absorb all other visible colors of light but reflect red.
    • Sunlight is reflected when it strikes a surface at the same angle it's bounced off.
    • The blue sky color is due to selective scattering of visible light by air molecules.

    Climate

    • Microclimate refers to small-scale climatic regions near the ground.
    • Climate models predict that tropical sea-surface temperatures will increase, potentially strengthening hurricanes.
    • Climatic controls define a place's climate.
    • Koppen scheme classifies climates based on temperature and precipitation.
    • Global temperatures have increased slightly in the last 100 years.
    • Large volcanic eruptions often cool Earth's surface.
    • Climate scientists associate recent warming with enhanced greenhouse effect from increasing greenhouse gases such as CO2.
    • Positive feedback mechanisms reinforce initial changes.
    • Clouds generally have a net cooling effect on climate.
    • Global CO2 increase is correlated with surface air temperature increases.
    • Humid subtropical climates are found in the southeastern United States.

    Earth Rotation

    • Earth's precession is its wobble while rotating on its axis.

    Apparent Temperature

    • Heat index is affected by both air temperature and humidity.
    • "Stratus" or "strato" refer to cloud layers.
    • Heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity to predict apparent temperature.
    • Wind around low-pressure centers in the Northern Hemisphere is counterclockwise.
    • Relative humidity increases as the difference between air temperature and dew-point temperature decrease.
    • Kelvin is the absolute temperature scale encompassing only positive numbers,making it convenient for scientific calculations.
    • Air's capacity for water vapor decreases as temperature decreases.

    Atmospheric Composition:

    • Atmospheric water vapor varies based on time and location.
    • Air parcel stability is described as "absolutely stable" if the parcel is colder than surrounding air.
    • Anticyclonic describes clockwise movement.
    • Cyclonic describes counter-clockwise movement.

    Atmospheric Features

    • High pressure over one area and low pressure over another create trade winds.
    • Condensation nuclei are particles where water vapor condenses.
- Weather is the atmosphere's condition at a particular time and location.
- Infrared wavelengths dominate Earth's radiation.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Final Exam Study Guide PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on various aspects of atmospheric science, including kinetic energy, atmospheric composition, and temperature scales. This quiz covers critical concepts such as the greenhouse effect, atmospheric protection, and the Earth's early atmosphere. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of weather and atmospheric dynamics.

    More Like This

    Air Movement and Weather Patterns
    12 questions
    Atmospheric Science Overview
    53 questions
    Global Atmospheric Changes and Weather Patterns
    32 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser