50 Questions
In what seasons are Northern latitudes more likely to have cloudy skies and a higher chance of precipitation?
Summer and Fall
What is Ice Fog?
Fog that is created by ice melting into water, and then evaporating into water vapor.
Why do Single-Cell Thunderstorms dissipate fairly quickly?
Because the precipitation-induced Downdrafts cut off the Updrafts
How does a Thunderstorm form large Hail?
Strong downdrafts in the storm accelerate the speed of the hail towards the Earth, allowing the hail to grow through collision and coalescence.
What condition must the atmosphere meet to exhibit 'Absolute Instability'?
Cool at twice the rate of the Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate
Why is it important to understand how wind affects atmospheric stability?
Because wind movements influence the density and behavior of rising air parcels
How does vertical air motion affect atmospheric stability?
Rising air columns become more unstable because the top expands and cools more than the bottom
What happens when warm air is moved to the bottom and cold air to the top of an airmass?
Rising air parcels become warmer and less dense, continuing to rise
What type of vertical atmospheric temperature structure is required for the formation of Ice Pellets (Sleet)?
Below freezing at formation in the cloud, with a colder Below freezing layer beneath the cloud, and finally another Below freezing layer just above the Earth's surface.
In what vertical atmospheric temperature structure does Freezing Rain form at the Earth's surface?
Freezing Rain requires a more shallow/thinner Above-Freezing layer prior to reaching the Earth's surface.
What happens to the temperature as you move vertically in the atmosphere for Ice Pellets (Sleet) formation?
It starts below freezing, then goes above freezing, and finally back to below freezing just above the Earth's surface.
What is the significance of the atmospheric temperature structure for the formation of Freezing Rain?
A warmer Above-Freezing layer is required within the cloud.
Which condition is essential for Ice Pellets (Sleet) formation that distinguishes it from Freezing Rain?
A thick layer of freezing temperatures close to Earth's surface.
What type of vertical atmospheric temperature structure does Ice Pellets (Sleet) NOT require for its formation?
A consistently warm temperature throughout.
How does the top of a rising column of air differ from the bottom?
It expands more and cools more
What effect do diurnal temperature changes have on atmospheric stability?
Decreases Atmospheric Stability
If the Lifted Index results in a negative number, what does that indicate about the atmosphere?
That the Atmosphere is Absolutely Unstable
Why do descending columns of air become more unstable?
Because the top compresses and warms more than the bottom
What is the impact of nighttime cooling of the Earth's surface on atmospheric stability?
Decreases Atmospheric Stability
Why is it important for pilots to learn about different cloud types?
To avoid adverse weather conditions
How does flight within an ACSL cloud compare to flight beneath the lowest ASCL cloud?
Relatively smooth within, and rough below.
Why is a 'Bora' wind also called a 'Fall' wind?
Because the cold air descends the leeward slope quickly and 'falls' off the mountains due to its relatively high density.
Why do Dust Devils form?
Convective activity causes a rotating downdraft.
What do KH Wave clouds indicate concerning the atmosphere above and below the base of the clouds?
High winds aloft, with relatively calm winds below.
How does Dewpoint relate to Air Temperature in the formation of Upslope Fog?
Dewpoint is lower than Air Temperature
Why is warm, moist air moving over colder land mentioned as a factor in dewpoint-related fog formation?
Moist air over water carries more water vapor than over land
What distinguishes Volcanic Ash from other obstructions in its danger to Aircraft Operations?
Volcanic Ash can melt inside aircraft engines
How does Volcanic Ash affect visibility for aircraft compared to other weather phenomena?
Reduces visibility to near zero
What differentiates Precipitation from other atmospheric events that fall to the ground?
Involves any form of water particle reaching the ground
What role does Adiabatic Cooling play in the formation of Upslope Fog?
Lowers the air temperature as it moves uphill
How does warm, moist air moving over colder land influence the formation of fog?
Leads to a drop in air temperature towards the dewpoint
'Volcanic Ash' poses a unique danger to aircraft due to:
'Volcanic Ash' being extremely abrasive
What causes Squall Line Thunderstorms to form?
Lifting Action is produced by a Front that can run for hundreds of miles.
How does a Supercell thunderstorm differ from a Single Cell Thunderstorm?
The Supercell has a tilted vertical structure that separates the updrafts from the downdrafts.
What are the necessary ingredients to form a Thunderstorm?
Lifting Action, Moisture, and an Unstable Lapse Rate
How quickly can a thunderstorm complete all 3 life cycles?
In as little as 30 minutes
What advantage does airborne radar have over ground-based Weather Radar in terms of power and wavelength?
Higher beam width, and ability to see more of the storm per sweep
Why are Drizzle and Snow Grains unique in their formation compared to Rain and Snow?
Drizzle and Snow Grains form from low-lying clouds with very little vertical development
What makes ground weather radar products more reliable in painting a picture of precipitation compared to airborne radar?
Ground weather radar products are less prone to attenuation, and is stitched together from multiple radar sites
What types of precipitation are most reflective to Weather Radar?
Liquid, Numerous, and Large
Which characteristic is NOT true about Drizzle and Snow Grains in their formation?
Form from air masses with very low moisture content
In what way does ground-based Weather Radar have an edge over airborne radar?
Less prone to attenuation and can see further into the storm
What type of vertical atmospheric temperature structure does Ice Pellets (Sleet) require for formation?
Above freezing at formation in the cloud, with a colder Below freezing layer beneath the cloud, and finally another Below freezing layer just above the Earth's surface
How does the vertical atmospheric temperature structure differ for the formation of freezing rain compared to Ice Pellets (Sleet) at the surface?
Freezing Rain requires a deeper/thicker above-freezing layer prior to reaching the Earth's surface
Which type of vertical atmospheric temperature structure is not suitable for Ice Pellets (Sleet) formation?
Above freezing at formation in the cloud, with a warmer Above freezing layer beneath the cloud, and finally another Above freezing layer just prior to the Earth's surface
What is one key feature that distinguishes Ice Pellets (Sleet) formation from Freezing Rain formation?
Ice Pellets (Sleet) require a thinner above-freezing layer close to the Earth's surface
In terms of atmospheric temperature, what is a critical difference between Ice Pellets (Sleet) and Freezing Rain?
Ice Pellets (Sleet) require a deeper/thicker above-freezing layer prior to reaching the Earth's surface
What type of temperature profile is unsuitable for Ice Pellets (Sleet) formation?
Above freezing at formation in the cloud, with a warmer Above freezing layer beneath the cloud, and finally another Above freezing layer just prior to the Earth's surface
What is a key requirement for a vertical atmospheric temperature structure conducive to Freezing Rain?
A thicker below-freezing layer right before reaching the Earth's surface
How does Ice Pellets (Sleet) differ from Freezing Rain regarding their atmospheric temperature requirements?
'Ice Pellets (Sleet)' are formed under constant below-freezing temperatures throughout their vertical structure.
Test your knowledge on the atmospheric temperature structure required for the formation of Ice Pellets (Sleet). Choose the correct option that describes the vertical temperature conditions necessary for the formation of this type of precipitation.
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