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Questions and Answers
Meteorology is the scientific study of the ______, focusing on weather processes and forecasting.
Meteorology is the scientific study of the ______, focusing on weather processes and forecasting.
atmosphere
The term 'meteorology' originates from the Greek word 'meteoros,' which means 'high in the ______.'
The term 'meteorology' originates from the Greek word 'meteoros,' which means 'high in the ______.'
air
Accurate weather predictions help to prepare for and mitigate the effects of severe ______.
Accurate weather predictions help to prepare for and mitigate the effects of severe ______.
weather
Understanding weather patterns is crucial for ______ and harvesting crops.
Understanding weather patterns is crucial for ______ and harvesting crops.
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The Earth's atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%) and ______ (21%).
The Earth's atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%) and ______ (21%).
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The ______ layer contains most of the atmosphere’s mass, including water vapor and aerosols.
The ______ layer contains most of the atmosphere’s mass, including water vapor and aerosols.
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The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, is found in the ______.
The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, is found in the ______.
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Organizations like the National Weather Service (NWS) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have improved global weather ______.
Organizations like the National Weather Service (NWS) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have improved global weather ______.
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Areas like the Cordillera Central and Sierra Madre experience more air-mass thunderstorms due to intense heating of the air near the mountain slopes, creating ______ movements that generate thunderstorm cells.
Areas like the Cordillera Central and Sierra Madre experience more air-mass thunderstorms due to intense heating of the air near the mountain slopes, creating ______ movements that generate thunderstorm cells.
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Many thunderstorms are triggered by the convergence of sea-to-land airflow, particularly during the southwest ______.
Many thunderstorms are triggered by the convergence of sea-to-land airflow, particularly during the southwest ______.
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Thunderstorms frequently form along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where converging ______ winds create storm activity.
Thunderstorms frequently form along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where converging ______ winds create storm activity.
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Severe thunderstorms are classified as severe if winds exceed ______ km/h (58 mph).
Severe thunderstorms are classified as severe if winds exceed ______ km/h (58 mph).
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The Philippines encounters around ______ tropical cyclones per year, with about 8 to 9 making landfall.
The Philippines encounters around ______ tropical cyclones per year, with about 8 to 9 making landfall.
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Severe thunderstorms can last for hours, aided by strong vertical wind ______ that tilts the updrafts.
Severe thunderstorms can last for hours, aided by strong vertical wind ______ that tilts the updrafts.
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Supercell thunderstorms are powerful, single-cell storms extending up to ______ km (65,000 feet) in height.
Supercell thunderstorms are powerful, single-cell storms extending up to ______ km (65,000 feet) in height.
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Supercell thunderstorms require strong vertical wind shear, leading to rotating updrafts called ______ where tornadoes can form.
Supercell thunderstorms require strong vertical wind shear, leading to rotating updrafts called ______ where tornadoes can form.
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An ______ Front is an active cold front that overtakes a warmer front.
An ______ Front is an active cold front that overtakes a warmer front.
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If cold air overtakes cool air and forces warm air up, it is a ______-type occluded front.
If cold air overtakes cool air and forces warm air up, it is a ______-type occluded front.
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Thunderstorms are characterized by ______ and thunder.
Thunderstorms are characterized by ______ and thunder.
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Two main categories of thunderstorms are Air-Mass Thunderstorms and ______ Thunderstorms.
Two main categories of thunderstorms are Air-Mass Thunderstorms and ______ Thunderstorms.
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Thunderstorms are most common in the ______, where warm, moist air is abundant.
Thunderstorms are most common in the ______, where warm, moist air is abundant.
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In the Philippines, the peak thunderstorm activity occurs during the ______ season.
In the Philippines, the peak thunderstorm activity occurs during the ______ season.
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The Philippines experiences around ______ typhoons and tropical storms annually.
The Philippines experiences around ______ typhoons and tropical storms annually.
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Super Typhoon Rai (Odette) had maximum sustained winds of ______ mph.
Super Typhoon Rai (Odette) had maximum sustained winds of ______ mph.
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Solar radiation is the energy emitted by the sun, primarily in the form of visible light, ultraviolet light, and ______.
Solar radiation is the energy emitted by the sun, primarily in the form of visible light, ultraviolet light, and ______.
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Solar radiation drives weather patterns, influences climate, and supports life through ______.
Solar radiation drives weather patterns, influences climate, and supports life through ______.
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About ______% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space by clouds and Earth's surface.
About ______% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space by clouds and Earth's surface.
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The Earth receives about ______ watts per square meter of solar energy on average.
The Earth receives about ______ watts per square meter of solar energy on average.
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Warm air rises because it is ______, creating a circulation pattern in the atmosphere.
Warm air rises because it is ______, creating a circulation pattern in the atmosphere.
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Convection currents are responsible for many weather phenomena, including thunderstorms and ______.
Convection currents are responsible for many weather phenomena, including thunderstorms and ______.
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The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing ______ determines Earth’s overall temperature.
The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing ______ determines Earth’s overall temperature.
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Different surfaces absorb solar radiation at different rates, influencing ______.
Different surfaces absorb solar radiation at different rates, influencing ______.
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The Enhanced Fujita Intensity Scale (EF-scale) is commonly used to assess tornado ______.
The Enhanced Fujita Intensity Scale (EF-scale) is commonly used to assess tornado ______.
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Tornadoes in the Philippines occur more frequently during the ______ season.
Tornadoes in the Philippines occur more frequently during the ______ season.
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The flat terrain of ______ Luzon makes it the most tornado-affected area in the Philippines.
The flat terrain of ______ Luzon makes it the most tornado-affected area in the Philippines.
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On June 22, 2023, a tornado caused significant damage to 21 houses in ______ town.
On June 22, 2023, a tornado caused significant damage to 21 houses in ______ town.
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During a tornado, it is essential to seek ______ indoors, away from windows.
During a tornado, it is essential to seek ______ indoors, away from windows.
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The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is located in ______, Oklahoma.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is located in ______, Oklahoma.
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Tornado watches cover about ______ square kilometers for 4 to 6 hours.
Tornado watches cover about ______ square kilometers for 4 to 6 hours.
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Timely issuance of tornado watches is critical for protecting ______ and property.
Timely issuance of tornado watches is critical for protecting ______ and property.
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They improve storm detection but have limitations in estimating wind speeds and storm positions precisely, particularly in ______.
They improve storm detection but have limitations in estimating wind speeds and storm positions precisely, particularly in ______.
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Specially equipped aircraft fly into ______ to measure details of their position and development.
Specially equipped aircraft fly into ______ to measure details of their position and development.
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Land-based Doppler radar monitors hurricanes as they approach the ______.
Land-based Doppler radar monitors hurricanes as they approach the ______.
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Floating instrument packages in fixed locations are known as ______ and provide continuous surface condition measurements.
Floating instrument packages in fixed locations are known as ______ and provide continuous surface condition measurements.
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A ______ is issued 48 hours in advance of expected tropical storm-force winds.
A ______ is issued 48 hours in advance of expected tropical storm-force winds.
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A ______ is issued 36 hours in advance, indicating expected hurricane conditions.
A ______ is issued 36 hours in advance, indicating expected hurricane conditions.
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Precipitation occurs when atmospheric water vapor condenses into water droplets or ice crystals that become heavy enough to fall to the ground due to ______.
Precipitation occurs when atmospheric water vapor condenses into water droplets or ice crystals that become heavy enough to fall to the ground due to ______.
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Understanding different types of precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet, and ______ is essential for comprehending weather patterns.
Understanding different types of precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet, and ______ is essential for comprehending weather patterns.
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Study Notes
Meteorology
- Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere, focusing on weather processes and forecasting.
- It originates from the Greek word "meteoros," meaning "high in the air."
- Meteorologists study atmospheric phenomena, weather patterns, and their impacts.
Importance of Meteorology
- Weather Forecasting: Helps prepare for and mitigate severe weather (storms, droughts).
- Agriculture: Crucial for planting and harvesting crops.
- Public Safety: Monitors conditions to prevent disasters and save lives.
- Climate Studies: Provides insight into climate change and its impacts.
Historical Perspectives
- Ancient civilizations studied weather to predict seasonal changes.
- Instruments like barometers (17th century) advanced observation.
- Organizations like NWS and WMO improved global monitoring and data sharing.
Key Terms
- Weather: The state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place (temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, wind).
- Climate: Average weather conditions over a long period (typically 30 years).
- Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth (mostly nitrogen and oxygen).
Atmosphere Composition
- Nitrogen (N2): ~78%
- Oxygen (O2): ~21%
- Argon (Ar): ~0.93%
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): ~0.04%
- Trace Gases: Neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen.
Atmosphere Structure
- Troposphere: Lowest layer (Earth's surface to ~8-15km). Contains most mass, water vapor, and weather. Temperature decreases with altitude.
- Stratosphere: Above troposphere (~15-50km). Contains ozone layer, absorbs UV radiation. Temperature increases with altitude.
- Mesosphere: Above stratosphere (~50-85km). Meteors burn up. Temperature decreases with altitude.
- Thermosphere: Above mesosphere (~85-600km). Ionized gases, auroras. Temperature increases significantly with altitude.
- Exosphere: Outermost layer (~600-10,000km). Atmospheric particles sparse, escape into space. Temperature varies significantly and is influenced by solar radiation.
Pressure and Temperature
- Pressure decreases with altitude in all atmospheric layers.
- Temperature generally decreases with altitude in the troposphere and mesosphere but increases in the stratosphere and thermosphere. Ozone absorption heats the stratosphere.
Definitions and Differences
- Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions (minutes to weeks).
- Climate: Long-term average weather over a significant period (decades to centuries).
Solar Energy
- Solar radiation: Energy from the sun (visible, UV, infrared).
- Distribution: Uneven based on Earth's curvature and tilt (equator warmer than poles).
- Importance: Drives weather patterns, influences climate, and supports life.
Convection, Conduction, and Radiation
- Convection: Heat transfer by fluid movement (warm air rises, cool air sinks). Responsible for many weather phenomena.
- Conduction: Heat transfer through direct contact.
- Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves. The greenhouse effect is a form of radiation.
Ocean Currents
- Winds drive surface currents.
- Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) deflects currents.
- Gyres are large-scale circular current systems.
Cyclones & Anticyclones
- Cyclones: Large-scale air masses rotating around a low-pressure center. Associated with clouds, rain, and wind.
- Anticyclones: Large-scale air masses rotating around a high-pressure center. Associated with calm, clear weather.
Weather Systems (Cyclones & Anticyclones)
- Real-world examples include Typhoons Haiyan (2013) and Katrina (2005), plus examples that are less frequent like the Siberian High.
- Discussion questions are provided for student-directed follow up learning.
Thunderstorms
- Thunderstorms: Storms featuring lightning and thunder, often accompanied by gusty winds.
- Classification: Air-mass and severe thunderstorms.
- Formation: Uneven heating, lifting (fronts, mountains).
Lightning and Thunder
- Rapid electrostatic discharge.
- Sound created by the rapidly expanding air around the discharge.
Tornadoes
- Highly destructive local storms with violent winds.
- Form rotating columns of air extending to the ground.
- Associated with severe thunderstorms (supercells).
- Formation: Mesocyclones, vertical wind shear.
- Intensity Scale: Enhanced Fujita Intensity Scale (EF-scale).
Hurricanes
- Intense low-pressure centers over tropical/subtropical oceans.
- Strong cyclonic circulation. Wind speeds >119 km/h.
- Structure: Eye, eye wall, spiral bands.
- Formation: Warm, moist air, latent heat release.
- Decay: Moving over cool water, land, or unfavorable conditions.
- Destruction: Storm surge, winds, heavy rain, inland flooding.
- Impact on the Philippines: Discusses various relevant typhoons.
Precipitation
- Rain: Liquid water, forms through collision-coalescence, in warm clouds.
- Snow: Ice crystals, forms through ice crystal process, in cold clouds.
- Sleet: Ice pellets, forms through partial melting and refreezing.
- Hail: Balls of ice, forms through repeated lifting and freezing in strong thunderstorms.
Important tools for measuring precipitation
- Rain gauges: Standard, tipping bucket, weighing, float recording, optical.
- Radar: Locates, calculates motion, and determines precipitation type.
- Satellites: Detect and monitor storms. Data useful prior to development of clouds and cyclonic flows.
- Aircraft: Provides detailed measurements near the storm.
- Data buoys: Continuous surface conditions over oceans.
Prediction challenges
- Timely warnings are essential to save lives and protect property.
- Balancing the need to warn with avoiding excessive or false warnings.
- Tracking small, short-lived storms is difficult.
- Storms can rapidly change their intensity, track, and even their occurrence.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of meteorology, including the study of atmospheric phenomena and weather forecasting. Understand the historical perspectives and key terms relevant to weather patterns and their significance in agriculture and public safety.
