Questions and Answers
An immense body of air characterized by a similarity of temperature and moisture at any given altitude is referred to as a(n) ____________.
air mass
Hurricanes are classified according to intensity using the ____________.
Saffir-Simpson scale
The boundary that separates different air masses is called a(n) ____________.
front
Along which type of front is the intensity of precipitation greater, but the duration shorter?
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In the United States, thunderstorms typically form within ____________ air masses.
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Surface airflow in a Northern Hemisphere middle-latitude cyclone is ____________.
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The greatest tornado frequency in the United States is during the period ____________.
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Along a front, which air is always forced aloft?
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Following the passage of a cold front, winds often come from the ____________.
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Pressure in a middle-latitude cyclone ____________.
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The weather behind a cold front is dominated by a ____________.
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An mT air mass would be best described as ____________.
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Hurricanes form in tropical waters between the latitudes of ____________.
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Following the passage of a warm front, winds often come from the ____________.
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Hurricanes develop most often in the ____________.
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The term __________ is generally applied to warm air gliding up along a cold air mass.
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A front usually marks a change in weather.
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Cyclones are typically the bearers of stormy weather.
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A cP air mass originates over land and is likely to be cold and dry.
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Guided by the winds aloft, middle-latitude cyclones generally move westward across the United States.
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Most severe weather occurs along cold fronts.
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On a weather map, the surface position of a warm front is shown by a line with semicircles extending into the cooler air.
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After the passage of a cold front, air pressure will most likely rise.
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In a middle-latitude cyclone, convergence and forceful lifting initiate cloud development.
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A tornado warning is issued when a funnel cloud has actually been sighted or indicated by radar.
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In a middle-latitude cyclone, divergence is occurring in the air aloft.
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Study Notes
Air Masses and Weather Fronts
- An air mass is a large body of air with uniform temperature and moisture at a certain altitude.
- The boundary separating different air masses is called a front.
Hurricane Classification
- Hurricanes are classified according to intensity using the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Thunderstorm Formation
- Thunderstorms in the United States typically form within mT (maritime tropical) air masses.
Fronts and Precipitation
- Cold fronts have greater intensity of precipitation but a shorter duration compared to warm fronts.
- After a cold front passes, the weather is dominated by a subsiding, relatively cold air mass.
Wind Patterns and Cyclones
- Surface airflow in a Northern Hemisphere middle-latitude cyclone is convergent and counterclockwise.
- Following the passage of a warm front, winds typically shift from south to southwest.
- Winds behind a cold front usually come from north to northwest.
Tornado and Hurricane Statistics
- The most significant frequency of tornadoes in the United States occurs from April through June.
- Hurricanes generally form in tropical waters between 5 and 20 degrees latitude and develop most often in late summer.
Air Mass Characteristics
- An mT air mass is characterized as warm and wet.
- A cP air mass originates over land and is generally cold and dry.
Atmospheric Pressure Changes
- In a middle-latitude cyclone, atmospheric pressure decreases toward the center.
- After a cold front passage, air pressure is likely to rise.
Weather Changes
- A front normally signifies a change in weather.
- Cyclones are usually associated with stormy weather as they bring significant atmospheric disturbances.
Weather Indicators
- A tornado warning is declared when a funnel cloud is sighted or detected by radar.
- A weather map shows the position of a warm front with a line and semicircles extending into cooler air.
Cloud Development
- In a middle-latitude cyclone, convergence and forceful lifting are essential for cloud formation.
- Divergence in the air aloft occurs in many weather systems, indicating upper-level atmospheric changes.
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Description
Test your knowledge of meteorology concepts in Chapter 14 with these flashcards. This quiz covers key terms and definitions related to air masses, hurricanes, and intensity scales. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of weather phenomena.
