Meteorology Chapter 6 Review

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Questions and Answers

The wind at 5,000 feet AGL is southwesterly while the surface wind is southerly. This difference in direction is primarily due to ____.

friction between the wind and surface.

When a temperature inversion exists, you would expect to experience ____.

an increase in temperature as altitude is increased.

What is meant by the term 'dewpoint'?

The temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated.

The amount of water vapor which air can hold depends on the ____.

air temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What condition results in the formation of frost?

The temperature of the collecting surface is at or below the dewpoint of the adjacent air and the dewpoint is below freezing. Signup and view all the answers

What measurement can be used to determine the stability of the atmosphere?

Actual lapse rate. Signup and view all the answers

How do you calculate the approximate base of a cumulus cloud?

Divide the temperature/dewpoint spread at the surface (XX F - XX F) / 4.4 F x 1,000 to find the approx. cloud base in thousands of feet. Signup and view all the answers

Clouds are divided into four families according to their ____.

height range. Signup and view all the answers

Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of ____.

stratiform clouds with little or no turbulence. Signup and view all the answers

If the temperature/dewpoint spread is small and decreasing, and the temperature is 62 F, what type of weather is most likely to develop?

Fog or low clouds. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is advection fog most likely to form?

An air mass moving inland from the coast in winter. Signup and view all the answers

What clouds have the greatest turbulence?

Cumulonimbus. Signup and view all the answers

When may hazardous wind shear be expected?

In areas of low-level temperature inversion, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence. Signup and view all the answers

In what type of environment is aircraft structural ice most likely to have the highest accumulation rate?

Freezing rain. Signup and view all the answers

Why is frost considered hazardous to flight?

Frost spoils the smooth flow of air over the wings, thereby decreasing lifting capability. Signup and view all the answers

What feature is normally associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm?

Continuous updraft. Signup and view all the answers

What weather phenomenon signals the beginning of the mature stage of a thunderstorm?

Precipitation beginning to fall. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions are necessary for the formation of thunderstorms?

High humidity, lifting force, and unstable conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Wingtip vortices are created only when an aircraft is ____.

developing lift. Signup and view all the answers

The wind condition that requires maximum caution when avoiding wake turbulence on landing is a ____.

light, quartering tailwind. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wind Characteristics

Wind direction at 5,000 feet AGL can differ from surface wind due to friction between wind and the surface.
A temperature inversion typically results in an increase in temperature with altitude.

Atmospheric Measurements

Dewpoint refers to the temperature at which air must cool to reach saturation.
The capacity of air to hold water vapor is dependent on the air temperature.

Frost and Fog Formation

Frost forms when the temperature of a surface is at or below the dewpoint of adjacent air, and the dewpoint is below freezing.
Fog or low clouds are likely if the temperature/dewpoint spread is small and decreasing, with a temperature of 62°F.

Cloud Formation and Types

Approximate cloud base can be calculated using the formula: (Temperature - Dewpoint) / 4.4°F x 1,000 feet, providing height in thousands of feet AGL.
Clouds are categorized into four families based on height range.

Precipitation and Turbulence

Steady precipitation before a front indicates stratiform clouds with minimal turbulence.
Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with the greatest turbulence in the atmosphere.

Thunderstorm Characteristics

The initial sign of a mature thunderstorm stage is the onset of precipitation.
Conditions necessary for thunderstorm formation include high humidity, a lifting force, and unstable atmospheric conditions.
Continuous updraft is a feature of the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm.

Flight Hazards

Wingtip vortices are produced only when an aircraft is generating lift.
For flight safety, maximum caution is advised regarding wake turbulence when landing in light, quartering tailwind conditions.
Hazardous wind shear may occur in areas of low-level temperature inversion, frontal zones, and clear air turbulence.
Aircraft structural ice accumulates rapidly in freezing rain, posing a significant flight hazard.
Frost can hinder aircraft performance by disrupting airflow over wings, thus reducing lift capability.

Fog Conditions

Advection fog is most frequently formed when an air mass moves inland from the coast during winter months.

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Description

Test your knowledge with this chapter 6 review quiz on meteorology concepts such as wind patterns, temperature inversions, and dewpoint definitions. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of atmospheric science.