Weather General 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What would decrease the stability of an air mass?

Cooling from below

Decrease in water vapor

Warming from below (correct)

Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of

Stratiform clouds with little or no turbulence (correct)

Cumuliform clouds with little or no turbulence

Stratiform clouds with moderate turbulence

The development of thermals depends upon

Temperature inversions

A counterclockwise circulation of air

Solar heating (correct)

Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a

Heat exchange Signup and view all the answers

The boundary between two different air masses is referred to as?

Front Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of unstable air?

Turbulence and good surface visibility Signup and view all the answers

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

Air temperature Signup and view all the answers

Moist, stable air flowing upslope can be expected to

Produce upslope fog (a type of low cloud) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of stable air?

Stratiform clouds 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

One weather phenomenon which will always occur when flying across a front is a change in the

Wind direction Signup and view all the answers

Convective circulation patterns associated with sea breezes are caused by

Cool, dense air moving inland from over the water Signup and view all the answers

A stable air mass is most likely to have which characteristic?

Smooth air Signup and view all the answers

At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 degrees F and the dewpoint is 38 degrees F?

10,000 feet AGL Signup and view all the answers

What are the processes by which moisture is added to unsaturated air?

Evaporation and sublimation Signup and view all the answers

If an unstable air mass is forced upward, what type of clouds can be expected?

Clouds with considerable vertical development and associated turbulence Signup and view all the answers

One of the most easily recognized discontinuities across a front is

A change in temperature Signup and view all the answers

What causes variations in altimeter settings between weather reporting points?

Unequal heating of the Earth's surface 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

What two gases make up most of the atmosphere?

Nitrogen, oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What creates convective currents?

Variations in surface resulting in uneven heating Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard pressure lapse rate?

Down 1" Hg per 1,000 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is a ridge?

An elongated area of high pressure Signup and view all the answers

What are air masses?

Large bodies of air that take on the characteristics of the surrounding area or source region Signup and view all the answers

Air masses are generally identified as _ or _ based on temperature characteristics and _ or ___ based on moisture content.

polar, tropical, maritime, continental Signup and view all the answers

What is a front?

A boundary between two air masses Signup and view all the answers

What are the FOUR types of front?

Cold front, Warm front, Occluded front, Stationary front Signup and view all the answers

Warm fronts contain warm air that often has very high humidity. As the warm air is lifted, the temperature (drops/increases) and ________ occurs.

drops, condensation Signup and view all the answers

Generally, prior to the passage of a warm front, what kinds of clouds can be expected to form along the frontal boundary?

Cirriform or stratiform clouds, along with fog Signup and view all the answers

During the passage of a warm front, __________ clouds are visible and drizzle may be falling. The visibility is generally (good/poor).

stratiform, poor Signup and view all the answers

After the passage of a warm front, ____________ clouds predominate and rain showers are possible.

stratocumulus Signup and view all the answers

Cold fronts move more rapidly than warm fronts, progressing at a rate of _ to _ mph. However, extreme cold fronts have been recorded moving at speeds of up to ____ mph.

25-30, 60 Signup and view all the answers

A cold front in the Northern Hemisphere is normally oriented in a what direction manner?

Northeast to southwest Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the passage of a typical cold front, what kinds of clouds are present?

Cirriform or towering cumulus clouds (and cumulonimbus clouds may develop) Signup and view all the answers

During cold front passage, the visibility is with winds variable and , and the temperature and dew point (increase/drop) rapidly.

poor, gusty, drop Signup and view all the answers

Warm fronts move at around to mph.

10-25 Signup and view all the answers

In the northern hemisphere, wind around a high-pressure system rotates (clockwise/anticlockwise).

Clockwise Signup and view all the answers

What would decrease the stability of an air mass?

Warming from below. 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

The development of thermals depends upon

Solar heating. Signup and view all the answers

Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a

Heat exchange. Signup and view all the answers

The boundary between two different air masses is referred to as?

Front Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of unstable air?

Turbulence and good surface visibility. Signup and view all the answers

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

Air temperature. Signup and view all the answers

Moist, stable air flowing upslope can be expected to

Produce upslope fog (a type of low cloud). Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of stable air?

Stratiform clouds. 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

One weather phenomenon which will always occur when flying across a front is a change in the

Wind direction. Signup and view all the answers

Convective circulation patterns associated with sea breezes are caused by

Cool, dense air moving inland from over the water. Signup and view all the answers

A stable air mass is most likely to have which characteristic?

Smooth air. Signup and view all the answers

At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 degrees F and the dewpoint is 38 degrees F?

10,000 feet AGL Signup and view all the answers

What are the processes by which moisture is added to unsaturated air?

Evaporation and sublimation. Signup and view all the answers

If an unstable air mass is forced upward, what type of clouds can be expected?

Clouds with considerable vertical development and associated turbulence. Signup and view all the answers

One of the most easily recognized discontinuities across a front is

A change in temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What causes variations in altimeter settings between weather reporting points?

Unequal heating of the Earth's surface. 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

What two gases make up most of the atmosphere?

Nitrogen, oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What creates convective currents?

Variations in surface resulting in uneven heating. Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard pressure lapse rate?

Down 1" Hg per 1,000 feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ridge?

An elongated area of high pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What are air masses?

Large bodies of air that take on characteristics of the surrounding area or source region. Signup and view all the answers

Air masses are generally identified as _ or _ based on temperature characteristics and _ or ___ based on moisture content.

polar, tropical, maritime, continental Signup and view all the answers

What is a front?

A boundary between two air masses. Signup and view all the answers

What are the FOUR types of front?

Cold front, Warm front, Occluded front, Stationary front. Signup and view all the answers

Warm fronts contain warm air that often has very high humidity. As the warm air is lifted, the temperature (drops/increases) and ________ occurs.

drops, condensation Signup and view all the answers

Generally, prior to the passage of a warm front, what kinds of clouds can be expected to form along the frontal boundary?

Cirriform or stratiform clouds, along with fog. Signup and view all the answers

During the passage of a warm front, __________ clouds are visible and drizzle may be falling. The visibility is generally (good/poor).

stratiform, poor Signup and view all the answers

After the passage of a warm front, ____________ clouds predominate and rain showers are possible.

stratocumulus Signup and view all the answers

Cold fronts move more rapidly than warm fronts, progressing at a rate of _ to _ mph. However, extreme cold fronts have been recorded moving at speeds of up to ____ mph.

25-30, 60 Signup and view all the answers

A cold front in the Northern Hemisphere is normally oriented in a what direction manner?

Northeast to southwest. Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the passage of a typical cold front, what kinds of clouds are present?

Cirriform or towering cumulus clouds (and cumulonimbus clouds may develop). Signup and view all the answers

During cold front passage, the visibility is with winds variable and , and the temperature and dew point (increase/drop) rapidly.

poor, gusty, drop Signup and view all the answers

Warm fronts move at around to mph.

10-25 Signup and view all the answers

In northern hemisphere, wind around a high-pressure system rotates (/anti).

clockwise Signup and view all the answers

Shifting wind direction is most pronounced in conjunction with (cold/warm) fronts.

cold Signup and view all the answers

The forecast signs of the likely occurrence of thermals and dust devils are:

Hot, dry condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of these answers describes a low pressure system near the surface in the northern hemisphere?

Counter-clockwise and converging. Signup and view all the answers

What is mixed ice?

A cloudy combination of clear and rime ice. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines the speed of a weather front?

Upper level wind. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Air Mass Stability and Weather Patterns

Stability in air masses is influenced by heating from below; warmer air rises, leading to instability.
Steady precipitation signals stable air, typically associated with stratiform clouds that show little turbulence.
Thermals develop primarily through solar heating, essential for convective activity.
Moisture addition to unsaturated air occurs via evaporation and sublimation processes.

Weather Fronts

A front is defined as the boundary separating two different air masses.
Four main types of fronts include cold fronts, warm fronts, occluded fronts, and stationary fronts.
Warm fronts consist of rising warm air, leading to a drop in temperature and condensation, causing clouds and fog.
Cold fronts move more quickly than warm fronts, generally between 25-30 mph, and can reach up to 60 mph in extreme cases.

Cloud Formations and Weather Indices

Stable air often features stratiform clouds and poor visibility, while unstable air is associated with turbulence and good visibility.
Upon encountering a warm front, cirriform or stratiform clouds typically form, transitioning to stratiform with drizzle during the passage.
After a warm front, stratocumulus clouds prevail, indicating possible rain showers.

Altitude and Atmospheric Conditions

The base of cumuliform clouds can be estimated using the temperature/dewpoint relationship; for a temperature of 82°F and a dewpoint of 38°F, the height is around 10,000 feet AGL.
Atmospheric stability is measured by the actual lapse rate, indicating resistance to vertical motion.

Pressure Systems and Wind Patterns

High-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere exhibit a clockwise rotation, while low-pressure systems rotate counter-clockwise and converge.
Weather phenomenon such as thermals and dust devils are likely under hot, dry conditions, promoting vertical air movement.

Variations in Weather Reporting

Altimeter setting variations at different reporting points arise primarily from the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, affecting air pressure.

Types of Cloud and Precipitation Conditions

Mixed ice, a combination of clear and rime ice, is commonly found in stratiform clouds with intense icing near the cloud tops.
Changes in wind direction across fronts are most noticeable with cold fronts, as they often accompany significant weather shifts.

General Atmospheric Composition

The atmosphere is predominantly composed of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with trace gases making up the remaining 1%.

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Test your knowledge on atmospheric stability with these flashcards. Explore key concepts related to the effects of temperature and humidity on air mass stability. Perfect for those studying meteorology and general weather principles.

Weather General 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What would decrease the stability of an air mass?

Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of

The development of thermals depends upon

Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a

The boundary between two different air masses is referred to as?

What are characteristics of unstable air?

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

Moist, stable air flowing upslope can be expected to

What is a characteristic of stable air?

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

One weather phenomenon which will always occur when flying across a front is a change in the

Convective circulation patterns associated with sea breezes are caused by

A stable air mass is most likely to have which characteristic?

At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 degrees F and the dewpoint is 38 degrees F?

What are the processes by which moisture is added to unsaturated air?

If an unstable air mass is forced upward, what type of clouds can be expected?

One of the most easily recognized discontinuities across a front is

What causes variations in altimeter settings between weather reporting points?

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

What two gases make up most of the atmosphere?

What creates convective currents?

What is the standard pressure lapse rate?

What is a ridge?

What are air masses?

Air masses are generally identified as _____ or _______ based on temperature characteristics and ___________ or ___________ based on moisture content.

What is a front?

What are the FOUR types of front?

Warm fronts contain warm air that often has very high humidity. As the warm air is lifted, the temperature (drops/increases) and ________ occurs.

Generally, prior to the passage of a warm front, what kinds of clouds can be expected to form along the frontal boundary?

During the passage of a warm front, __________ clouds are visible and drizzle may be falling. The visibility is generally (good/poor).

After the passage of a warm front, ____________ clouds predominate and rain showers are possible.

Cold fronts move more rapidly than warm fronts, progressing at a rate of ___ to ___ mph. However, extreme cold fronts have been recorded moving at speeds of up to ____ mph.

A cold front in the Northern Hemisphere is normally oriented in a what direction manner?

Prior to the passage of a typical cold front, what kinds of clouds are present?

During cold front passage, the visibility is ________ with winds variable and ________, and the temperature and dew point (increase/drop) rapidly.

Warm fronts move at around ____ to ____ mph.

In the northern hemisphere, wind around a high-pressure system rotates (clockwise/anticlockwise).

What would decrease the stability of an air mass?

Steady precipitation preceding a front is an indication of

The development of thermals depends upon

Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a

The boundary between two different air masses is referred to as?

What are characteristics of unstable air?

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

Moist, stable air flowing upslope can be expected to

What is a characteristic of stable air?

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

One weather phenomenon which will always occur when flying across a front is a change in the

Convective circulation patterns associated with sea breezes are caused by

A stable air mass is most likely to have which characteristic?

At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82 degrees F and the dewpoint is 38 degrees F?

What are the processes by which moisture is added to unsaturated air?

If an unstable air mass is forced upward, what type of clouds can be expected?

One of the most easily recognized discontinuities across a front is

What causes variations in altimeter settings between weather reporting points?

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

What two gases make up most of the atmosphere?

What creates convective currents?

What is the standard pressure lapse rate?

What is a ridge?

What are air masses?

Air masses are generally identified as _____ or _______ based on temperature characteristics and ___________ or ___________ based on moisture content.

What is a front?

What are the FOUR types of front?

Warm fronts contain warm air that often has very high humidity. As the warm air is lifted, the temperature (drops/increases) and ________ occurs.

Generally, prior to the passage of a warm front, what kinds of clouds can be expected to form along the frontal boundary?

During the passage of a warm front, __________ clouds are visible and drizzle may be falling. The visibility is generally (good/poor).

After the passage of a warm front, ____________ clouds predominate and rain showers are possible.

Cold fronts move more rapidly than warm fronts, progressing at a rate of ___ to ___ mph. However, extreme cold fronts have been recorded moving at speeds of up to ____ mph.

A cold front in the Northern Hemisphere is normally oriented in a what direction manner?

Prior to the passage of a typical cold front, what kinds of clouds are present?

During cold front passage, the visibility is ________ with winds variable and ________, and the temperature and dew point (increase/drop) rapidly.

Warm fronts move at around ____ to ____ mph.

In northern hemisphere, wind around a high-pressure system rotates (/anti).

Shifting wind direction is most pronounced in conjunction with (cold/warm) fronts.

The forecast signs of the likely occurrence of thermals and dust devils are:

Air masses are generally identified as _ or _ based on temperature characteristics and _ or ___ based on moisture content.

Cold fronts move more rapidly than warm fronts, progressing at a rate of _ to _ mph. However, extreme cold fronts have been recorded moving at speeds of up to ____ mph.

During cold front passage, the visibility is with winds variable and , and the temperature and dew point (increase/drop) rapidly.

Warm fronts move at around to mph.

Air masses are generally identified as _ or _ based on temperature characteristics and _ or ___ based on moisture content.

Cold fronts move more rapidly than warm fronts, progressing at a rate of _ to _ mph. However, extreme cold fronts have been recorded moving at speeds of up to ____ mph.

During cold front passage, the visibility is with winds variable and , and the temperature and dew point (increase/drop) rapidly.

Warm fronts move at around to mph.