Weather Phenomena Quiz

Fronts and Storms

• A warm front is characterized by warm air rising over cooler air, resulting in cloudiness and precipitation.
• Hurricanes cause coastal flooding due to storm surges, which is a rise in sea level caused by high winds and low atmospheric pressure.

Winter Weather

• Winter storms form when cold air from the polar region moves towards the equator and meets with warm, moist air from the ocean.

Climate and Water

• Locations near large bodies of water experience more stable temperatures throughout the year due to the water's heat capacity, which absorbs and releases heat slowly.

Climate Indicators

• Plant types can be indicative of climate, as different plant species thrive in specific climate conditions.

Thunderstorms vs. Hurricanes

• The main difference between thunderstorms and hurricanes is their scale and duration; thunderstorms are small, short-lived, and localized, while hurricanes are large, long-lived, and widespread.

Blizzard vs. Tornadoes

• Blizzards differ from tornadoes in that blizzards are severe snowstorms with high winds and low visibility, while tornadoes are rotating columns of air that touch the ground.

Derechos vs. Hurricanes

• Derechos are distinguished from hurricanes in that they are long-lived, straight-line windstorms that occur in association with a strong frontal system.

Climate Misconceptions

• A common misconception about latitudes is that they determine the climate of a region, when in fact, many other factors such as altitude and proximity to large bodies of water also influence the climate.

Air Masses

• The primary distinguishing factor between warm and cool air masses is their temperature, with warm air masses originating from the equator and cool air masses originating from the polar regions.