Introduction to Meteorology Exam Study Guide Spring 2025

Introduction to Meteorology - Final Exam Study / Review *Guide Spring 2025 *A study guide is intended to alleviate anxiety related to a cumulative final exam. This study guide covers key topics and concepts that may appear on the cumulative final exam. However, it is not exhaustive. Students are enc...

Introduction to Meteorology - Final Exam Study / Review *Guide Spring 2025 *A study guide is intended to alleviate anxiety related to a cumulative final exam. This study guide covers key topics and concepts that may appear on the cumulative final exam. However, it is not exhaustive. Students are encouraged to review all course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments, to ensure comprehensive preparation. Chapter 1: Earth’s Atmosphere Key Concepts Scientific method in meteorology Weather vs. climate Atmospheric composition and evolution Layers of the atmosphere Terms to Know Weather Climate Greenhouse gases Troposphere Stratosphere Review Questions How does the scientific method apply to weather forecasting? What are the major layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics? Visuals Atmospheric layers diagram weather map symbols Chapter 2: Warming and Cooling Earth Key Concepts Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation Radiation laws and energy balance Greenhouse effect and human impact Seasonal changes and Earth’s tilt Terms to Know Latent heat Sensible heat Blackbody Radiative equilibrium Review Questions How does Earth maintain energy balance? What causes the seasons? Visuals Radiation spectrum  Earth-Sun relationship diagram Chapter 3: Air Temperature Key Concepts Diurnal and seasonal temperature variations Temperature controls: latitude, elevation, ocean currents Degree days and human health impacts Terms to Know Mean daily temperature Inversion Cooling degree days Review Questions What factors influence regional temperature differences? How do inversions affect temperature? Visuals Temperature graphs inversion diagrams Chapter 4: Humidity, Condensation, and Clouds Key Concepts Hydrologic cycle Humidity types and measurement Fog and dew formation Cloud classification Terms to Know Relative humidity Dew point Heat index Cirrus Cumulus Review Questions What conditions lead to fog formation? How is humidity measured? Visuals Cloud types chart water cycle diagram Chapter 5: Cloud Development and Precipitation Key Concepts Atmospheric stability Cloud formation processes  Precipitation types and growth mechanisms Terms to Know Adiabatic rate Collision-coalescence Bergeron process Review Questions What determines whether the atmosphere is stable or unstable? How do snow and sleet form? Visuals Stability diagrams precipitation process flowcharts Chapter 6: Air Pressure and Winds Key Concepts Pressure changes with altitude Forces affecting wind Wind measurement Terms to Know Geostrophic wind Coriolis effect Barometer Anemometer Review Questions What causes wind to change direction and speed? How are winds measured? Visuals Wind force diagrams pressure maps Chapter 7: Atmospheric Circulations Key Concepts Scales of motion Local winds (sea breeze, mountain breeze) Global circulation models Jet streams and ocean currents Terms to Know Hadley cell Jet stream El Niño La Niña Review Questions How do jet streams influence weather? What are the effects of El Niño? Visuals Three-cell model global wind map Chapter 8: Air Masses and Cyclones Key Concepts Air mass types and source regions Fronts and cyclogenesis Mid-latitude cyclones Terms to Know Cold front Occluded front Dryline Polar front Review Questions What are the stages of cyclone development? How do fronts affect weather? Visuals Front diagrams cyclone life cycle Chapter 10: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Key Concepts Thunderstorm types and hazards Tornado formation and classification Lightning and flooding Terms to Know Supercell Microburst EF Scale Waterspout Review Questions What conditions lead to tornado formation? How is lightning formed? Visuals Tornado life cycle thunderstorm structure Chapter 11: Hurricanes Key Concepts Tropical cyclone development Hurricane structure and impacts Forecasting and mitigation Terms to Know Eye wall Saffir-Simpson Scale Storm surge Review Questions What conditions support hurricane formation? How are hurricanes categorized? Visuals Hurricane anatomy global cyclone map Chapter 12: Global Climate Key Concepts Climate controls (latitude, elevation, ocean currents, etc.) Global temperature and precipitation patterns Natural climate variability Terms to Know Climatic controls Climate zones Ocean currents Review Questions What are the major factors that influence global climate? How do ocean currents and wind patterns shape regional climates? Visuals Global climate maps temperature and precipitation distribution charts Chapter 13: Earth’s Changing Climate Key Concepts Climate reconstruction methods Natural and human climate drivers Feedback mechanisms Terms to Know Glacial period Greenhouse gases  Climate feedback Review Questions What are the major causes of climate change? How do feedback loops affect climate? Visuals Climate change timeline feedback loop diagrams Chapter 14: Air Pollution Key Concepts History and regulation of air pollution Pollutants and their effects Urban heat islands and acid rain Terms to Know Inversion Criteria pollutants Ozone Acid rain Review Questions What causes urban heat islands? How does air pollution affect health? Visuals Pollution sources diagram temperature inversion profile