Clouds And Types Of Rainfall Flashcards
(193 cards)
1
Q
What are Low Pressure Systems also known as?
A
Depressions / Cyclones
Low pressure systems are associated with cloudy and rainy weather.
2
Q
What are High Pressure Systems also referred to as?
A
Anti-depressions / Anti-cyclones
High pressure systems typically bring clear skies and stable weather.
3
Q
What are the two forms of water in the atmosphere mentioned?
A
Dew & Frost
Dew forms when air cools and moisture condenses, while frost occurs when temperatures drop below freezing.
4
Q
What is the difference between Weather and Climate?
A
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while Climate refers to long-term average conditions
Understanding the distinction is crucial in climatology.
5
Q
What are the methods of measuring Temperature?
A
Max-min thermometer
This instrument records the highest and lowest temperatures over a given period.
6
Q
What device is used to measure Humidity?
A
Wet-and-dry bulb thermometer
This device uses two thermometers to measure the moisture content in the air.
7
Q
What instrument measures Air Pressure?
A
Barometer
Barometers are essential for weather forecasting.
8
Q
What instrument is used to determine Wind Direction?
A
Wind vane
Wind vanes indicate the direction from which the wind is blowing.
9
Q
What device measures Wind Speed?
A
Anemometer
Anemometers can measure wind speed in various units, such as kilometers per hour or miles per hour.
10
Q
What is the function of a Rain Gauge?
A
Measures rainfall
Rain gauges collect rainwater to measure precipitation amounts.
11
Q
What factors are used to measure Sunshine & Cloud Cover?
A
Sunshine duration and cloud cover percentage
These measurements help in understanding solar radiation and its effects on weather patterns.
12
Q
What type of rainfall is caused by convection?
A
Convection Rainfall
This type of rainfall occurs when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to precipitation.
13
Q
What is Orographic/Relief Rainfall?
A
Rainfall that occurs when moist air is lifted over mountains
This lifting leads to cooling and condensation, resulting in precipitation on the windward side.
14
Q
What is Frontal/Cyclonic Rainfall?
A
Rainfall that occurs when two air masses meet
The warm air is forced to rise over the cold air, causing precipitation.
15
Q
What are clouds composed of?
A
Clouds are a collection of water droplets or ice crystals.
Clouds form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere.
16
Q
What happens when air starts to cool?
A
Water vapour starts to condense, as long as it has condensation nuclei.
Condensation nuclei are small particles in the atmosphere that facilitate the condensation process.
17
Q
Why does warm air rise?
A
Warmer, lighter air is more buoyant than the cooler air above it, so it rises.
This buoyancy is due to the movement of gas molecules, which are more vigorous when warm.
18
Q
How do gas molecules behave when they are cool?
A
Gas molecules are sluggish and do not take up much space.
This results in a higher density of cool air compared to warm air.
19
Q
How do gas molecules behave when they are warm?
A
Gas molecules move vigorously and take up more space.
This increased movement reduces the density of warm air.
20
Q
What are the three levels of cloud types?
A
- High-level clouds (5-13 km)
- Mid-level clouds (2-7 km)
- Low-level clouds (0-2 km)
Each level contains distinct types of clouds.
21
Q
Name three high-level clouds.
A
- Cirrocumulus
- Cirrus
- Cirrostratus
High-level clouds are typically found at altitudes between 5 and 13 kilometers.
22
Q
Name three mid-level clouds.
A
- Altocumulus
- Altostratus
- Nimbostratus
Mid-level clouds are typically found at altitudes between 2 and 7 kilometers.
23
Q
Name four low-level clouds.
A
- Stratus
- Cumulus
- Cumulonimbus
- Stratocumulus
Low-level clouds are typically found at altitudes from 0 to 2 kilometers.
24
Q
Fill in the blank: The three common types of clouds are _____, _____, and _____.
A
cirrus, stratus, cumulus.
These cloud types are representative of each altitude class.
25
True or False: All clouds are found at the same altitude.
False.
## Footnote
Clouds are categorized into high, mid, and low levels based on their altitude.
26
What are Cirrus Clouds?
Cirrus clouds are found high in the atmosphere and are often colored in orange or yellow during sunset.
27
What is a notable feature of Cirrus Clouds?
They are one of the most common cloud types throughout the universe.
28
What is a source for information on Cirrus Clouds on Mars?
YouTube video titled 'Cirrus Clouds on Mars with potential liquid water component registered by NASA's Curiosity Rover'.
## Footnote
[Watch here](https://www.voutube.com/watch?v=K9QNviaOCMk)
29
What are Cumulus Clouds?
Cumulus clouds are fairly low clouds with bottoms between 600m and 1200m.
30
What do Cumulus Clouds resemble?
They look like lumps of cotton wool; 'cumulus' is Latin for 'heap'.
31
What weather can Cumulus Clouds produce?
They can produce light rain.
32
What is a characteristic of individual Cumulus Clouds?
Individual clouds have a short life.
33
What are Stratus Clouds?
Stratus clouds are usually grey in color and move fast, having a fog-like appearance.
34
What are Cumulonimbus Clouds?
Cumulonimbus clouds are large clouds that can reach up to 10km high.
35
What do Cumulonimbus Clouds resemble?
They resemble giant cauliflower and are much larger than cumulus clouds.
36
What weather phenomena do Cumulonimbus Clouds produce?
They produce rain, thunder, and lightning.
37
When are Cumulonimbus Clouds usually found?
They are usually found in spring.
38
What are the most common types of precipitation?
The most common types of precipitation are rain, snow, sleet, hail, and fog.
39
How do clouds form?
Clouds form when water vapour in the atmosphere condenses.
40
What happens when the atmosphere is saturated?
Water vapour starts to condense when the atmosphere can hold no more moisture.
41
Why can warm air hold more moisture than cold air?
Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, so when air starts to cool, it is more likely to condense.
42
What is convectional rainfall?
Convectional rainfall occurs when the ground warms the air, causing it to rise, cool, and condense into rain.
43
When is convectional rainfall most likely to occur?
Convectional rainfall is very common in tropical countries and is more likely to happen in the afternoon.
44
What is relief or orographic rainfall?
Relief rainfall happens when air runs into a mountain or hill, forcing it upwards and causing it to cool and condense.
45
What is a rain shadow?
A rain shadow is an area found on the lee side of mountains that receives below average rainfall due to descending air warming up.
46
What is necessary for water vapour to condense?
Water vapour must have condensation nuclei, which are surfaces that allow vapour to condense.
47
What is orographic rainfall?
Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range, leading to cooling and condensation, which results in precipitation.
48
What happens when warm and cold air meet in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
A depression (low pressure) forms when a cold polar air mass meets a warm tropical air mass, resulting in the lighter warm air rising over the heavier cold air.
49
What occurs as warm air rises in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
As the warm air is forced to rise, it cools, and condensation occurs, leading to cloud formation and rain.
50
What is the sequence of events in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
First, a warm front passes over, bringing rain and warmer air, followed by a cold front that brings more rain and cooler air.
51
How are warm and cold fronts represented on synoptic maps?
Warm fronts are shown by a red line with red semi-circles, while cold fronts are shown by a blue line with blue triangles.
52
What are clouds?
A collection of water droplets or ice crystals
## Footnote
Clouds form when water vapor condenses around condensation nuclei.
53
What happens to water vapor as air temperature increases?
The air can hold more water vapor
## Footnote
Warmer air allows for increased capacity of water vapor.
54
What occurs when air starts to cool?
Water vapor starts to condense
## Footnote
This process requires condensation nuclei.
55
Why does warm air rise?
It is more buoyant than cooler air
## Footnote
Warm air has lower density and lower pressure.
56
What happens to gas molecules when they are cool?
They become sluggish and take up less space
## Footnote
This results in higher air density and air pressure.
57
What happens to gas molecules when they are warm?
They move vigorously and take up more space
## Footnote
This results in lower air density and air pressure.
58
What is the relationship between air density and air pressure when gas molecules are cool?
Both air density and air pressure are higher
## Footnote
Cooler air is denser and exerts more pressure.
59
What is the effect of warmer air on cooler air above it?
The warmer air rises
## Footnote
Cooler air sinks because it is denser.
60
Fill in the blank: The warmer the air temperature, the more _______ that the air can hold.
water vapour
61
True or False: Cooler air is less dense than warmer air.
False
## Footnote
Cooler air is denser than warmer air.
62
What heats the air above it?
Hot or sunny ground heats up the air above it
63
What happens to the molecules in warm air?
The molecules move faster and spread out
64
What is the behavior of cool, dense air?
Cool, dense air sinks
65
What chills the air above it?
Cool water or shady ground chills the air above it
66
What happens to the molecules in cool air?
The molecules move slower and are dense
67
What rises above cool air?
The hotter air starts floating above
68
Fill in the blank: _____ air rises.
Warm, light, particle-laden
69
What are clouds named based on?
Shape and height above the ground
70
What is the height range of Cumulonimbus clouds?
From near the ground to above 50,000 feet
71
At what altitude do Cirrocumulus clouds form?
Above 18,000 feet
72
What is the height range of Altocumulus clouds?
6,000 to 20,000 feet
73
What altitude do Cirrus clouds typically occupy?
Above 18,000 feet
74
What is the height range for Altostratus clouds?
6,000 to 20,000 feet
75
Where do Stratocumulus clouds form?
Below 6,000 feet
76
At what height do Cumulus clouds typically exist?
Below 6,000 feet
77
What is the altitude range for Stratus clouds?
Below 6,000 feet
78
Fill in the blank: Cumulonimbus clouds are found from near the ground to above _______.
50,000 feet
79
Fill in the blank: Cirrocumulus clouds are also known as _______.
Mackerel sky
80
What is the height of Cirrostratus clouds?
Above 18,000 feet
81
What is the height of Nimbostratus clouds?
2 km (1.2 mi)
82
What are the three levels of cloud types?
High-level, Mid-level, Low-level
## Footnote
Each level has its own main groups of clouds.
83
How many fundamental types of clouds are there?
Ten
## Footnote
The focus is on three representative types for each altitude class.
84
Name one type of high-level cloud.
Cirrus
## Footnote
Other high-level clouds include cirrocumulus and cirrostratus.
85
Name one type of mid-level cloud.
Altostratus
## Footnote
Other mid-level clouds include altocumulus and nimbostratus.
86
Name one type of low-level cloud.
Cumulus
## Footnote
Other low-level clouds include stratus, cumulonimbus, and stratocumulus.
87
At what altitude are high-level clouds found?
5-13 km
## Footnote
High-level clouds include cirrocumulus, cirrus, and cirrostratus.
88
At what altitude are mid-level clouds found?
2-7 km
## Footnote
Mid-level clouds include altocumulus, altostratus, and nimbostratus.
89
At what altitude are low-level clouds found?
0-2 km
## Footnote
Low-level clouds include stratus, cumulus, cumulonimbus, and stratocumulus.
90
Describe the appearance of cirrus clouds.
Thin and wispy
## Footnote
They can be coloured in bright yellow or red before sunrise and after sunset.
91
What are cirrus clouds primarily made of?
Ice crystals
## Footnote
The degree of separation of the crystals determines the transparency of the cloud.
92
True or False: Cirrus clouds are found at low altitudes.
False
## Footnote
Cirrus clouds are found high in the atmosphere, usually over 5,500 m.
93
How quickly do cirrus clouds typically move?
Fairly quickly
## Footnote
They can move at approximately 10 km (6 mi).
94
What is the altitude range for stratus clouds?
Below 2000m and sometimes reaching the ground.
## Footnote
Stratus clouds are typically found at low altitudes.
95
What color are stratus clouds typically?
Usually grey.
## Footnote
Their grey color is often associated with overcast weather.
96
How can you distinguish a stratus cloud?
By the long horizontal layers of cloud which have a fog-like appearance.
## Footnote
This characteristic gives stratus clouds a unique visual profile.
97
What type of precipitation can stratus clouds produce?
Light rain and snow.
## Footnote
Stratus clouds are associated with persistent, light precipitation.
98
What is the altitude range for cumulus clouds?
Between 600m and 1200m.
## Footnote
Cumulus clouds are considered fairly low clouds.
99
What do cumulus clouds resemble?
Lumps of cotton wool.
## Footnote
The name cumulus comes from the Latin word for 'heap'.
100
What type of precipitation can cumulus clouds produce?
Light rain.
## Footnote
Cumulus clouds are typically not heavy rain producers.
101
What is a characteristic of the life cycle of individual cumulus clouds?
They have a short life cycle.
## Footnote
Cumulus clouds can form and dissipate quickly.
102
What are Cumulonimbus clouds?
Large clouds up to 10km high and across.
## Footnote
Cumulonimbus clouds are known for their significant vertical development.
103
How do Cumulonimbus clouds appear?
They resemble giant cauliflower, like cumulus but are far larger.
## Footnote
This distinctive appearance is due to their size and structure.
104
What weather phenomena do Cumulonimbus clouds produce?
Rain, thunder, and lightning.
## Footnote
These clouds are often associated with severe weather conditions.
105
In which seasons are Cumulonimbus clouds usually found?
Spring and summer.
## Footnote
Their formation is more common during warmer months.
106
Fill in the blank: Cumulonimbus clouds are large clouds up to _______ high and across.
10km
107
What are Cumulonimbus clouds?
Large clouds up to 10km high and across.
## Footnote
Cumulonimbus clouds are known for their significant vertical development.
108
How do Cumulonimbus clouds appear?
They resemble giant cauliflower, like cumulus but are far larger.
## Footnote
This distinctive appearance is due to their size and structure.
109
What weather phenomena do Cumulonimbus clouds produce?
Rain, thunder, and lightning.
## Footnote
These clouds are often associated with severe weather conditions.
110
In which seasons are Cumulonimbus clouds usually found?
Spring and summer.
## Footnote
Their formation is more common during warmer months.
111
Fill in the blank: Cumulonimbus clouds are large clouds up to _______ high and across.
10km
112
What is precipitation?
Any moisture that falls from the atmosphere
## Footnote
Includes rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, and dew.
113
What are the most common types of precipitation?
* Rain
* Snow
* Sleet
* Hail
* Fog
* Dew
## Footnote
These are forms of moisture that fall from the atmosphere.
114
How do clouds form?
When water vapour in the atmosphere starts to condense into water droplets
## Footnote
This occurs when the atmosphere is saturated.
115
What causes water vapour to condense?
When the atmosphere can hold no more water (i.e., it is saturated)
## Footnote
Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air.
116
Why is cloud and rain formation more likely when air cools?
Because cooler air leads to a higher likelihood of water vapour condensing
## Footnote
Warm air retains moisture, while cooling air promotes condensation.
117
What are the three main types of rainfall?
* Frontal
* Relief
* Convectional
## Footnote
These types describe different processes of rainfall formation.
118
What are condensation nuclei?
Surfaces that water vapour can condense on
## Footnote
Examples include dust or tiny grains of sand.
119
Fill in the blank: Water vapour must have _______ to condense around.
condensation nuclei
120
What is convectional rainfall?
A type of rainfall that occurs when the ground warms the air above it.
121
What happens to the air as it warms above the ground?
It becomes light and starts to rise.
122
What process occurs as the rising air cools?
The air can hold less moisture, causing water vapor to condense.
123
What is created as water vapor condenses in the atmosphere?
Clouds and rain.
124
When is convectional rainfall most likely to occur?
In the afternoon.
125
In which regions is convectional rainfall very common?
Tropical countries.
126
Fill in the blank: Convectional rainfall occurs when warm air _______.
[rises and cools]
127
What is the initial cause of convectional rainfall?
Heating of air near the ground.
128
True or False: Convectional rainfall can occur at any time of the day.
False.
129
What happens to moisture in the air as it rises and cools?
It begins to condense.
130
What is relief or orographic rainfall?
Rainfall that occurs when air runs into a mountain or hill, causing it to rise and cool, leading to condensation and precipitation.
## Footnote
'Relief' refers to the presence of mountains or hills.
131
What happens to air when it meets higher land?
It is forced upwards, which causes cooling and condensation of moisture.
## Footnote
This process leads to the formation of clouds and rainfall.
132
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area found on the lee side of mountains that receives below average rainfall.
## Footnote
This occurs because descending air warms up, causing moisture to evaporate.
133
What does moist, rising air lead to?
It leads to condensation and precipitation.
## Footnote
This is a key process in the formation of clouds.
134
What is the effect of dry, descending air?
It warms up and causes moisture to evaporate.
## Footnote
This contributes to the formation of rain shadow regions.
135
Fill in the blank: Relief or orographic rainfall occurs when air is forced _______.
upwards
136
What is the main cause of reduced moisture in rising air?
Cooling of the air as it rises.
## Footnote
This cooling reduces the air's capacity to hold moisture.
137
What is the concept of orographic rainfall?
Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is lifted over a mountain range, cooling and condensing to form precipitation.
138
What geographical feature is commonly associated with orographic rainfall?
Mountain ranges
139
Fill in the blank: Orographic rainfall is also known as _______.
Relief rainfall
140
What is the effect of orographic rainfall on the leeward side of mountains?
It creates a rain shadow where little to no precipitation occurs.
141
True or False: All the rain from orographic rainfall falls on the windward side of the mountain.
True
142
Give an example of a location where orographic rainfall occurs.
The Himalayas
143
What happens to air as it rises over a mountain in orographic rainfall?
The air cools and condenses.
144
What is the term for the dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range?
Rain shadow
145
What is orographic rainfall?
Rainfall that occurs when moist air is lifted over a mountain range, causing condensation and precipitation
## Footnote
Orographic rainfall is significant in regions with prominent mountain ranges, impacting local climates.
146
Which mountain range is associated with the Atacama Desert?
The Andes
## Footnote
The Andes create a rain shadow effect, leading to arid conditions in the Atacama Desert.
147
What is the phenomenon that occurs as air is forced up Table Mountain?
It condenses and forms a 'blanket' of rain
## Footnote
This effect illustrates how orographic rainfall can create localized weather patterns.
148
Where does the rain that affects Table Mountain come from?
The Atlantic Ocean through Brazil
## Footnote
The moisture-laden air from the ocean is unable to cross the mountain range, leading to precipitation on the windward side.
149
Fill in the blank: The _______ region is characterized by the Atacama Desert due to the rain shadow effect of the Andes.
Rain Shadow
## Footnote
This term describes areas that receive significantly less rainfall due to the barrier posed by mountains.
150
What forms when warm and cold air meet?
A depression (low pressure) forms
## Footnote
This is the initial step in the process of frontal or cyclonic rainfall.
151
What happens when a cold polar air mass meets a warm tropical air mass?
They form fronts and do not mix
## Footnote
This is crucial in the formation of weather patterns.
152
Which air mass is heavier, cold or warm?
Cold air mass is heavier
## Footnote
This causes the lighter, warmer air to rise over the colder air.
153
What occurs as warm air is forced to rise?
The warm air cools
## Footnote
This cooling is essential for condensation to take place.
154
What happens when warm air comes into contact with cold air along the fronts?
The warm air also cools
## Footnote
This further facilitates the condensation process.
155
What occurs as a result of condensation in the rising warm air?
Clouds form, resulting in rain
## Footnote
Cold air can hold less moisture, leading to precipitation.
156
What is the sequence of events in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
First, a warm front passes, bringing rain and warmer air, then a cold front follows, bringing more rain and cooler air
## Footnote
This sequence is key to understanding weather patterns.
157
How are warm fronts represented on synoptic maps?
By a red line with red semi-circles
## Footnote
This visual representation helps in identifying weather systems.
158
How are cold fronts represented on synoptic maps?
By a blue line with blue triangles
## Footnote
This differentiation aids in weather analysis.
159
Fill in the blank: When a cold polar air mass meets a warm tropical air mass, they form _______.
fronts
160
True or False: Warm air is heavier than cold air.
False
## Footnote
Cold air is heavier than warm air.
161
What happens to warm air in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
Warm air goes up and cools down, forming a cloud.
162
What does cold air do in the context of frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
Cold air stays down, forcing warm heat upwards.
163
What is the process of cloud development in frontal/cyclonic rainfall caused by?
Frontal lifting of warm moist air advancing cold air.
164
What is the role of cold fronts in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
Cold fronts force warm air to rise.
165
What is a key characteristic of the air movement in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
Cold air pushes warm air upwards.
166
Fill in the blank: Cold air stays down, forcing warm _______ upwards.
heat
167
What symbol is used on maps to represent a cold front?
Cold Front Map Symbol
168
What occurs ahead of a cold front?
Receding warm air.
169
What is the direction of frontal movement in frontal/cyclonic rainfall?
The direction of frontal movement is towards the advancing cold air.
170
What type of rainfall is associated with cold fronts?
Frontal / Cyclonic Rainfall
171
What is the temperature of the cold air mass in the context of frontal rainfall?
12 °C
172
What is the temperature of the warm air mass in the context of frontal rainfall?
20 °C
173
What type of precipitation can occur with cold air masses?
Showers, Freezing rain, Sleet, Snow
174
Fill in the blank: The air mass moving in a cold front is a _______ air mass.
Cold
175
What visual representation is used to depict frontal systems?
Overhead view
176
What happens to warm air in the presence of a cold front?
It is pushed upwards
177
True or False: Cold air is less dense than warm air.
False
178
What type of rainfall is associated with cold fronts?
Frontal / Cyclonic Rainfall
179
What type of precipitation can occur with cold air masses?
Showers, Freezing rain, Sleet, Snow
180
Fill in the blank: The air mass moving in a cold front is a _______ air mass.
Cold
181
What visual representation is used to depict frontal systems?
Overhead view
182
What happens to warm air in the presence of a cold front?
It is pushed upwards
183
True or False: Cold air is less dense than warm air.
False
184
What is cool air?
Cool air is air that has a lower temperature than the surrounding environment.
## Footnote
Cool air can influence weather patterns and is often associated with high-pressure systems.
185
What is cold air?
Cold air is air that is significantly cooler than warm air, typically resulting in lower temperatures.
## Footnote
Cold air masses can lead to the formation of various weather phenomena.
186
What is warm air?
Warm air is air that has a higher temperature than the surrounding environment.
## Footnote
Warm air can hold more moisture and is often associated with low-pressure systems.
187
What is a partially occluded midlatitude cyclone?
A partially occluded midlatitude cyclone is a type of cyclone where the cold front has caught up to the warm front, resulting in an occluded front that is not fully developed.
## Footnote
This phenomenon can lead to complex weather patterns and varying precipitation.
188
What is cold air?
Air that has a lower temperature compared to surrounding air
## Footnote
Cold air is denser and tends to sink.
189
What is warm air?
Air that has a higher temperature compared to surrounding air
## Footnote
Warm air is less dense and tends to rise.
190
What does heavy refer to in meteorological terms?
Air with a higher density, typically associated with cooler temperatures
## Footnote
Heavy air can lead to stable weather conditions.
191
What is a fait in meteorology?
A term used to describe a weather phenomenon or condition
## Footnote
This term may vary in usage across different regions.
192
What is an occluded front?
A weather front that occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front
## Footnote
Occluded fronts can lead to complex weather patterns, including precipitation.
193
What is cool air?
Air that has a moderate temperature, cooler than warm air but not as cold as cold air
## Footnote
Cool air can influence weather patterns and temperature stability.
