Earth science weather and groundwater Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions.
Climate: Long-term average of weather in a region.
Weather refers to immediate atmospheric conditions, while climate is the average of these conditions over a longer period.
List the atmospheric layers from bottom to top.
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Exosphere
Weather occurs primarily in the troposphere.
How does altitude affect temperature?
Temperature is affected by altitude, latitude, and surface type.
Generally, temperature decreases with an increase in altitude.
What does high air pressure indicate?
High pressure = clear skies
High pressure systems are typically associated with fair weather.
What does low air pressure indicate?
Low pressure = clouds and storms
Low pressure systems can lead to precipitation and stormy weather.
Define humidity.
The amount of water vapor in the air.
Humidity is a key factor in weather conditions and affects comfort levels.
What is the dew point?
Temperature at which air becomes saturated.
The dew point indicates the moisture content of the air.
Describe the process of cloud formation.
Air rises → cools → condenses → clouds form
This process is essential for understanding weather patterns.
What is a cold front?
Fast, brings storms
Cold fronts typically lead to abrupt weather changes and can cause severe weather.
What is a warm front?
Slower, brings steady rain
Warm fronts are associated with gradual changes in weather and prolonged precipitation.
What does a barometer measure?
Measures air pressure
Barometers are crucial tools for weather forecasting.
What does a hygrometer measure?
Measures humidity
Hygrometers help in determining moisture levels in the air.
What does an anemometer measure?
Measures wind speed
Anemometers are essential for understanding wind patterns.
What does a thermometer measure?
Measures temperature
Thermometers are commonly used in weather reporting.
What does a rain gauge measure?
Measures precipitation
Rain gauges are used to quantify the amount of rain that falls.
Define isobars.
Lines of equal pressure
Isobars help in understanding weather patterns on maps.
Define isotherms.
Lines of equal temperature
Isotherms are useful in visualizing temperature distributions.
What does the H and L symbolize on weather maps?
H = high pressure, L = low pressure
These symbols indicate areas of different pressure systems.
List the steps of the water cycle.
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Infiltration
- Runoff
Understanding the water cycle is fundamental in studying hydrology.
What is the zone of saturation?
Where pores are filled with water
This zone is critical for groundwater resources.
What is the zone of aeration?
Air between soil particles
This zone is above the water table and contains both air and water.
Define the water table.
The top of the saturated zone
The water table fluctuates with changes in precipitation and evaporation.
What is permeability?
How easily water passes through material
Permeability is crucial for understanding groundwater flow.
Define porosity.
Amount of empty space in rock/soil
Porosity affects how much water can be stored in soil or rock.
