G Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is an Air Mass?
A large body of air that has similar temperature, pressure and moisture properties.
Air masses can affect weather patterns significantly.
Define air pressure.
Pressure (force per unit area) exerted by the atmosphere on any surface.
It is influenced by altitude and temperature.
What does altitude refer to?
How high land is above sea level, usually measured in meters above sea level.
Altitude affects climate and weather conditions.
What is an anemometer used for?
A weather instrument used to measure wind speed.
It is essential for meteorological studies.
What characterizes an anticyclone?
High pressure system in which air descends to give calm conditions and clear skies.
Anticyclones are often associated with fair weather.
What is the atmosphere?
A layer of gases surrounding a planet.
It plays a crucial role in supporting life and regulating temperature.
What is a barometer used for?
An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
It helps in weather forecasting.
What are cirrus clouds?
The highest clouds in the atmosphere.
They are usually thin and wispy.
Define clear sky.
Sky with a total cloud cover of less than one Okta.
This indicates good weather conditions.
What is climate?
The average weather conditions for a place usually measured over a long period of time (30 years).
Climate influences ecosystems and human activities.
What is a climate graph?
A graph which shows the typical monthly rainfall and temperatures for a place.
It visually represents climate data.
What does cloud cover measure?
The amount of cloud covering the sky, measured in oktas (eighths).
It is important for understanding weather patterns.
What is convectional rainfall?
Rain formed when the ground heats up during warm, sunny weather.
Commonly occurs in tropical regions.
Define depression in meteorological terms.
An area in the atmosphere in which the pressures are lower than those of the surrounding region at the same level.
Depressions are often associated with stormy weather.
What is evaporation?
The physical process by which a liquid or solid substance is transformed to a gas.
It is a key component of the water cycle.
True or False: Extreme weather is predictable and consistent.
False.
Extreme weather is often unusual, severe, or unseasonal.
What is a front in meteorology?
The meeting point between two air masses of different density.
Fronts can lead to significant weather changes.
What is frontal rainfall?
Type of rainfall formed when two air masses meet.
This often leads to precipitation as the air masses interact.
