Test 4: Climate Flashcards
(16 cards)
How do blizzards form?
Cold, dry air blows into an area.
Moisture in the air can create snow.
Strong winds pick up snow and blow it around.
Often involves low pressure systems bringing arctic air.
What causes lake effect snow?
Cold air blows over warmer lake water
The air picks up moisture and heat
This causes clouds and heavy snowfall when it hits land again
How do hurricanes form?
Form over warm ocean water (at least 26.5°C)
Convection: Warm, moist air rises and cools, forming clouds and releasing energy.
Air rushes in to replace the rising air, creating a spinning system.
Low pressure at the center → called the eye
What is the Fujita scale?
The goal is to to estimate tornado wind speeds.
How do thunderstorms cause hurricanes and tornadoes?
Warm air rising over cool air creates spinning winds. These can drop from the cloud and create tornadoes.
What weather conditions allowed Katrina to get so strong
The Loop Current (between Cuba and Yukitan) was unusually warm.
What is the Saffir-Simpson scale
A scale that measures hurricane wind strength
Ranges from Category 1 to 5
How do thunderstorms form?
Warm air rises quickly over cold air.
How does lightning form?
Particles bump into each other inside the cloud.
static electricity builds up.
Top becomes + charge, bottom becomes - charge.
How does thunder happen?
Lightning heats up the air very quickly
The air expands quickly and collapses back in
the movement creates a shockwave which is the sound of thunder
How long do tornadoes typically last?
A few minutes to over an hour
How long must high temperatures last for an event to be classed as a heat wave?
Three or more consecutive days
How long must dry conditions typically last before a drought is declared?
A minimum of one year with no rain
What is the main function of the ozone layer?
To block harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
Where is the “ozone depletion” most commonly found?
Over Antarctica
Which of the following is a natural cause of climate change?
Volcanic eruptions
