Water In The Atmosphere Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is dew?
Moisture deposited in the form of water droplets on cooler surfaces of solid objects such as stones and grass
Dew forms when the air temperature drops and moisture condenses.
What is frost?
Forms on cold surfaces when condensation occurs below freezing point (0°C)
Frost is created under conditions similar to dew but at temperatures at or below the freezing point.
What conditions are ideal for the formation of frost?
Air temperature must be at or below the freezing point
The conditions for frost formation are similar to those for dew formation.
What is the difference between mist and fog?
Fog is denser than mist, resulting in reduced visibility
Mist forms frequently over mountains when warm air meets cold surfaces.
What causes the formation of fog and mist?
Occurs when an air mass containing a large quantity of water vapor condenses within itself
Fog can be mixed with smoke in urban areas, enhancing its formation.
What is hail?
Small rounded solid pieces of ice formed from rain drops that solidify in the atmosphere
Hailstones form when raindrops are lifted by wind, accumulating ice layers before falling to the ground.
How does hail form?
Rain drops are released by clouds, lifted by wind, accumulate additional droplets that freeze
The process continues until the hailstone becomes too heavy to be lifted again.
What is snow?
Precipitation in the form of fine flakes of ice when temperature is below 0°C
Snow requires that temperatures remain at or below freezing between clouds and the ground.
What is the definition of precipitation?
Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds to the ground
Common forms of precipitation include rain, snow, hail, and sleet.
Fill in the blank: The precipitation in the form of water is called _______.
rainfall
What is the relationship between latitude and temperature?
Places near the equator are much warmer than places further away near the poles due to the direct sunlight received.
This is because the sun’s rays are more direct at the equator.
How do prevailing winds affect temperature?
If the prevailing wind is from the poles, the temperature will be lower; if from the tropics, the temperature will be higher.
Example: In Swakopmund, the prevailing wind influences local temperatures.
What is the effect of altitude on temperature?
Temperatures decrease by 6.5°C for every 1000 meters gained.
Example: The Andes in Ecuador can be covered in snow all year due to high altitude.
How does distance from the sea influence temperature?
Places near the sea are cooler in summer and warmer in winter due to the sea’s heat retention and cooling properties.
Example: Sea and land breezes illustrate this effect.
What role do ocean currents play in temperature?
Hot ocean currents tend to warm winters, while cold currents cool summers.
Example: The UK benefits from the warm Gulf Stream current.
What is aspect in relation to temperature?
Aspect is the direction that something faces, affecting temperature based on sun exposure.
Example: In the northern hemisphere, south-facing slopes are warmer than north-facing slopes.
