Tornadoes and Mid-Latitude Cyclones

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to tornadoes and mid-latitude cyclones as discussed in the lecture.

Mid-Latitude Cyclone

A weather system characterized by low-pressure center, counterclockwise air spirals, warm fronts, and cold fronts.

Occluded Front

A weather front formed when a cold front catches up to a warm front.

Supercell Thunderstorm

A large and powerful thunderstorm characterized by its rotating updraft.

Wall Cloud

A localized, vertical lowering of the cloud base associated with supercell thunderstorms.

Tornado

A rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm base to the ground.

Comma Head

The part of a mid-latitude cyclone associated with blizzards and ice storms.

Comma Tail

The part of a mid-latitude cyclone that brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, and windstorms.

Nor'easter

A type of storm that affects coastal areas of New England with winds from the northeast.

Safe Room

A fortified room constructed to provide protection during tornadoes.

Tornado Track

The path of destruction left by a tornado on the ground.