Science 1206 Unit 2 Chapter 2 Test Review

Weather Dynamics

Kilopascal

A typical unit of measurement of air pressure in the metric system.

Remote Sensing Technology

Technology that collects weather data from a distance without actually being in physical contact with the object being observed.

Low Orbit Satellites

A device which detects radiation in the lower atmosphere to detect changes in air temperature and global wind patterns.

Cold Front

A type of front when a moving cold air mass quickly pushes up warm air (steep slope), and can lead to thunderstorms.

Weather Forecasting

Predicting future weather based on ongoing observations of atmospheric conditions

Atmospheric Pressure

The force of the atmosphere on the surface below it.

Isobar

 A line on a weather systems map showing places of equal atmospheric pressure.

Barometer

A device which measures atmospheric pressure.

Dew Point Temperature

The temperature at which dew forms; occurs when air is saturated (RH = 100%).

Short Range Forecast

A forecast that predicts how weather conditions will change over a period of up to 48 hours.

Warm Front

A type of front which occurs when a moving warm air mass meets a cold air mass, causing the warm mass to rise (gradual slope), condense and form clouds.  Gentle rains or flurries result as the front passes by.

Temperature

The average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

Anemometer

A device for measuring wind speed.

Long Range Forecast

A forecast that predicts how weather conditions will change over a period of 3 to 7 days.

Persistence Forecast

A type of forecasting that is accurate for only a few hours.

Humidity

The amount of water vapour in the air.

Stationary Front

A front that occurs when a warm and cold air mass meet, yet since the air mass temperatures are similar, the front does not move.  Fog or precipitation may last for days.

Hydrometer/hygrometer

  A device which measures relative humidity.

Anthropogenic

Means “human-caused”

Nowcasting

A type of forecast which forecasts up to six hours.

Wind Speed & Direction

How quickly air is moving and the direction from which it originates.

Relative Humidity

Compares the actual amount of water vapor in the air with  the maximum amount of vapor air can hold at a given temperature.

Meteorologist

 The title for a scientist who studies weather dynamics and makes weather forecasting predictions.

Qualitative Observations

Observations that involve the senses; use words.

Low Resolution Model

A type of weather model that has less accuracy but forecasts for the long term.

Greenhouse Effect

Process in which certain gases in the atmosphere absorb and re-emit heat from the Sun and heat radiated from Earth’s surface.

Greenhouse Gas

A gas, such as carbon dioxide, which absorbs heat and contributes to an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere.

Precipation

Liquid or solid water that falls to Earth.

Thermometer

Device which contains alcohol or mercury and expands as the temperature increases.

High Orbit Satellites

Device which detects radiation in the upper atmosphere and provides cloud cover and infrared heat images.

Weather Modification

Modern attempts to control or change the weather.

Sky Cover

The portion of the sky that is covered with clouds.

Climate

Patterns of weather conditions in a large region over a long period of time—years, decades, centuries, and even longer.

Wind Vane

A device which measures wind direction.

Weather

Current conditions of the atmosphere in a specific place and at a specific time.

Rain/snow Gauge

Collects and measures precipitation in the form rain or snow.

High Resolution Model

A type of weather model that has high accuracy but forecasts only for the short term.

Quantitative Observations

Observations that involve measuring the physical conditions of the atmosphere with a variety of instruments and observation; uses numbers

Weather Balloon

Helium-filled weather device which contains a radiosonde.

Psychrometer

A device which measures relative humidity and dew point; is a type of hydrometer.

Climate Change

A change in weather conditions that a region experiences over a long time.

Weather/Doppler Radar

 Device in which radio waves are sent out into the atmosphere, bounce off water drops and ice pellets; reflected signals are converted into images that show the intensity, movement, and speed of precipitation.

Occluded Front

A type of front which forms when a fast-moving cold front overtakes a slow-moving warm front and the warm air is obstructed.

Hurricanes

Massive high-energy, low pressure systems with well-defined circulation, violent winds, and heavy precipitation, that form in equatorial regions

Surface Ocean Currents

Created by prevailing winds and carry thermal energy around Earth

Nor’Easter

A powerful storm that brings high winds, heavy precipitation, storm surges, and flooding.

Thunderstorm

A storm with lightning, thunder, heavy rain, and sometimes hail

Tornado

A severe component of a thunderstorm in which a rotating funnel of air extends from the base of the thunderstorm clouds to the ground

Deep Ocean Currents

Driven by differences in water density resulting from differing temperature and salinity

Bilzzard

Violent winter storm with freezing temperatures, strong winds, and blowing snow. Winds exceed 56 km/h and visibility is reduced to less than 0.5 km for at least 3 hours

El Nino

The pacific is warmer bringing warmer weather during our winters and fewer hurricanes

La Nina

The pacific is cooler, bringing stronger winds, and colder, snowier winters