Influences on Weather Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering weather concepts, cloud classifications, water cycle processes, and heat transfer principles from the study guide.

Water Vapor

Water in its gaseous state floating in the atmosphere.

Condensation Nuclei

Tiny particles in the air, such as dust or salt, on which water vapor condenses to form clouds.

Evaporation

The process by which liquid water changes into water vapor.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.

Precipitation

Any form of water (rain, snow, sleet, hail) that falls from clouds to Earth's surface.

Cumulo

A cloud root word meaning heap, pile, or fluffy accumulation.

Strato

A cloud root word meaning layer, flat sheet, or spread out.

Cirro

A cloud root word meaning high-altitude, wispy, or curl of hair.

Alto

A cloud root word or prefix meaning middle-altitude clouds.

Nimbo

A cloud root word or prefix meaning rain-producing or storm-bearing cloud.

Weather

The day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere at a specific time and place.

Temperature

A measure of the thermal energy and kinetic movement of particles in the atmosphere.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor present in the air.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air particles pressing down on Earth's surface.

Wind

The movement or flow of air caused by differences in air pressure and temperature.

Cumulus Cloud

A fluffy, heap-like cloud with a flat base, typically associated with fair weather.

Cirrus Cloud

A high-altitude, thin, wispy cloud composed mainly of ice crystals.

Stratus Cloud

A low-level, featureless gray cloud layer that covers the sky like a blanket.

Cumulonimbus Cloud

A large, vertically developed cloud that produces heavy rain, lightning, and severe weather.

Convection

The movement of heat and matter in a fluid due to differences in density.

Convection Current

A continuous cycle of rising warm, less dense fluid and sinking cool, denser fluid driven by gravity.

Transpiration

The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.

Runoff

Precipitation water that flows across the land surface into rivers, lakes, and oceans.