Meteorology:

Troposphere

Where weather occurs and most air is found.

Stratosphere

Layer that contains the ozone layer.

Mesosphere

Layer where meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

Layer with very thin air and very high temperatures.

Altitude

As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.

Uneven Heating

Caused by angle of sunlight and land vs water differences.

Convection Currents

Result of uneven heating of the Earth.

Radiation

Energy travels as waves from the Sun to the Earth.

Conduction

Heat transfer by direct contact.

Convection

Heat transfer by movement of fluids where warm air rises and cool air sinks.

Air Pressure

The weight of the air.

High Pressure

Cool, dense air.

Low Pressure

Warm, less dense air.

Wind Formation

Occurs as air moves from high to low pressure.

Evaporation

Process in the water cycle where liquid water turns into vapor.

Condensation

Process where water vapor turns back into liquid.

Precipitation

Process that involves water falling from the atmosphere, such as rain.

Water Cycle

Driven by energy from the Sun.

Cumulus Clouds

Type of cloud associated with fair weather.

Stratus Clouds

Type of cloud that indicates overcast or light rain.

Cirrus Clouds

High, thin clouds.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Clouds associated with thunderstorms.

Air Mass

A large body of air with the same temperature and humidity.

Cold Front

A fast-moving front that causes storms.

Warm Front

A slow-moving front that brings steady rain.

Stationary Front

A front that stalls, leading to long periods of precipitation.

Thunderstorms

Severe weather with lightning, thunder, and heavy rain.

Tornado

A rotating column of air.

Hurricane

A large rotating storm that forms over warm water.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions.

Climate

Long-term average of weather conditions.

Thermometer

An instrument that measures temperature.

Barometer

An instrument that measures air pressure.

Anemometer

An instrument that measures wind speed.

Wind Vane

An instrument that shows wind direction.

Hygrometer

An instrument that measures humidity.

Rain Gauge

An instrument that measures precipitation.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air.

Dew Point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture.

Front (Weather Front)

Boundary between two different air masses.

Convection (as Weather Process)

Movement of air that contributes to weather patterns.