Great Air Race Session 2 Vocabulary

air mass

a large horizontal volume of air in the atmosphere that is mostly even in temperature and moisture

Altitude

the height of an object or point in relation to sea level

sea level

the average height of the ocean's surface, used as a reference point for measuring elevation and depth.

atmospheric pressure

the weight of the gases that make up the Earth’s atmosphere

barometer

a scientific instrument used to measure air pressure in a certain environment

Density

the amount of particles in a given amount of matter and how closely packed together they are

Front

the boundary formed when two air masses meet, creating some type of weather or precipitation

isobar

a line on a weather map to show points that have the same air pressure

probability

the likelihood of something occurring

turbulence

a state of unsteady up-and-down movement, caused by irregular air currents

variable

something that can be controlled or changed as part of an investigation

wind

the natural movement of the air, especially in the form of a current of air blowing from a particular direction

Crosswind

Wind blowing across the path of something moving, making it hard to go straight.

Headwind

Wind blowing against something moving, making it slower.

Hypothesize

To suggest an idea that can be tested.

Meteorologist

A scientist who studies weather and climate.

Pressure gradient

The difference in air pressure between two places.

Tailwind

Wind blowing in the same direction as something moving, making it faster.