Weather Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards for weather-related terms and definitions.

Weather

The condition of the air at a certain time and place.

Clouds

Condensed water vapors in the atmosphere that form when tiny drops of water and ice join together in the sky.

Meteorologist

A scientist who makes a scientific study of the weather and forecasts the weather.

Atmosphere

All the gases (air) that surround the Earth.

Weathering

The breakdown and wearing away of rock through long exposure to wind, water, heat, and cold.

Erosion

The movement of weathered materials by gravity, ice, wind, and water.

Sediment

Rocks, sand, or dirt that has been carried to a new place by water, wind, or a glacier.

Rain Gauge

An instrument used to measure the amount of rain or other forms of precipitation.

Anemometer

An instrument used to measure wind speed and direction.

Wind Vane

An instrument used to tell which direction the wind is blowing.

Barometer

An instrument used to tell if the pressure in the air is going up or down; indicates sunny and dry weather when pressure goes up.

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure temperature in degrees on a Fahrenheit or Celsius scale.

Wind

Movement of air across Earth’s surface.

Humidity

The amount of moisture in the air; warm air can hold more moisture than cold air can.

Precipitation

Rain, sleet, snow, or hail.

Rain

Water that falls from clouds.

Sleet

Rain that freezes into ice pellets before hitting the ground.

Snow

Rain that freezes into ice crystals before hitting the ground.

Cold Front

Cold air replaces warm air (blue line with teeth).

Warm Front

Warm air replaces cold air (red line with circles).