weather test 2

weather terms

weather forecasting

weather forecasting

predicting future weather based on ongoing observations of atmospheric conditions

cold front

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

Remote sensing technology

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

atmospheric pressure

the force of the atmosphere on the surface below it.

Barometer

a device used to measure atmospheric pressure

dew point temperature

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

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

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

tornado

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

Temperature

The average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance

Qualitative

observations that involves the senses;use words

weather

current conditions of the atmosphere in a specific place at a specific time

Kilopascal

a typical unit of measurement of air pressure in the metric system

Low orbit satellite

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

isobar

a line on a weather map showing places of equal atmospheric pressure

wind speed and direction

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

climate change

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

hurricane

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

Deep ocean currents

driven by difference in water density resulting in differing termperature and salinity

greenhouse effect

process in which gases in the atmosphere absorb and re-emit heat from the sun and heat radiated from Earth’s surface

weather balloon

helium- filled weather device which contains a radiosonde

relative humidity

compares the actual amount of water vapour in the air the the maximum of vapour air can hold at a given temperature

precipitation

liquid or solid water that falls to the earth

Quantitative

obersvations that involve measuring the physcial conditions of atmosphere with a variaty of instruments and observations; uses numbers

pyschrometer

A device which measures relative humidity; is a type of hydrometer

High orbit satellites

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

Warm front

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

La Nina

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

Persisitance forecasting

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

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 the intensity, movement and speed of precipitation

Humidity

The amount of water vapour in the air

Short range forecast

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

Thunderstorm

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

El Nino

The pacific is warmer bringing warmer weather during our winter and less hurricanes

Cloud cover

The portion of the sky that’s covered with clouds

Nor’easter

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

Nowcasting

A type of forecast which is forecasts up to six hours

thermometer

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

rain gauge

Collects and measures precipitation in form of rainfall or snowfall in a graduated cylinder

Anthropogenic

Means “human-caused”

Greenhouse gas

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

Surface ocean currents

Created by prevailing winds and carry thermal energy around Earth

Climate

Patterns of weather conditions ina large region over a long period of time- years, decades, centuries, or even longer

Long range forecast

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

Blizzard

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

Anemometer

A device that measures wind direction