severe weather

Drought

When there is a long period of very little precipitation. Ends when enough precipitation falls to bring water levels back to normal

Flood

Water that flows over onto dry land. Usually result from thunderstorms or hurricanes

Thunderstorm

A lot of lightning, heavy rain and strong winds. Usually occur in warm weather. Can produce hail.

Tornado

Funnel-shaped cloud of swirling winds that reaches the ground.

Waterspout

Tornado over the water

Derecho

Fast-moving wind storm, straight line winds during a thunderstorm

Hurricane

strong swirling winds and produces heavy rains, forms over warm ocean water

Blizzard

Snowstorms with strong winds

Civil engineer

An engineer who has studied design and construction. Plan construction of bridges and buildings

Climate

Pattern of weather in an area for a long period of time

Season

Pattern of warm and cold weather or wet and dry weather

Equator

Imaginary line around the widest part of the earth

Climate zone

An area of the world that has a certain type of climate. Earth has 3. Polar, temperate, and tropical

Polar climate zone

North and south poles, almost always cold, usually dry and not much precipitation. Very little sunlight. Months of complete darkness and 24 hour sun.

Temperate climate zone

Middle, not too hot, not too cold for long periods of time. Receive rain and snow. 4 seasons.

Tropical climate zone

Near equator, very hot and times of very heavy rainfall. Rainforests. Large deserts. Most sunlight and heat on earth. 2 seasons. Wet and dry season.