4. Precipitation

Convectional Precipitation

Caused by heating of the earth's surface.

Orographic Precipitation

Occurs when air rises over mountains.

Cyclonic Precipitation

Results from warm and cool air mass collision.

Sensible Heat

Heat felt due to molecular movement.

Latent Heat

Energy absorbed or released during phase changes.

Warm Front

Leading edge of warm, moist air mass.

Cold Front

Leading edge of cool, dry air mass.

Windward Side

Mountain side receiving most precipitation.

Leeward Side

Mountain side receiving little precipitation.

Air Density

Mass of air molecules in a volume.

Condensation

Process where water vapor turns into liquid.

Low Pressure System

Area where air pressure is lower than surroundings.

Counterclockwise Rotation

Direction of air movement around low pressure in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cyclonic Storm

Large storm formed by colliding air masses.

Polar-front Jet Stream

Boundary between polar and tropical air masses.

Evaporation

Process where liquid water turns into vapor.

Cloud Formation

Occurs when air cools and water vapor condenses.

Precipitation

Any form of water falling from clouds.

Prairies

Region where convectional precipitation is common.

Atlantic Canada

Region where cyclonic precipitation is common.

Ice Storm of 1998

Notable cyclonic storm affecting eastern North America.

Molecule Movement

Movement that determines temperature and heat.

Uplifted Air

Air forced to rise, causing cooling and precipitation.