GEOG 110 01

What is the definition of weather?

The state of atmosphere at a specific place and time, including temperature, humidity, cloudiness, precipitation, and wind.

What does meteorology study?

The atmosphere and the life cycle of weather systems.

How is climate defined?

Weather conditions averaged over a specific time, usually 30 years, including extremes.

What do weather maps represent?

Atmospheric conditions across a broad region with symbols indicating high-pressure and low-pressure systems.

What is climatology?

The study of climate, its controls, and spatial and temporal variability.

What is an air mass?

A huge volume of air covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers with uniform temperature and humidity properties.

What are the four basic types of air masses?

Cold, dry, cold humid, and warm humid.

What is a front in meteorology?

A transition zone between air masses that differ in temperature, humidity, or both.

What are the three main types of fronts?

Stationary fronts, cold fronts, and warm fronts.

What is the role of water vapor in the atmosphere?

Water vapor is a variable gas that behaves differently in various atmospheric conditions, affecting humidity and heating.

Describe the structure of the atmosphere based on temperature.

The atmosphere consists of four layers: the troposphere (where weather occurs), stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.

What is the normal lapse rate?

The average rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude, approximately 6.5°C per 1000 meters.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The deflection of air due to the Earth's rotation, causing winds in the Northern Hemisphere to deflect right and in the Southern Hemisphere to deflect left.

What is atmospheric pressure?

The weight of air above a surface, typically measured in pascals or millibars.

How is wind defined in meteorology?

The horizontal motion of air, characterized by both speed and direction.

What is the significance of the tropopause?

The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere where temperature ceases to decrease with altitude.

What determines the characteristics of an air mass?

The types of surfaces over which the air mass forms and travels.

What are isotherms?

Lines of equal temperature on a map.