Weather Quiz Study Flashcards

Air Mass Classification and Properties

• Criteria for Formation and Properties: Air masses are large bodies of air with uniform temperature and moisture characteristics. To properly study them, one must understand how they form and their specific inherent properties.
• Temperature Designations:     * Polar: These air masses are characterized by Cold temperatures.     * Tropical: These air masses are characterized by Warm temperatures.
• Moisture Designations:     * Maritime: These air masses form over water and have Humid properties.     * Continental: These air masses form over land and have dry properties.

Characteristics of Frontal Systems

For the evaluation, it is necessary to know the specific changes in temperature, pressure, precipitation, and duration for each type of meteorological front:

• Cold Front:     * Temperature Change: The temperature Drops fast.     * Pressure Change: The barometric pressure rises.     * Precipitation: Characterized by Steadily-heavy rain.     * Duration: The weather event is of a Short duration.
• Warm Front:     * Temperature Change: The temperature rises slowly.     * Pressure Change: The pressure rises Slightly and then falls.     * Precipitation: Characterized by long and Steady rain.     * Duration: The weather event is long.
• Occluded Front:     * Temperature Change: The temperature increases; it can be warm or cold-warm.     * Pressure Change: The pressure Drops when it is Cold, and it increases.     * Precipitation: Results in Steady and light precipitation.     * Duration: The weather event is long.
• Stationary Front:     * Temperature Change: The temperature is not very affected by this front.     * Pressure Change: This front is associated with low pressure.     * Precipitation: The moisture level can be Humid and duration long, or it can be Dry with none.     * Duration: The weather event is long.

Atmospheric Pressure and Wind Dynamics

• High Pressure Systems:     * Associated Weather: Clear and Sunny weather conditions.     * Air Properties: These systems contain cold air.     * Atmospheric Process: The air cools and falls.     * Wind Direction: Wind moves in a clockwise (w) direction within high pressure.
• Low Pressure Systems:     * Associated Weather: Stormy & rainy weather conditions.     * Air Properties: These systems contain warm air.     * Atmospheric Process: The air warms up and rises.     * Wind Direction: Wind moves in a counter-clockwise (ccw) direction within low pressure.
• Weather Map Interpretation: Students must be able to interpret weather maps to identify and analyze fronts and pressure centers.

Fundamental Gas Laws and Particle Diagrams

• Boyle’s Law:     * Definition: A gas law where the temperature ($T$) is held constant.     * Real-world Example: The action of a pump being used to push air into a bottle.
• Charles’ Law:     * Definition: A gas law where the pressure ($P$) is held constant.     * Real-world Example: Boiling water in an open container.
• Gay-Lussac’s Law:     * Definition: A gas law where the volume ($V$) is held constant.     * Real-world Example: The mechanics of a Pressure Cooker.
• Particle Diagrams: One must demonstrate the ability to illustrate changes in temperature ($T$), pressure ($P$), and volume ($V$) using particle-based visual representations.

Laboratory Demonstrations and Observations

The following demonstrations from the unit illustrate key principles of thermodynamics and pressure:

• Split Tank: Observation of fluid dynamics and separation.
• Thermometer with Pump and Vacuum: Demonstrating temperature changes associated with pressure shifts.
• Marshmallows: Observing volume expansion/contraction in response to pressure changes.
• Balloon Over Flask: Demonstrating thermal expansion and contraction of gas.
• Can Crush: Illustrating the effects of atmospheric pressure when internal pressure is reduced.
• Test Tube: Observation of gas or liquid behavior under specific conditions.
• “Hand Boiler”: Demonstrating the relationship between temperature and pressure causing liquid to rise/boil.
• Bag of Chips: Showing how altitude/pressure affects sealed volumes.
• Cloud in a Bottle: Demonstrating adiabatic cooling and condensation through rapid pressure changes.
• Fire Piston: Illustrating how rapid compression of air increases temperature enough to cause combustion.