click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Geography Ch. 8
Weather
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is weather? | the short term, day to day condtion of the atmosphere, contrasted with climate, which is the long term average of weather conditions and extremes in a region. |
Meteorology | the scientific study of the atmosphere. |
Air Masses | body of air, and it initially the characteristics of its source region and sometimes extends through the lower half of the troposphere. |
Air masses generally according to... | the moisture and temperature characteristics of their source regions. |
continental polar | air masses from only in the Northern Hemisphere and are most developed in winter and cold weather conditions. |
Winter high pressure system | a Pair mass dominates the Midwest with a central pressure of 1042.8 mb, air temperature of of -17C.... |
Maritime polar | air masses in the Northern Hemisphere exist over the northern oceans. |
maritime tropical | air masses-the mT Gulf/Atlantic and the mT pacific-influence North America. |
Four principal lifting mechanisms are... | Convergent, Convectional. Orographic, and Frontal lifting. |
Convergent lifting | air flows toward an area of low pressure |
Convectional lifting | air is stimulated by local surface heating. |
Orgraphic lifting | air is forced over a barrier such as a mountain range. |
Frontal lifting | air is displaced upward along the leading edges of contrasting air masses. |
Violent Weather | Weather provides a continuous reminder of the flow of energy across the latitude that at times can set into motion destructive, violent weather conditions. |
Violent weather includes... | ice storms of sleet. |