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science chapter 2
weather factors
Term | Definition |
---|---|
electromagnetic waves | a form of energy that can travel through space |
radiation | the direct transfer of energy by electronic waves |
infrared radiation | a form of energy with wavelengths that are longer than red light. not visible but can be felt by heat. |
ultraviolet radiation | its given off from the sun and has wavelengths shorter than violet light. (sunburns) |
scattering | reflection of light in all directions |
greenhouse affect | the process by which gases hold heat in the air |
thermal energy | the total energy of motion of the molecules of a substance |
temperature | the average amount of energy of motion of each molecule of a substance |
thermometer | a thin glass tube with a bulb on one end that contains a liquid (mercury or colored alcohol) |
heat | the energy transferred from a hotter object to a colder one |
convection | the transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid |
conduction | the direct transfer of heat from one substance to another that one is touching |
wind | the horizontal movement of air from an area of high pressure to areas of low pressure |
anemometer | a tool with 3 or 4 cups mounted on the ends of spokes that is used to measure wind speed |
wind-chill factor | the increased cooling that a wind can cause |
local winds | winds that blow over short distances caused from unequal heating of the earths surface within a small area. |
sea breeze | a wind that blows from an ocean or lake |
land breeze | the flow of air from land to a body of water |
monsoon | sea and land breezes over a large region that change directions with the seasons |
global winds | winds that blow steadily from specific directions over long distances |
coriolis effect | the way earths rotation makes winds curve |
latitude | the distance from the equator measured in degrees |
jet streams | high speed winds aout 10 km above earths surface |
psychrometer | a tool that has 2 thermometers |
dew point | the temperature at which condensation begins |
cumulus | clouds that look like fluffy, rounded piles of cotton |
stratus | clouds that form in flat layers |
cirrus | wispy feathery clouds (ice crystaly) |
precipitation | any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches earths surface (rain,hail,snow,sleet) |
droughts | long periods of unusually low precipitation that can cause great hardship |