Pressure Systems, fronts, winds and station models

Front

What is a high pressure system?

Back

A high pressure system is an area where the atmospheric pressure is higher than that of the surrounding areas, often associated with clear skies and calm weather.

Front

What is a low pressure system?

Back

A low pressure system is an area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than that of the surrounding areas, often associated with cloudy skies and precipitation.

Front

What is the dewpoint?

Back

The dewpoint is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and water vapor begins to condense into liquid.

Front

What instrument is used to measure wind speed?

Back

An anemometer is used to measure the speed of the wind.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler mass of air, replacing a warmer mass of air, often resulting in thunderstorms.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is the leading edge of a warmer mass of air, replacing a cooler mass of air, typically bringing gradual increases in temperature and precipitation.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front occurs when two air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other, often leading to prolonged periods of cloudy and wet weather.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, causing the warm air to be lifted off the ground, often resulting in complex weather patterns.

Front

What does a wind vane measure?

Back

A wind vane measures the direction of the wind.

Front

What is relative humidity?

Back

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature.