Atmospheric Science Flashcard

Front

What are maritime air masses?

Back

Maritime air masses are large bodies of air that form over water, characterized by high humidity.

Front

What is El Nino?

Back

El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern that causes the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific to warm, significantly impacting weather patterns, ocean conditions, and marine fisheries.

Front

What type of cloud is a Nimbostratus cloud?

Back

A Nimbostratus cloud is a low cloud that blankets the sky and often generates precipitation.

Front

How is a warm front represented on a weather map?

Back

A warm front is shown by a line with semicircles extending from one side.

Front

What happens to relative humidity as water vapor rises into the atmosphere?

Back

Relative humidity will increase as clouds form.

Front

What are the characteristics of a cold front?

Back

A cold front is characterized by a mass of cold air replacing a mass of warm air, often leading to thunderstorms.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term average weather patterns in a region.

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, leading to prolonged weather conditions.

Front

What is the role of the jet stream in weather patterns?

Back

The jet stream is a fast-flowing air current in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns and can steer storms.

Front

What is humidity?

Back

Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air, usually expressed as a percentage.