S125 - Mod 7
Is it possible to have altocirrus clouds? Why or why not?
Altocirrus clouds cannot exist because cirrus clouds are the clouds at the highest altitudes. Since the prefix "alto" means "higher than usual," it just doesn't apply to these kinds of clouds.
An air mass is a large body of air with relatively uniform ________, __________, and ________. The three basic types of air masses are ______, ______, and ________. _____ air masses are very cold and dry. ______________ air masses are warm and moist, while _____________ air masses are cold and moist. ______________ air masses are warm and dry, while ______________ air masses are cold (but not as cold as artic air masses) and dry.
An air mass is a large body of air with relatively uniform temperature, pressure, and humidity. The three basic types of air mass are tropical, polar, and arctic. Continental arctic air masses are very cold and dry. Maritime tropical air masses are warm and moist, while maritime polar air masses are cold and moist. Continental tropical air masses are warm and dry, while continental polar air masses are cold and dry.
Over a period of a few days, you notice cirrus clouds forming, followed by stratus and nimbostratus clouds. In just a few hours, however, dark cumulonimbus clouds form, heralding a thunderstorm. What kind of front caused this?
An occluded front causes this chain of events.
At the two __________, the days are ________ long in both hemispheres. As the earth moves from the autumnal equinox (spring equinox in the Southern hemisphere) to the winter solstice (summer solstice in the Southern hemisphere), the days in the Northern Hemisphere are ________ than 12 hours and are getting ________. In the Southern Hemisphere, the days are ________ than 12 hours and are getting ________. From the winter solstice (summer solstice in the Southern hemisphere) to the spring equinox (autumnal equinox in the Southern hemisphere), the days in the Northern Hemisphere are ________ than 12 hours and are getting ________. In the Southern Hemisphere, the days are ________ than 12 hours and are getting ________.
At the two equinoxes, the days are equally long in both hemispheres. As the earth moves from the autumnal equinox (spring equinox in the Southern hemisphere) to the winter solstice (summer solstice in the Southern hemisphere), the days in the Northern Hemisphere are less than 12 hours and are getting shorter. In the Southern Hemisphere, the days are longer than 12 hours and are getting longer. From the winter solstice (summer solstice in the Southern hemisphere) to the spring equinox (autumnal equinox in the Southern hemisphere), the days in the Northern Hemisphere are less than 12 hours and are getting longer. In the Southern Hemisphere, the days are longer than 12 hours and are getting shorter.
At nighttime, high elevations usually cool faster than low elevations. Thus, at night, the land on a mountain is usually cooler than the land in the valley next to the mountain. Will the local wind produced by this effect blow from the mountain into the valley or from the valley up to the mountain?
Because cold air is better at "pushing away" warmer air, the cold air from the mountain will blow into the valley.
Because of earth's axial tilt, sunlight shines more directly on the __________________ when the earth is at aphelion. Thus, it is ________ in the Northern Hemisphere and ________ in the Southern Hemisphere at that time. At perihelion, sunlight shines more directly on the _________________. At that time, then, it is ________ in the Northern Hemisphere and ________ in the Southern Hemisphere.
Because of earth's axial tilt, sunlight shines more directly on the Northern Hemisphere when the earth is at aphelion. Thus, it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere at that time. At perihelion, sunlight shines more directly on the Southern Hemisphere. At that time, then, it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
Because of the Coriolis effect, a missile fired due north from the equator will end up hitting a target ________ of its launch site, while a missile fired due south from near the North Pole will end up hitting a target ________ of its launch site. The Coriolis effect, however, is ______________ to significantly affect how water drains in a basin.
Because of the Coriolis effect, a missile fired due north from the equator will end up hitting a target northeast of its launch site, while a missile fired due south from near the North Pole will end up hitting a target southwest of its launch site. The Coriolis effect, however, is not strong enough to significantly affect how water drains in a basin.
You watch the sky as cirrus clouds form followed by stratus and nimbostratus clouds. Do you expect a violent rainstorm or a long, lighter rain?
Because thunderclouds are cumulonimbus clouds and not nimbostratus clouds, you would expect the rain to be a long, lighter rain, indicative of a warm front.
If a group of cumulus clouds were higher than typical cumulus clouds but were also dark, what would they be called?
Dark clouds have the "nimbus" suffix or the "nimbo" prefix, and higher-than-expected clouds have the "alto" prefix. Thus, they would be called altocumulonimbus clouds. Although altonimbocumulus is technically right, nimbus is generally used as a suffix with cumulus clouds.
What are dark cumulus clouds called?
Dark cumulus clouds are called "cumulonimbus" clouds.
Of the 3 main factors that influence weather, which is mostly responsible for winds?
Global temperature differences are mostly responsible for winds.
Is the Northern Hemisphere's summer during aphelion or perihelion?
The Northern Hemisphere's summer is during the aphelion.
What causes the wind patterns to bend in different regions of the globe?
The earth moving under the wind causes the wind patterns to bend in different regions of the globe. This effect is called the Coriolis effect.
Suppose you were to observe a long, light rain. After the rain is over and the sky is clear, would you expect warmer temperatures or colder temperatures?
Long, light rains are typical of warm fronts. This means that warmer air is moving in on a colder air mass. Once the warm air is done moving in, the weather clears, and there should be warmer temperatures.
Suppose you want to fire a missile from Southern California to a point in northern Canada that is due north of your location in California. Ignoring the effects of wind and weather, would you aim the missile due north, northwest, or northeast?
Since we are not considering wind at all, the only thing we have to worry about is the Coriolis effect. Like the winds, the missile will be rotating with the earth when it is fired. As the speed at which the ground rotates changes, this will bend the missile's path. Since the missile starts in Southern California, it is near the equator. This means it starts out rotating quickly. As it travels north, it passes over land that is rotating more slowly. Thus, the missile's path is bent in the direction of the earth's rotation. Based on the rotation of the earth in Figure 7.7, then, if you aimed the missile due north, it would end up hitting east of the target. Thus, you must aim the missile northwest. This will correct for the Coriolis effect.
The term "________" refers to the condition of the earth's atmosphere (mostly the troposphere) at any particular time. ________, on the other hand, is a steady condition that prevails day in and day out in a particular region of creation.
The term "weather" refers to the condition of the earth's atmosphere (mostly the troposphere) at any particular time. climate, on the other hand, is a steady condition that prevails day in and day out in a particular region of creation.
What causes wind?
Wind is caused by temperature differences across the earth.
Prevailing wind patterns can be easily disrupted by __________. Examples of such winds would be a __________ near the ocean shore, which tends to blow during the day, and a __________, which tends to blow near the ocean shore during the night.
Prevailing wind patterns can be easily disrupted by local winds. Examples of such winds would be a breeze near the ocean shore, which tends to blow during the day, and a land breeze, which tends to blow near the ocean shore during the night.
Between what dates is the length of the day less than 12 hours in the Southern Hemisphere and at the same time decreasing from day to day?
Your Answer: This occurs after the spring equinox, but before the autumnal equinox. Correct Answer: Since the names of the solstices and equinoxes are different between the hemispheres, I will give you the answer using both sets of terminology. Using Northern Hemisphere terminology: The days decrease in length in the Southern Hemisphere from the winter solstice to the summer solstice. At the spring equinox, the days in both hemispheres are 12 hours long. This tells us that from the winter solstice to the spring equinox, the length of the day in the Southern Hemisphere is more than 12 hours. After all, the length of the day must decrease from the winter solstice to the summer solstice. Since the spring equinox is in between the two, the length of the day in the Southern Hemisphere is decreasing up until the spring equinox. If the day length must be 12 hours at the spring equinox, and it had to be decreasing up to that point, it must have been longer than 12 hours to begin with. After the spring equinox, though, the day length keeps decreasing, so it becomes less than 12 hours. Thus, from the spring equinox to the summer solstice, the day length decreases and at the same time is less than 12 hours. This means the date range is March 20 or 21 to June 21 or 22. Using Southern Hemisphere terminology: The days decrease in length in the Southern Hemisphere from the summer solstice to the winter solstice. At the autumnal equinox, the days in both hemispheres are 12 hours long. This tells us that from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox, the length of the day in the Southern Hemisphere is more than 12 hours. After all, the length of the day must decrease from the summer solstice to the winter solstice. Since the autumnal equinox is in between the two, the length of the day in the Southern Hemisphere is decreasing up until the autumnal equinox. If the day length must be 12 hours at the autumnal equinox, and it had to be decreasing up to that point, it must have been longer than 12 hours to begin with. After the autumnal equinox, though, the day length keeps decreasing, so it becomes less than 12 hours. Thus, from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice, the day length decreases and at the same time is less than 12 hours. This means the date range is March 20 or 21 to June 21 or 22.
Define the following terms: a. Aphelion b. Perihelion c. Lines of longitude d. Lines of latitude e. Coriolis effect f. Air mass g. Weather front
a. The aphelion is the day of the year when the earth is at its furthest point away from the sun b. The perihelion is the day of the year when the earth is at its closest point to the sun. c. Lines of longitude are imaginary lines that stretch across the earth, north to south. d. Lines of latitude are imaginary lines that stretch across the earth, east to west. e. The Coriolis effect is what happens when wind or projectiles move through the atmosphere at a speed slower or faster than the earth below moves. f. An air mass is an individual, heterogeneous mass of air separate from the surrounding atmosphere. g. A weather front is the line between two air masses caused by differences in pressure.
Define the following terms: a. Aphelion b. Perihelion c. Coriolis effect d. Air mass e. Weather front
a. The aphelion is the time of the year when a planet receives the least amount of insolation from its sun. b. The perihelion is the time of the year when a planet receives the most amount of insolation from its sun. c. The Coriolis effect is the result of earth spinning at different speeds around its axis at different points on the earth. This causes objects or wind travelling through the earth's atmosphere to turn as they move north or south. d. An air mass is a collection of air separate to the surrounding atmosphere due to temperature differences. e. A weather front is the line between two air masses caused by differences in pressure.
What are the three main factors that affect earth's weather?
The three main factors that affect earth's weather are the Coriolis effect, changing temperatures, and local winds.
Without two specific factors, the global wind patterns would be simple. They would blow from the poles to the equator. What two factors shape the global winds into the complex patterns that we actually see?
The two factors that change the otherwise predictable global weather patterns are the Coriolis effect and local winds. The Coriolis effect is the result of earth spinning at different speeds around its axis at different points on the earth. This causes objects or wind travelling through the earth's atmosphere to turn as they move north or south. Local winds are caused by local temperature changes caused by events such as the cooling speed of water versus land.
On a day at the beach, you notice that the sand is so hot that it is hard to walk on it with bare feet. At the same time, however, the ocean is quite cool. When you left your hotel, you noticed no breeze at all, but when you got to the beach, you noticed a reasonably strong breeze. Is the wind blowing from the ocean to the shore or vice versa?
The wind is blowing from the ocean to the shore. Since you notice no breeze at the hotel, the breeze at the beach is a local wind. Near the surface of the earth, wind blows from cold (the high) to warm (the low), so the wind must be blowing from the ocean to the shore
Why isn't there a constant stream of wind blowing from the poles to the equator?
There isn't a constant stream of wind blowing from the poles to the equator because of the Coriolis effect and local winds.
Irregularities in global wind patterns are caused by local temperature changes, causing local winds.
A dry, warm air mass would be a tropical continental air mass.
A stationary front generally results in weather that doesn't ______ much for a long period of time.
A stationary front generally results in weather that doesn't change much for a long period of time.
Over a period of a couple of days, the clouds slowly build and then a gentle, long rain ensues that lasts about 20 hours. What kind of front causes this weather?
A warm front causes this kind of weather.
A weather front is a ________ between two air masses. The four basic types are ________, _____ ________, ______________, and ______________.
A weather front is a line between two air masses. The four basic types are cold fronts, warm fronts, occluded fronts, and stationary fronts.
What causes the wind in a certain region to be different from what we expect based on the global patterns we see?
Irregularities in global wind patterns are caused by local temperature changes, causing local winds.
Hot air ____. As this happens it creates a region of ___ pressure. Cold air ____. As this happens, it creates a region of ____ pressure. These effects cause loops of winds to develop as air tries to move from ___ regions of the earth (like the poles) to _____ regions of earth (like the equator). These winds are then bent by the ____________, which stems from the fact that different parts of the earth move at different speeds. The result is prevailing winds in the polar regions called ____________, prevailing winds in the mid latitudes called ________, and prevailing winds near the equator called __________.
Hot air expands. As this happens it creates a region of low pressure. Cold air compresses. As this happens, it creates a region of high pressure. These effects cause loops of winds to develop as air tries to move from high pressure regions of the earth (like the poles) to low pressure regions of earth (like the equator). These winds are then bent by the Coriolis effect, which stems from the fact that different parts of the earth move at different speeds. The result is prevailing winds in the polar regions called polar easterlies, prevailing winds in the mid latitudes called westerlies, and prevailing winds near the equator called trade winds.
Suppose the earth were tilted opposite of the way it is now. Would the Northern Hemisphere experience summer at the earth's aphelion or perihelion?
If earth were tilted opposite of what it is now, the Northern Hemisphere would be pointed toward the sun during perihelion. Since summer occurs when the hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight, summer in the Northern Hemisphere would occur at perihelion.
If stratus clouds are dark, what are they called?
If stratus clouds are dark, they are called nimbostratus clouds.
If you find lenticular clouds higher than normal, what are they called?
If you find lenticular clouds higher than normal, they are called altolenticular clouds.
Suppose you are at the equator and want to fire a missile at a target due north of your location. Would you aim the missile north, northwest, or northeast in order to ensure it hits the intended target?
If you wanted to fire a missile from the equator to hit a target due north, you would aim the missile northwest of your position.
Suppose you are in Alaska and would like to fire a missile to hit a target at the equator, due south of your location. Ignoring the effects of wind and air resistance, in which direction should you aim the missile?
If you were to fire a missile to hit a target at the equator, you would aim the missile south east of your location. This is because of the earth moving faster at the equator than it does in Alaska.
Imaginary lines that run north and south across the earth are called ____________, while imaginary lines that run east and west across the earth are called _____________. The latitude is __ at the equator and increases the ________ you move away from it. The longitude is __ at the prime meridian, which runs through _________________. It increases the _______ you move away from the prime meridian.
Imaginary lines that run north and south across the earth are called longitude lines, while imaginary lines that run east and west across the earth are called latitude lines. The latitude is 0 at the equator and increases the further you move away from it. The longitude is 0 at the prime meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England. It increases the further you move away from the prime meridian.
Is the humidity high or low in a continental polar air mass? Is this air mass warm or cold?
In a continental polar air mass, the air is low in humidity because it is continental and cold because it is polar.
Is the humidity high or low in a maritime tropical air mass? Is this air mass warm or cold?
In a maritime tropical air mass, the air is high in humidity because it is maritime, and warm because it is tropical.
In the Northern Hemisphere, are the day lengths greater than or less than 12 hours between the winter solstice and the spring equinox? Are the day lengths increasing or decreasing during that time?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the day lengths are less than 12 hours between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The day lengths, however, are increasing during this time.
In the Northern Hemisphere, is the length of the days greater than or less than 12 hours between June 21 and September 22? Are the day lengths increasing or decreasing during that time?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the length of the days are greater than 12 hours between June 21 and September 22 The day lengths are increasing during that time.
In the Southern Hemisphere, between what dates are the day lengths less than 12 hours but increasing?
In the Southern Hemisphere, the day lengths are increasing between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox.
What does "insolation" stand for?
Insolation stands for "Incoming Solar Radiation."
Light that comes to the earth from the sun is called ________, which abbreviates "incoming solar radiation." The earth's ________________ and its ________ affect how much a region of the earth gets. In addition, cloud cover can ________ the amount of incoming solar radiation. The earth orbits the sun in an oval pattern that mathematicians call an _______. When the earth is at its aphelion, it is the ________ it will ever be from the sun. When it is at its perihelion, it is ________ to the sun.
Light that comes to the earth from the sun is called insolation, which abbreviates "incoming solar radiation." The earth's axial tilt and its position around the sun affect how much a region of the earth gets. In addition, cloud cover can reduce the amount of incoming solar radiation. The earth orbits the sun in an oval pattern that mathematicians call an ellipse. When the earth is at its aphelion, it is the furthest it will ever be from the sun. When it is at its perihelion, it is closest to the sun
Meteorologists separate clouds into four basic groups: ________ (fluffy piles of clouds), ________ (layers of clouds), ______ (high altitude, wispy clouds), and ________ (lens-shaped clouds). You generally find each type of cloud at a __________ altitude, but a prefix of "_____" is used to indicate that a cloud type is higher than expected. In general, ______ clouds form at the highest altitudes, while ________ clouds form at the lower altitudes. A prefix of "________" or a suffix of "________" is also added if the cloud is dark. Dark clouds are the ones that typically bring ___________.
Meteorologists separate clouds into four basic groups: cumulus clouds (fluffy piles of clouds), stratus clouds (layers of clouds), cirrus clouds (high altitude, wispy clouds), and lenticular clouds (lens-shaped clouds). You generally find each type of cloud at a certain altitude, but a prefix of "alto" is used to indicate that a cloud type is higher than expected. In general, cirrus clouds form at the highest altitudes, while stratus clouds form at the lower altitudes. A prefix of "nimbo" or a suffix of "nimbus" is also added if the cloud is dark. Dark clouds are the ones that typically bring precipitation.
Most likely, Christ was born in ______, not December. However, December 25th is celebrated as Christ's birthday because missionaries tried to link it to a pagan holiday that was called the ________ _________________.
Most likely, Christ was born in April, not December. However, December 25th is celebrated as Christ's birthday because missionaries tried to link it to a pagan holiday that was called the "Birthday of The Sun."
Why can't an occluded front start out with the weather typical of a cold front and then end with the weather typical of a warm front?
Occluded fronts occur because a cold front catches up to and collides with the warm air of a warm front. This happens because cold air masses travel more quickly than warm air masses. To get the kind of weather discussed in this question, you would have to start out with a cold front and have a warm air mass catch up to it. This should not happen because warm air travels more slowly than cold air, so a warm front will not catch up to a cold front.
Occluded fronts occur when a ________ meets up with a slower-moving ________. They usually result in slow, steady rains followed by ___________.
Occluded fronts occur when a cold front meets with a slower-moving warm front. They usually result in slow, steady rains followed by thunderstorms.
The principal factors affecting the weather are _____________, ___________________________ ________, and _______________________________.
The principal factors affecting the weather are local winds, global temperature changes, and the Coriolis effect.
Why is the Northern Hemisphere in winter when the earth is closest to the sun?
The reason the Northern Hemisphere is in winter when the earth is closest to sun is due to the axial tilt of the earth, causing the sun to heat the Southern Hemisphere more efficiently than the Northern Hemisphere; despite the fact that the earth as a whole gets more energy during this time.
Unusually large, upward-moving wind currents can produce huge, towering ___________________ that most people call "thunderclouds." Cirrus clouds are composed of ___ instead of liquid water. Precipitation-producing stratus clouds are typically called _________________. Clouds that look like part cirrus/part cumulus clouds are called ______________________, while clouds that look a bit like cumulus clouds but are formed where stratus clouds normally formed are called _________________. Finally, some clouds have the feathery appearance of cirrus clouds, but they form flat layers like that of stratus clouds and are called ____________________.
Unusually large, upward-moving wind currents can produce huge, towering cumulonimbus clouds that most people call "thunderclouds." Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals instead of liquid water. Precipitation-producing stratus clouds are typically called nimbostratus. Clouds that look like part cirrus/part cumulus clouds are called cirrocumulus clouds, while clouds that look a bit like cumulus clouds but are formed where stratus clouds normally formed are called stratocumulus clouds. Finally, some clouds have the feathery appearance of cirrus clouds, but they form flat layers like that of stratus clouds and are called cirrostratus clouds.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is the current condition of the air in a certain location, while climate is the general condition of a region or planet that can be expected most of the time.
When a cold front moves in, ____________ clouds are usually formed by the warm air ________ in response to the cold air mass. The temperature in the region tends to ________. Cold fronts generally carry the most _______ weather system, including thunderstorms.
When a cold front moves in, cumulonimbus clouds are usually formed by the warm air rising in response to the cold air mass. The temperature in the region tends to drop. Cold fronts generally carry the most violent weather systems, including thunderstorms.
When a warm front moves in, the warm air tends to _____ above the cooler air that was in the region. This usually causes a progression of clouds from cirrus to ____________ to stratus to _____________, which generally heralds a _____ and ______ rain as well as ________ temperatures.
When a warm front moves in, the warm air tends to move above the cooler air that was in the region. This usually causes a progression of clouds from cirrus to cirrostratus to stratus to nimbostratus, which generally heralds a long and peaceful rain as well as higher temperatures.
Suppose the earth's orbit around the sun were circular rather than elliptical. If that were true, the earth would always be the same distance from the sun. Under these conditions, would there still be seasons?
Yes, there would still be seasons. Remember, the most important factor in the seasons is the earth's axial tilt. That determines when a hemisphere is pointed at the sun or away from the sun, which determines winter and summer. If the earth's orbit were perfectly circular, the dates for the season changes would be different, however.
In less than a day, dark cumulonimbus clouds form and unleash a thunderstorm that lasts only a few hours. After the thunderstorm is over and the sky clears, do you expect cooler or warmer temperatures as compared to the temperature before the clouds began forming?
You would expect cooler temperatures because this weather pattern is caused by a cold front.
