Meteorology

Occluded Front

A composite front formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front and forces it aloft between another cold air mass

Low Pressure System

A region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere.

High Pressure System

A region where the atmospheric pressure at the surface of the planet is greater than its surrounding environment. Winds within high-pressure areas flow outward due to the higher density air near their center and friction with land. Clear, Sunny conditions.

Trade Winds

A wind blowing steadily toward the equator from the northeast in the northern hemisphere or the southeast in the southern hemisphere. Two belts of these winds encircle the earth, blowing from the tropical high-pressure belts to the low-pressure zone at the equator.

Air Pollutant

Chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damages the natural environment into the atmosphere.

Conditions for a Tornado

Low pressure system over land. Cold high winds mix with warm moist air. High winds.

Coriolis Effect

Results from earth's rotation causing freely moving objects to veer toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. It effects things like wind, ocean currents, airplanes, missiles

La Nina

Strong trade winds over the pacific lead to upwelling of cold nutrient-rich water off the coast of south america.

Cold Front

The boundary of an advancing mass of cold air, in particular the trailing edge of the warm sector of a low-pressure system

Warm Front

The boundary of an advancing mass of warm air, in particular the leading edge of the warm sector of a low-pressure system.

Climate Change

The change in global climate patterns apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels

Atmosphere

The envelope of gases surrounding a planet.

Stratosphere

The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 32 miles (50 km) above the earth's surface (the lower boundary of the mesosphere). Contains the ozone layer.

Troposphere

The lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the earth's surface to a height of about 3.7-6.2 miles (6-10 km). 75% of air and all weather occur in this layer.

Weather

The state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere because the atmosphere allows visible radiation from the sun to enter but prevents infrared radiation from leaving. Absorption of radiation by molecules in the atmosphere.

Climate

The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period of time.

Prevailing Westerlies

The winds from the west blowing toward the east that occur in the temperate zones of the Earth (Utah).

Conditions for a Hurricane

Warm ocean water, low pressure system. High winds and intense rainfall

El Nino

Weak trade winds over the pacific lead to warm surface waters next to the west coast of South America. Often Lead to wet weather and poor fishing off the coast of South America.

Doppler Radar

a specialized type of radar that can detect precipitation as well as the movement of small particles, which can be used to approximate wind speed

Barometer

measures air pressure

Hygrometer

measures humidity in the air

Thermometer

measures temperature

Anemometer

measures wind speed

Cause of Seasons

tilt of the Earth's rotational axis away or toward the sun as it travels through its year-long path around the sun. The Earth has a tilt of 23.5 degrees. This tilt alters how direct sunlight is overhead.

Solar Energy absorbed by the atmosphere

20%

Solar Energy absorbed by Earth's Surface

50%

Air Mass

A body of air with horizontally uniform temperature, humidity, and pressure.

Stationary Front

A boundary between two different air masses, neither of which is strong enough to replace the other.

Ozone

A colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3).