Atmosphere weeks 7 to 12

• What are the different scales of wind?

  There are various scales of wind.
• What is the ultimate cause of wind?

  Differential heating causes wind.
• What models were looked at for global wind circulation?

  Single cell and three cell models.
• What is the link between global circulation and precipitation patterns?

  Global circulation affects global precipitation patterns.
• What effect does the Jet Stream have on the UK?

  The Jet Stream influences UK weather patterns.
• What are the two types of storms mentioned?

  Frontal storms and convective storms.
• What is the definition of a storm?

  • A violent atmospheric disturbance
  • Associated with energy transfer
  • Can be dangerous or beneficial
  • Short-lived (max 3-4 days)
  • Defined as cyclones around low pressure
• What is the energy source for frontal storms?

  A horizontal temperature gradient provides energy.
• When do frontal storms usually occur?

  During the cold season with temperature differences.
• What is the energy source for convective storms?

  The release of latent heat is the energy source.
• What conditions are needed for air mass thunderstorms?

  Warm, humid air in an unstable environment.
• What characterizes severe thunderstorms?

  Winds faster than 93 km/h or large hailstones.

  
• What is the lifespan of air mass thunderstorms?

  They are short-lived, lasting about 2 hours.
• What is lightning?

  A discharge of electricity in thunderstorms.
• How hot can lightning heat the air?

  Up to 30,000 degrees Celsius.
• What causes thunder?

  Extreme heating of air causes a shock wave.
• How does a mid-latitude cyclone form?

  From disturbances along the polar front.
• What is the typical diameter of mid-latitude cyclones?

  Diameters often exceed 1000 kilometers.
• What happens during the warm front passage of a mid-latitude cyclone?

  Drizzle and rain start to fall from clouds.
• What occurs in the cold sector ahead of a depression?

  High cirrus clouds may occur in streaks.
• What happens after the cold front passes over?

  Heavy rain ends and pressure rises steadily.
• What is a storm surge?

  A change in sea level caused by a storm.
• What causes storm surges?

  High winds and low pressure at the storm's center.

  
• What is the typical wind speed of mid-latitude cyclones?

  Wind speeds around 60 km/h are typical.
• What is the typical sequence of weather changes during a mid-latitude cyclone?

  Cold sector, warm front, warm sector, cold front.
• What happens during the occlusion stage of a mid-latitude cyclone?

  The warm air rises and cools completely.
• What is the role of latent heat in thunderstorms?

  It provides energy for storm development.
• What is the difference between air-mass thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms?

  Severe thunderstorms have stronger winds and hail.
• What is the typical lifespan of severe thunderstorms?

  They can last longer than one hour.
• What is the significance of the forward flank downdraft (FFD) and rear flank downdraft (RFD)?

  They influence storm structure and intensity.
• How do hailstones form in thunderstorms?

  They form in updrafts carrying raindrops into cold areas.
• What is the relationship between lightning and thunder?

  Lightning causes thunder through rapid air expansion.
• How can the distance to a thunderstorm be estimated?

  By counting seconds between lightning and thunder.
• What are the stages of development for air-mass thunderstorms?

  Cumulus, mature, and dissipating stages.

  
• What is the typical weather in the warm sector of a mid-latitude cyclone?

  Generally fine with some stratus clouds.
• What happens to pressure and temperature during the cold front passage?

  Pressure rises and temperatures drop.
• What is the typical weather behind the cold front?

  Generally fine and cool with few showers.
• What is the typical path of mid-latitude cyclones?

  They follow the meandering path of the jet stream.
• What is the role of the polar front in mid-latitude cyclones?

  It creates disturbances that lead to cyclone formation.
• What is the significance of the occluded front in a cyclone?

  It indicates the end stage of the cyclone's life cycle.