Flashcard : Fronts and Severe Weather

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is a boundary between a mass of cold air and a mass of warm air, where the cold air pushes the warm air upward, often leading to stormy weather.

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground, capable of causing significant damage.

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation pattern, forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What conditions are necessary for tornado formation?

Back

Tornadoes typically form in a warm, moist environment with strong wind shear, often during severe thunderstorms.

Front

What fuels a hurricane's strength?

Back

Warm water is the primary fuel for a hurricane's strength, providing the heat and moisture needed for its development.

Front

What type of cloud is associated with severe weather?

Back

Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and tornadoes.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front is a boundary between two air masses that are not moving, 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, leading to complex weather patterns and often precipitation.

Front

How do tornadoes and hurricanes differ in terms of formation location?

Back

Tornadoes mostly form over land, while hurricanes form over bodies of water.

Front

What is the safest action to take during a tornado?

Back

During a tornado, the safest action is to lay low in a ditch or seek shelter inside a sturdy building.