Meteorology

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Meteorology Noun

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[mee-tee-uh-rol-uh-jee]

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Meteorology

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The scientific study of the Earth's atmosphere, including its phenomena, especially those of weather and weather forecasting.

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Example: This diagram shows the layers of the atmosphere, a key structure studied in meteorology, indicating where phenomena like weather, meteors, and auroras occur.

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Numerical Weather Prediction Noun

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[noo-mer-i-kuhl weth-er pri-dik-shuhn]

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Numerical Weather Prediction

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A forecasting method using mathematical models of the atmosphere and powerful computers to predict weather based on current conditions.

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Example: This diagram shows how Numerical Weather Prediction divides the atmosphere into a 3D grid of boxes to calculate and forecast future weather conditions.

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Meteorologist Noun

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[mee-tee-uh-rol-uh-jist]

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Meteorologist

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A scientist who studies atmospheric science and uses scientific principles to explain, understand, observe, or forecast Earth's atmospheric phenomena.

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Example: This weather map shows the tools a meteorologist uses, like high (H) and low (L) pressure systems and weather fronts, to analyze and forecast weather.

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Mathematical Model Noun

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[math-uh-mat-i-kuhl mod-l]

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Mathematical Model

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A description of a system using mathematical concepts and language, used to simulate the behavior of the atmosphere.

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Example: This weather map is a mathematical model. It uses symbols and lines to visually represent complex weather data, like air pressure, helping meteorologists understand and predict weather patterns.

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Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muhs-feer]

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Atmosphere

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The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another planet, which is retained by the body's gravity and where weather occurs.

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Example: This diagram shows the Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases, primarily composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases.

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Altitude Noun

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[al-ti-tood]

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Altitude

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The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level, a key variable in atmospheric models.

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Example: This diagram shows that as altitude increases from sea level to a mountain top, the air becomes thinner and the atmospheric pressure decreases.

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Forecast Noun

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[fawr-kast]

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Forecast

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A prediction or estimate of future events, especially of a particular trend or the future weather conditions.

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Example: This 7-day weather chart is a forecast, predicting future weather conditions like temperature, sun, clouds, and rain for each day of the week.

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Hurricane Noun

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[hur-i-keyn]

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Hurricane

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A large rotating storm with high-speed winds that forms over warm waters in tropical areas, featuring a low-pressure center.

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Example: This cross-section diagram shows how a hurricane works: warm, moist air rises, creating a low-pressure area, while cool air descends in the calm center (eye).

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Climate Noun

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[klahy-mit]

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Climate

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The long-term average of weather, typically averaged over a period of 30 years, in a specific region.

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Example: This diagram shows the greenhouse effect, a key factor in determining climate. Incoming sunlight warms the Earth, and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of this heat, creating a warming effect that shapes our planet's long-term weather patterns.

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Isobar Noun

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[ahy-suh-bahr]

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Isobar

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A line on a map or chart connecting points having the same atmospheric pressure at a given time or period.

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Example: This weather map shows isobars, which are lines that connect places with the same air pressure, helping to identify high and low-pressure weather systems.