Flashcard : Fronts and Severe Weather

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground, characterized by a funnel shape and capable of causing significant destruction.

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 and capable of producing strong winds and heavy rain.

Front

What conditions are necessary for tornado formation?

Back

Tornadoes typically form in conditions of warm, moist air at the surface, cold, dry air aloft, and strong wind shear.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler mass of air that replaces a warmer mass, often associated with thunderstorms and severe weather.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is the leading edge of a warmer mass of air that replaces a cooler mass, typically bringing gradual increases in temperature and precipitation.

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 resulting in precipitation.

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 rainy weather.

Front

What type of severe weather is associated with cold fronts?

Back

Cold fronts are often associated with severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Front

What safety measures should be taken during a tornado?

Back

During a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy building or lay low in a ditch if no shelter is available.

Front

When do hurricanes typically occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

Hurricanes typically occur in the Northern Hemisphere between June and November.