Mesoscale Meteorology Flashcards
6 cards from real AMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mesoscale Meteorology flashcards as text
What is the role of the low-level jet (LLJ) in Great Plains severe weather?
Answer: It transports moisture northward and enhances wind shear for severe thunderstorms
The nocturnal LLJ over the Great Plains advects Gulf moisture northward and creates significant low-level wind shear, supporting nocturnal convection.
Tornadogenesis in supercells is most commonly associated with what process?
Answer: Downward transport of mesocyclone vorticity to the surface
Tornadogenesis involves stretching and tilting of near-surface horizontal vorticity into the vertical, amplified by the supercell's rotating updraft.
What is the Fujita Scale (F-scale) or Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-scale) used to measure?
Answer: Tornado intensity based on wind damage indicators
The Enhanced Fujita Scale rates tornado intensity from EF0 to EF5 based on observed damage to structures and vegetation.
What is a cold pool in convective meteorology?
Answer: A pool of cold, dense air at the surface formed by evaporative cooling from precipitation
A cold pool is a dense, cool air mass at the surface created by evaporation of precipitation and downdraft air spreading from thunderstorms.
What is a heat burst in mesoscale meteorology?
Answer: Sudden warming and wind gusts at the surface caused by a precipitating downdraft descending into dry air
A heat burst occurs when a downdraft from a dying thunderstorm descends and dries adiabatically, causing sudden surface temperature spikes and gusty winds.
Which parameter best describes the potential for long-track tornadoes in supercells?
Answer: Significant Tornado Parameter (STP)
The Significant Tornado Parameter (STP) combines CAPE, LCL height, SRH, and shear to identify environments favorable for significant (EF2+) tornadoes.