Synoptic 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 Synoptic Meteorology flashcards as text
What type of front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front?
Answer: Occluded front
An occluded front forms when the faster-moving cold front catches and lifts the warm front off the surface.
On a surface weather map, isobars that are closely spaced indicate what?
Answer: Strong pressure gradient and strong winds
Closely spaced isobars indicate a steep pressure gradient, which drives stronger winds.
What is the Bergen School cyclone model?
Answer: The Norwegian model describing extratropical cyclone life cycle
The Norwegian (Bergen School) cyclone model describes how extratropical cyclones develop, mature, and occlude.
Which surface feature is commonly found along the boundary between dry continental and moist Gulf of Mexico air in the US?
Answer: Dryline
The dryline is a moisture boundary common over the US Great Plains, separating moist Gulf air from dry continental air.
500 hPa height charts are used primarily to analyze what?
Answer: Mid-tropospheric steering flow and troughs/ridges
500 hPa charts depict mid-tropospheric flow, showing troughs, ridges, and the steering layer for weather systems.
What is a cutoff low?
Answer: An upper-level low that has separated from the main westerly flow
A cutoff low is an isolated upper-level low pressure center that has detached from the main jet stream flow.