Meteorology and Weather Interpretation Flashcards

What causes a temperature inversion near the surface?

Answer: Radiational cooling of the ground on clear, calm nights

Radiational cooling on clear, calm nights causes the surface to lose heat, creating a layer where temperature increases with altitude.

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) reads 'BECMG 1416 BKN010'. What does 'BECMG' mean?

Answer: Becoming (gradual change)

'BECMG' indicates conditions are expected to gradually change to the stated values within the specified time period.

Which wind shear condition is most hazardous during approach to landing?

Answer: Headwind increasing then becoming tailwind on short final

A headwind decreasing and transitioning to tailwind causes rapid airspeed loss, requiring immediate power addition to avoid stall.

What is a squall line?

Answer: A narrow band of active thunderstorms ahead of a cold front

A squall line is a line or band of active cumulonimbus cells that typically forms 50–300 miles ahead of a cold front.

At what altitude is the standard atmosphere tropopause located at mid-latitudes?

Answer: 36,000 feet MSL

The standard atmosphere tropopause at mid-latitudes is approximately 36,000 feet (11 km) MSL.

What is the primary hazard associated with flight through a microburst?

Answer: Extreme headwind-to-tailwind shear combined with a strong downdraft

A microburst produces a violent downdraft that spreads outward, creating a rapid headwind-to-tailwind transition that can exceed aircraft climb performance.

In the US, which chart depicts actual surface weather conditions including frontal positions, isobars, and station models?

Answer: Surface Analysis Chart

The Surface Analysis Chart is plotted from actual observations and shows current fronts, pressures, and station data.