Meteorology and Weather Flashcards

What does a rapidly falling barometer (more than 0.06 inches per hour) typically indicate?

Answer: An approaching storm or severe weather

A rapid barometric pressure drop indicates an approaching low-pressure system, which typically brings deteriorating weather and strong winds.

A wind rotating counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere is associated with which type of pressure system?

Answer: Low pressure (cyclone)

In the Northern Hemisphere, winds rotate counterclockwise around a low-pressure (cyclonic) system due to the Coriolis effect.

What type of fog forms when warm moist air moves over colder water?

Answer: Advection fog

Advection fog forms when warm, moist air is transported over a cooler sea surface, cooling the air to its dew point and causing condensation.

The Beaufort Scale is used to measure what?

Answer: Wind force and speed

The Beaufort Scale is a numerical scale from 0 to 12 used to describe wind force and its effects on the sea surface.

What is a 'small craft advisory' issued for?

Answer: Winds 15–33 knots or seas 5–7 feet

The National Weather Service issues a small craft advisory when winds are forecast between 15 and 33 knots or seas are 5 to 7 feet, posing hazards to small vessels.

What weather phenomenon is indicated by a halo around the sun or moon?

Answer: Precipitation likely within 24–48 hours

A halo around the sun or moon is caused by ice crystals in cirrus clouds, which often precede a warm front and indicate rain within 24–48 hours.