GEO_Vocab_GP4_Severe Weather_Feb_13 Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in GEO_Vocab_GP4_Severe Weather_Feb_13 Deck (13)
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1
Q

thunder

A

sound waves caused when lightning strikes releasing energy which causes air to expand rapidly moving faster that the speed of sound

2
Q

tropical cyclone

A

a large rotating tropical weather system with wind speeds of at least 119 km/hr.

3
Q

thunderstorms

A

localized intense weather systems that produce thunder, lightning, strong winds and rains. Occur when warm moist air rises quickly, frequently along cold fronts, and creates cumulonimbus clouds.

3
Q

taiga (Boreal Forest)

A

are found just south of the tundra. This area experiences long cold winters an short warm summers. Conifer forests and little else grow here.

4
Q

monsoon

A

a wind reversal which causes changes in air pressure and precipitation in a particular area.

4
Q

Mediterranean climates (Chaparral)

A

cool wet winters and hot dry summers. Plants are mainly drought resistant evergreen shrubs.

5
Q

climate

A

average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time. Primarily determined by temperature and precipitation

7
Q

tornado

A

a small rotating column of air that has high wind speeds and low central pressure that touches the ground

9
Q

biome

A

a large region characterized by a specific type of climate and the plants and animals that live there

10
Q

tundra

A

a dry environment with long cold winters and short cool summers. The top layer of soil freezes during the winter and thaws during the summer and beneath this layer is constantly frozen permafrost.

11
Q

lightning

A

large electrical discharge between two oppositely charged surfaces

12
Q

severe weather

A

weather which causes property damage or harm to people.

13
Q

temperate forests

A

experience four seasons with warm summers, and cold winters, and high precipitation. Some are deciduous while others are coniferous.