Middle School Earth and Space Science : Explain what causes storms, cold fronts, and warm fronts

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

Which of the following best defines a "warm front"? 

Possible Answers:

a boundary between two different air masses, where cold air is advancing into warm air

a boundary between two different air masses, where two cold fronts cancel each other out

a boundary between two different air masses, where two warm air masses collide

a boundary between two different air masses, where cold air is retreating and warm air is advancing

Correct answer:

a boundary between two different air masses, where cold air is retreating and warm air is advancing

Explanation:

The answer is "a boundary between two different air masses, where cold air is retreating and warm air is advancing."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #1 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

What conditions are required in order for a thunderstorm to occur?

Possible Answers:

moisture and heavy clouds

moisture and lightning

moisture and differences in air pressure

moisture and heat

Correct answer:

moisture and differences in air pressure

Explanation:

The answer is "moisture and differences in air pressure."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #2 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

What happens when a storm starts to run out of updrafts?

Possible Answers:

nothing will happen to the storm

the storm will weaken

the storm will strengthen

the storm will produce lightning

Correct answer:

the storm will weaken

Explanation:

The answer is "the storm will weaken."t

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #3 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

When strong updrafts occur, what type of weather should we expect?

Possible Answers:

gentle showers

tornadoes, hail, high winds

high humidity but no rain

clear, sunny skies

Correct answer:

tornadoes, hail, high winds

Explanation:

The answer is "tornadoes, hail, high winds."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #4 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

Where do thunderstorms occur? 

Possible Answers:

where a warm front meets a cold front

where moist warm air is on the ground and cold dry air is above

all of these

where there is a difference in air pressure and high moisture

Correct answer:

all of these

Explanation:

The answer is "all of these."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #5 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

How do convection currents cause thunderstorms?

Possible Answers:

They cause warm and cold air to rise.

They cause cold air to rise and warm air to sink.

They cause warm and cold air to sink.

They cause warm air to rise and cold air to sink.

Correct answer:

They cause warm air to rise and cold air to sink.

Explanation:

The answer is "They cause warm air to rise and cold air to sink."
A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #6 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

What would a meteorologist be paying the MOST attention to if she were trying to predict whether a thunderstorm would occur?

Possible Answers:

temperature

wind chill

air pressure

dew point

Correct answer:

air pressure

Explanation:

The answer is "air pressure."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #2 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

Which of these factors are required to form both hurricanes and thunderstorms?

Possible Answers:

winds moving towards the center of the storm and warm air rising into the clouds

high temperature and high moisture content

winds moving at low speeds and a high temperature

winds moving away from the center of a storm and high moisture

Correct answer:

winds moving towards the center of the storm and warm air rising into the clouds

Explanation:

The answer is "winds moving towards the center of the storm and warm air rising into the clouds."
A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #2 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

Which of the following best describes when thunderstorms are MOST likely to occur?

Possible Answers:

Thunderstorms do not happen more often at any time of day or during any specific season.

Thunderstorms can occur year-round and at all hours. But they are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours.

Thunderstorms can happen year round but are more likely to happen in the evening and early morning hours.

Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the fall and winter months at all hours of the day.

Correct answer:

Thunderstorms can occur year-round and at all hours. But they are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours.

Explanation:

The answer is "Thunderstorms can occur year-round and at all hours. But they are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

Example Question #3 : Explain What Causes Storms, Cold Fronts, And Warm Fronts

What is a squall line?

Possible Answers:

A squall line is a group of cold fronts that occur back to back across a wide area over a short time.

A squall line is a warm front that brings temperatures to a "squall" causing record breaking heat waves.

A squall line is a group of storms arranged in a line, often accompanied by “squalls” of high wind and heavy rain.

A squall line is a sea breeze that brings cold air currents from the ocean to land, which birds often ride to shore.

Correct answer:

A squall line is a group of storms arranged in a line, often accompanied by “squalls” of high wind and heavy rain.

Explanation:

The answer is "A squall line is a group of storms arranged in a line, often accompanied by “squalls” of high wind and heavy rain."

A front represents a boundary between two different air masses, such as warm and cold air. If cold air is advancing into warm air, a cold front is present. On the other hand, if a cold air mass is retreating and warm air is advancing, a warm front exists.

Thunderstorms are caused by moisture and differences in air pressure. Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. When warm, moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is up above, convection will create unstable air currents where high pressure and low pressure systems meet. In a big thunderstorm cloud, there are now strong upward winds and downward winds happening at the same time. These are called updrafts and downdrafts. This is the most dangerous stage of the storm, when tornadoes, hail, winds and flooding can happen. Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air. But, once a storm runs out of updrafts, it starts to weaken.

 

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