Geog 12: Answers to Friday 5, jan 10

 1.  Where is the ICTZ/intercontinental convergence zone?

-an area around the equator between the tropics that has a permanent low pressure area and includes the doldrums and the trade winds (area under hadley cells)

2.  What are the 4 main cloud types?

Stratus - Stratus means stretched out or layered.

Cirrus - Cirrus means curl, lock of hair

Cumulus - Cumulus means heap.

Nimbus - Nimbus means rain cloud, cloud burst, shower and cloud

3. Define humidity:

-refers to the amount of moisture in the air (ie. how much water vapour in a parcel of air at any given time)

4.  Name the 5 major types of storms

-thunder

-hurricanes 

-tornados

-blizzard

-frontal depression

5.  Define/explain one of these and what conditions are needed.

Storm Type	Definition	Conditions Needed for Formation
Tropical Storm	A storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, thunderstorms, and strong winds, typically forming over warm oceans.	- Warm ocean water (at least 26°C/79°F) provides energy. - High humidity in the mid to upper atmosphere. - Low vertical wind shear (weak changes in wind speed and direction with height). - A pre-existing weather disturbance, such as a tropical wave.
Thunderstorm	A localized storm with lightning, thunder, heavy rain, and sometimes hail, resulting from rapidly rising warm air.	- Warm, moist air near the surface. - Unstable atmospheric conditions. - A lifting mechanism (e.g., front, terrain, or convection) to push air upward. - Sufficient moisture to sustain cloud and precipitation development.
Tornado	A rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, with extreme winds and localized damage.	- A supercell thunderstorm with strong updrafts. - Significant wind shear (changing wind speed/direction with height). - A triggering mechanism, such as a cold front. - Presence of moist, warm air colliding with cooler, drier air.
Winter Storm	A storm with heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain, often associated with cold temperatures and strong winds.	- Cold air near the surface. - Abundant moisture (often from a nearby body of water or atmospheric rivers). - A lifting mechanism, such as a low-pressure system or front.
Hurricane	An intense tropical storm with sustained winds of 74 mph or more, forming over warm ocean waters and causing widespread damage.	- Sea surface temperatures of at least 26°C (79°F). - High levels of moisture in the troposphere. - Low vertical wind shear. - A disturbance to initiate the system, like a tropical wave.