Environmental Studies: Natural Phenomena

State of the atmosphere at a given time and place with regard to temperature, air pressure (see barometer), wind, humidity, cloudiness, and precipitation.

Prediction for changes in the weather. The forecast is based on several different types of information from several sources.

Cyclone, atmospheric pressure distribution in which there is a low central pressure relative to the surrounding pressure.

Trembling or shaking movement of the earth's surface. Most earthquakes are minor tremors.

General term for the processes by which the surface of the earth is constantly being worn away.

Cloud that collects at the surface of the Earth, composed of water vapour that has condensed on particles of dust in the atmosphere. Cloud and fog are both caused by the air temperature falling below dew point.

Frost or hoarfrost, ice formed by the condensation of atmospheric water vapor on a surface when the temperature of the surface is below 32°F (0°C).

Phenomenon of the Earth's atmosphere by which solar radiation, trapped by the Earth and re-emitted from the surface as long-wave infrared radiation, is prevented from escaping by various gases (the ‘greenhouse gases’) in the air.

Tropical cyclone in which winds attain speeds greater than 74 mi (119 km) per hr.

Precipitation in liquid form.

Precipitation formed by the sublimation of water vapor into solid crystals at temperatures below freezing.

Dark, funnel-shaped cloud containing violently rotating air that develops below a heavy cumulonimbus cloud mass and extends toward the earth.

Series of catastrophic ocean waves generated by submarine movements, which may be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides beneath the ocean, or an asteroid striking the earth. Tsunamis are also called seismic sea waves or, popularly, tidal waves.

Vents or fissures in the earth's crust through which gases, molten rock, or lava , and solid fragments are discharged.

Flow of air relative to the earth's surface. A wind is named according to the point of the compass from which it blows.