Download Earth Science

Earth Science Vocabulary 2015
5.E.1
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Weather
Weather—the condition of the atmosphere at a certain time and place
Meteorologist—a scientist who studies weather and weather patterns
Temperature—a measure of how warm something is
Thermometer— a tool used to measure temperature
Precipitation—any form of water that falls from the clouds
Rain gauge—a tool used to measure the amount of rain that falls
Wind vane—a tool that shows wind direction-where the wind is coming from
Anemometer—a tool used to measure wind speed
Air pressure— the weight of the atmosphere pressing at a certain place
Barometer—a tool used to measure air pressure
Humidity—the amount of water vapor in the air
Hygrometer/Pscychrometer—a tool used to measure the amount of water vapor
Cloud—a mass of tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the air
Stratus cloud—blanket-like clouds in the lower atmosphere
Cumulus cloud—mid level clouds
Cumulonimbus cloud—cumulus clouds associated with severe weather
Cirrus cloud—high level clouds made up of ice crystals
Air mass—a large body of air with the same temperature and humidity throughout
Front—a place where two different air masses meet
Cold front—a place where a cold air mass bumps up against a warm air mass
Warm front—a place where a warm air mass meets a colder air mass and slowly rises
over it
Stationary front—a place where two air masses meet and stop moving
Occluded front—
Hurricane—a large storm that brings strong winds and heavy rain
Equator—an imaginary line that divides Earth in half horizontally
Latitude—the distance north or south of the equator
Hemisphere—one half if the Earth
Ocean currents—
Jet stream—an air current in the upper atmosphere that flows from west to east
Gulf stream—a warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean
El Nino—an unusual warming of surface water in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the
equator
La Nina—an unusual cooling of surface water in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the
equator