Air Pressure

A measure of the force of the air pressing down on earth.

Atmosphere

The air that surrounds the earth made up of different layers.

Barometer

Instrument used to measure air pressure

Cirrus Clouds

Feathery clouds made of ice crystals that are usually associated with fair

weather.

climate

The average of all weather conditions of an area over a long period of time.

condense

When water vapor turns back into liquid.

cumulonimbus

Tall, dense clouds associated with thunderstorms.

Cumulus clouds

Fluffy, white clouds that look like cotton balls and are usually associated

with fair weather.

evaporation

The process in which liquid water turns into gas or water vapor.

fog

Forms when condensed water floats in the air near the ground.

front

Formed when two air masses with different properties meet.

humidity

The amount of moisture in the air.

hurricane

A powerful storm originating in the ocean that brings heavy rains and

severe winds.

precipitation

The process by which water returns to the Earth, in the form of rain, snow,

etc.

Rain gauge

A straight sided container with a flat bottom used to measure rainfall.

runoff

Water from rain or snow that flows on the ground and eventually into

streams.

Stratus clouds

Thick, layered gray clouds that form blankets in the sky and are associated

with rain or snow.

temperature

Heat that can be measured in degrees Fahrenheit or Celcius.

thunder

Occurs when there is a violent expansion of air that has been heated

by lightening.

tornado

A destructive funnel shaped windstorm.

troposphere

Layer of Earth’s atmosphere where weather takes place.

Weather vane

An instrument used to measure the direction of the wind.