Mesoscale Meteorology Flashcards
6 cards from real AMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mesoscale Meteorology flashcards as text
What type of mesoscale convective system organizes into a line of thunderstorms?
Answer: Squall line
A squall line is a linear band of convective storms organized by wind shear, often producing widespread damaging winds.
A supercell thunderstorm is distinguished by what primary feature?
Answer: A persistent, deep rotating updraft (mesocyclone)
Supercells are defined by a deep, persistent rotating updraft called a mesocyclone, which enables long-lived, organized severe convection.
What is a Mesoscale Convective Complex (MCC)?
Answer: A large, long-lived organized convective system with a circular cold cloud shield
An MCC is a large, nearly circular mesoscale convective system defined by specific cloud shield area and duration criteria in IR satellite imagery.
Sea and land breezes are primarily driven by what mechanism?
Answer: Differential heating between land and water surfaces
Sea and land breezes result from differential heating — land warms faster than water during the day, creating a pressure gradient that drives onshore flow.
What radar feature indicates a strong rotating updraft in a supercell?
Answer: Mesocyclone signature (Doppler couplet)
A mesocyclone signature on Doppler radar shows a couplet of approaching and receding velocities indicating rotation in a thunderstorm updraft.
What is a derecho?
Answer: A widespread, long-lived wind storm produced by a fast-moving convective system
A derecho is a widespread, damaging straight-line wind event produced by a fast-moving convective system extending at least 400 km.