1. Precipitation & Storms

2. Target #24- I can identify the different types of precipitation Any moisture that falls from the air to earth’s surface is called precipitation – Liquid form Rain – Small drops are referred to as drizzle – Northeastern colloquialism= “It’s spitting outside” – If the temperature of the rain is below 32o F, but it is still liquid, it is called freezing rain – Frozen forms Snow Sleet Hail

3. Target #25- I can summarize the two causes of precipitatio n can form Causes of precipitation – Coalescence The formation of large droplets of precipitation by the combining of smaller droplets As the droplets fall from clouds, they collide and combine with other droplets – Supercooling A condition in which a substance is cooled to below its freezing point, condensation point, or sublimation point without changing state

4. Target #26- I can state what tools scientists use to measure precipitation Meteorologists use a variety of instruments to measure precipitation – Rain gauge- measures the amount of liquid precipitation that falls – Measuring stick- measures the amount of snowfall

5. Target #27- I can list the types of severe weather Severe weather is weather that may cause property damage or loss of life – Can include: Large quantities of rain Lightning Hail Strong winds tornadoes

6. Target #28- I can describe how a heavy storm develops A heavy storm that is accompanied by rain, thunder, lightning, and strong winds is known as a thunderstorm – Develop in three stages Cumulus stage: warm, moist air rises, the water vapor condenses to form a cumulus cloud Mature stage: condensation continues as the cloud rises and becomes a dark cumulonimbus cloud – Torrential rain or hail may fall – Severe winds usually occur Dissipating stage: strong downdrafts stop the air currents from rising – The decrease of available water vapor causes the storm to die

7. Target #29- I can state how lightning & thunder forms During thunderstorms, lightning can form – Lightning occurs when clouds discharge electricity Visible as a strike of light – The released electricity heats the air, and the air expands rapidly producing thunder

8. Target #30- I can explain how Doppler radar is used to study weather patterns – Doppler Radar Measures the intensity of precipitation – Can also measure wind speed, direction, and intensity Commonly used for communicating weather forecasts Works by bouncing radio waves off rain or snow – By timing how long the wave takes to return, meteorologists can detect the location, direction of movement, and intensity of the precipitation

9. Target #31- I can state how scientists use satellite images to study weather activity Scientists can also study satellite images of weather activity – By determining the location of storms, scientist can calculate the speed of wind, the rate at which storms moving, and the direction weather is travelling – Scientist can also learn more about how storms form and the factors that influence their movement.