Name:______________________________________________Date:__________________Block:______
Meteorology Exam #4 Review Sheet
Chapters 8, 9 and 10 (questions with a ** indicate an essay question)
Chapter 8- Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
1. What is the difference between a watch and a warning? What safety measures should you
take in each?
2. Briefly describe the 3 stages of a thunderstorm. See page 181 for help. Make sure to
understand updrafts/downdrafts for each stage.
3. Define the terms updraft, downdraft, microburst and supercell.
4. What is hail? Why is some hail “pea-sized” and other hail can be golf ball-sized?
**5. Explain the formation of lightning. In your description, make sure to use the terms stepped leader
and return stroke. See page 193 for help.
**6. Describe at least three things you should do in a lightning storm to stay safe. Include indoor and
outdoor examples.
Name:______________________________________________Date:__________________Block:______
7. Briefly describe the ingredients needed to make a tornado.
8. What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale? Compare an EF0 tornado with an EF5.
9. Where is Tornado Alley located? List at least 3 states located in Tornado Alley.
10. A tornado is headed for your neighborhood. What should you do to stay safe?
Chapter 9- Mesoscale Weather
11. What is mesoscale weather? Give an example.
12. Compare and contrast the Santa Ana winds with the Chinooks. Where are they? What sort of
weather do they bring?
13. How does weather cause fires to start? How can weather cause fires to end?
14. What is a squall line? What is a derecho?
Name:______________________________________________Date:__________________Block:______
15. What is a winter warm front? What sort of weather can occur? Why are these fronts so
dangerous?
Chapter 10- Tropical Cyclones
16. Explain anything you know about Hurricane Katrina, including when, where and how it
happened. Why was the damage so great from this particular storm?
17. In which ocean would you find the following storms: hurricane, cyclone, typhoon?
18. What is the difference between a tropical depression, tropical storm and a tropical cyclone?
19. Explain how latent heat causes a tropical cyclone (hurricane) to increase in strength.
20. Draw a top-view of a hurricane and label the following: eye, eyewall, rain bands.
**21. Describe at least 4 ways a hurricane can cause damage. Do not just rely on wind.
22. Explain why a hurricane’s category (1-5) is not always a good indicator of the damage it can
do.