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Random Weather Terminology Selections

1. Air-mass Thunderstorm
Generally, a thunderstorm not associated with a front or other type of synoptic-scale forcing mechanism. Air mass thunderstorms typically are associated with warm, humid air in the summer months; they develop during the afternoon in response to insolation, and dissipate rather quickly after sunset. They generally are less likely to be severe than other types of thunderstorms, but they still are capable of producing downbursts, brief heavy rain, and (in extreme cases) hail over 3/4 inch in diameter. Since all thunderstorms are associated with some type of forcing mechanism, synoptic-scale or otherwise, the existence of true air-mass thunderstorms is debatable. Therefore the term is somewhat controversial and should be used with discretion.

2. freezing level
The altitude in the atmosphere where the temperature equals 32F.

3. geostationary satellite
A satellite that rotates at the same rate as the earth, thus remaining over the same spot above the equator.

4. Cyclone
In general use the term cyclone is applied to any storm, especially violent, small scale circulations such as tornados, waterspouts, and dust devils. In meteorology, the term refers to a type of atmospheric disturbance centered around a low-pressure center that often results in stormy weather. In common practice the term cyclone, and low, are used interchangeably and are frequently referred to as storms. In the Northern Hemisphere the air rapidly circulates counterclockwise and in the Southern Hemisphere clockwise. Tropical cyclones with sustained winds above 73 miles per hour are known as hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern North Pacific (east of the date line) and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. They are known as typhoons in other areas or the world. Both mid-latitude and tropical storms serve an important function in transferring warmth away from the tropics to the poles.

5. hurricane eye
The relatively calm area in the center of the storm. In this area, winds are relatively light and the sky often is only partly covered by clouds.