Class+notes

__Natural catastrophic event__ – powerful force of nature that has a significant impact on the natural world and human civilization.

**Examples:** Hurricane Tornado Earthquake Drought Flood Mudslide/Avalanche Volcano Wild fire Tsunami

Inquiry - the act of information by experimentation. Another name for a “lab”. Meteorologist – A scientist that studies the Earth’s atmosphere Geologist – A scientist that studies the history and structure of Earth through rocks Seismologist – A scientist that studies Earthquakes Volcanologist – A scientist that studies Volcanoes

Vortex – the movement of liquids or gases in a spiral around a central axis

Eye- the relatively calm area in the center of a vortex

Steps in the scientific method: 1. Observe/problem 2. Hypothesis 3. Experiment 4. Conclusion

=**QUIZ 1**=

Barometer – instrument that measures air pressure Thermometer – instrument that measures air temperature Anemometer – instrument that measures wind speed Hygrometer – instrument that measures humidity (amount of water vapor) in the air



__Air mass__ – A body of air with the same temperature and moisture throughout Convection – the process by which heat moves through air or water (convection current)

__Front__ – the leading edge of an air mass

Condensation – The process by which water vapor changes from a gas to a liquid (CLOUDS!) Evaporation – The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas