Weather on Earth

The International Space Station orbits in the thermosphere, which is the layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere and below the exosphere.

The atmosphere is the envelope of gases surrounding the Earth, held in place by gravity.

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above a given point. It acts in all directions.

On standard weather maps, a rain drop symbol is the conventional icon used to represent precipitation or rain.

On weather radar maps, colors indicate intensity. Red (and sometimes purple) typically represents the highest intensity of precipitation, such as heavy rain or severe storms.

A blizzard is defined by low temperatures, strong winds (usually over 35 mph), and heavy blowing snow that reduces visibility.

Hurricanes are massive, rotating storm systems that cover large areas and release immense amounts of energy, making them the most powerful type of storm.

A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere and weather patterns to make forecasts.

Sprites are transient luminous events that occur high in the atmosphere above thunderstorms. Lightning and bolts are electrical discharges that occur within or between clouds and the ground.

Jet streams are fast-moving ribbons of air high in the atmosphere that steer weather systems across the globe. Trade winds are surface winds, and sonic booms are sound waves.

A sea breeze occurs when air moves from the cooler ocean toward the warmer land during the day. This happens because land heats up faster than water, creating a pressure difference that draws cool sea air inland. Mountain breezes involve slope movements, not sea-land dynamics.

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Hurricanes are much larger storm systems, and droughts are periods of dryness.

A weather front is the boundary or transition zone where two distinct air masses with different temperatures or moisture levels meet. These interactions often lead to weather changes.

A valley breeze occurs during the day when the sun warms the mountain slopes, causing air to rise and pull cooler air from the valley up the slope. A mountain breeze is the reverse, occurring at night.

Earth's atmosphere is composed of approximately 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and small amounts of other gases like argon and carbon dioxide.