204 questions and answers in this section

Natural Sciences » Meteorology

Explain why the sun is essential to the water cycle.

Explain why the sun is essential to the water cycle.

The sun acts as the main engine of the water cycle, thanks to its thermal energy. Specifically, it heats the oceans, lakes, and rivers, transforming...

Read full answer

Explain why the sun sets in the west?

Explain why the sun sets in the west?

The Earth rotates on its axis, completing a full rotation from west to east in nearly 24 hours. This rotation explains why the sun appears...

Read full answer

Explain why clouds appear white?

Explain why clouds appear white?

When sunlight strikes a cloud, it encounters countless tiny water droplets. Each droplet acts a bit like a mini reflective sphere: it reflects light in...

Read full answer

Explain why meteorologists use satellites to forecast the weather.

Explain why meteorologists use satellites to forecast the weather.

Weather satellites orbit the Earth all day long, continuously monitoring the entire planet. From their vantage point hundreds of kilometers above, they regularly capture comprehensive...

Read full answer

Explain why do avalanches often occur after heavy snowfall?

Explain why do avalanches often occur after heavy snowfall?

Fresh snow is typically that light and fluffy layer we love for skiing, but be careful: precisely because it is light, it often contains a...

Read full answer

Explain why ice crystals can form bright halos around the moon?

Explain why ice crystals can form bright halos around the moon?

For a lunar halo to form, small ice crystals must first be suspended in the atmosphere. These crystals appear up there, at an altitude of...

Read full answer

Explain why do avalanches more frequently occur in the late afternoon?

Explain why do avalanches more frequently occur in the late afternoon?

During the day, the sun warms the surface of the snowpack, leading to a gradual melting of the snow on the surface. As a result, the upper...

Read full answer

Explain why heat can create mirages on roads?

Explain why heat can create mirages on roads?

Light travels through the air at a certain speed. This speed varies slightly depending on the temperature of the air, because warm air is less...

Read full answer

Explain why frost can damage crops in agriculture?

Explain why frost can damage crops in agriculture?

When it freezes, it's mainly the water present in the cells of plants that poses a problem. It turns into ice crystals, and these crystals...

Read full answer

Explain why snow can sometimes melt before even touching the ground.

Explain why snow can sometimes melt before even touching the ground.

When snow passes through certain layers of very dry air, it can go directly from a solid state to a gaseous one without even bothering...

Read full answer