Cold wave

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/cold-wave

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the meteorological event?A rapid and significant drop in air temperature within a 24-hour period
2. What is the defining parameters?Rate of temperature fall and minimum temperature achieved, relative to regional norms
3. How does a cold wave happen?Cold waves happen when big cold air from places like the Arctic moves south because the jet stream, a fast air current high in the sky, shifts and lets the cold air slip in.
4. Why do cold waves hurt crops and farmers?When the air freezes suddenly, crops like fruits and vegetables can get damaged or even die, which can make food more expensive and hurt farmers' income.

Polar Vortex: A large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles, influencing weather patterns.
Jet Stream: A narrow band of strong winds in the upper atmosphere that influences the movement of weather systems.
Cold Air Outbreak (CAO): A severe and extensive cold wave characterized by a significant drop in temperature over a broad geographical area.