Hail

Hail is a type of precipitation that consists of small, round pellets of ice. It is formed within strong thunderstorms when updrafts carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze into ice. These ice pellets can grow in size as they are repeatedly carried up and down within the storm's updrafts, eventually becoming heavy enough to fall to the ground.

Formation of Hail

1. Updrafts within a thunderstorm carry raindrops upward into the cold upper atmosphere.

2. The raindrops freeze into tiny ice particles.

3. These ice particles are then carried up and down within the storm, accumulating layers of ice and growing in size.

4. When the hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support, they fall to the ground.

Characteristics of Hail

- Hailstones can vary in size, from tiny pellets to large, golf ball-sized stones.

- They are typically round or irregularly shaped, depending on the conditions within the storm.

- Hail can cause damage to crops, vehicles, and buildings when it falls with enough force.

Study Guide

What is hail and how is it formed?
What are the characteristics of hail?
What are the potential impacts of hail?
How does hail differ from other forms of precipitation, such as snow or sleet?
What safety precautions should be taken during a hailstorm?

It's important to understand the formation, characteristics, and potential impacts of hail, as well as the safety measures to take during a hailstorm. This knowledge can help individuals and communities prepare for and respond to severe weather events involving hail.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. The Movement of Ocean Water

Study Guide

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Vocabulary/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Vocabulary/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

The resources above cover the following skills:

Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.

Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Cite evidence to explain the relationship between the hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation in a geographic area are affected by surface features and changes in atmospheric and ocean content: Relative location of mountains; Volcanic eruptions; Proximity to large bodies of water; Heat energy of ocean currents.

Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Recognize and describe the various factors that affect climate.

Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation of an area are affected by surface and ocean features: Relative location of mountains; Proximity to large bodies of water; Warm and cold ocean currents.

Recognize and describe the global effects of volcanic eruptions, greenhouse gases, and El Nino.