Nor’easters & Northeast Coastal Storms Quiz
Storm tracks; coastal impacts; snow vs rain lines (10 questions).
Nor’easters & Northeast Coastal Storms Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Nor’easters are powerful extratropical cyclones that commonly impact the East Coast of North America, particularly the Northeast. These storms are notorious for their strong winds, heavy precipitation, and significant coastal impacts, making them a key focus in regional meteorology and hazard planning.
Key Concepts from the Outline
Key Takeaways
- Nor’easters are powerful extratropical cyclones forming along the East Coast.
- Their tracks are primarily influenced by the polar jet stream, guiding them parallel to the coastline.
- Coastal areas are highly vulnerable to storm surge, high waves, and extensive beach erosion from these storms.
- Heavy wet snow and strong winds are common characteristics leading to widespread power outages and travel disruptions.
- The determination of snow or rain depends critically on the atmospheric temperature profile from the surface to the clouds.
- Cold air damming against the Appalachian Mountains can trap cold air, extending snow coverage further south and inland.
- A storm’s precise track relative to the coastline significantly influences whether coastal or inland regions receive rain, snow, or mixed precipitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nor’easter?
A Nor’easter is a type of extratropical cyclone that forms along the East Coast of North America and moves northeastward, bringing strong winds and heavy precipitation, often named for the strong northeasterly winds it brings to the coastal region.
How do Nor’easters form?
They typically form when cold, dry air from Canada interacts with warm, moist air over the Atlantic Ocean, often along the polar front, leading to cyclogenesis (the development or strengthening of a cyclone).
What are the primary dangers of a Nor’easter?
The main dangers include heavy snowfall or rainfall, strong winds causing widespread power outages, coastal flooding from storm surge and high waves, and severe beach erosion, often leading to significant property damage.
Why do some Nor’easters bring snow while others bring rain?
The precipitation type (snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain) is primarily determined by the temperature profile throughout the atmosphere from the surface to the cloud tops. Subtle differences in these temperatures can drastically change the outcome, even across short distances.
What is “cold air damming” in the context of Nor’easters?
Cold air damming (CAD) occurs when a wedge of cold air, often from an arctic high-pressure system, becomes trapped against the eastern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. This phenomenon can keep surface temperatures below freezing, significantly influencing the rain/snow line and extending snow coverage during a Nor’easter.
GeoQuizzy Editorial Team is a collective of geography educators, researchers, and quiz designers dedicated to creating accurate, engaging, and exam-relevant geography content. The team focuses on physical geography, human geography, maps, landforms, climate, and world regions, transforming core concepts into interactive quizzes that support students, educators, and competitive-exam aspirants. Every quiz published on GeoQuizzy is carefully reviewed for factual accuracy, clarity, and alignment with academic curricula and standardized exams.