Exosphere - The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere. It extends from the top of the thermosphere and is 6,200 miles thick. In this layer, atoms and molecules escape into space and satellites orbit the earth. Some scientists place the outer reaches of the exosphere about 120,000 miles from the earths surface, making it near the half way point to the moon.

Stratopause - The boundary or transition layer between the stratosphere and mesosphere. The stratopause is located around 30 miles above the surface of the earth.

Insolation - Insolation is the amount of solar radiation that reaches the earth and the atmosphere. The amount of insolation at a specific location varies due to the length of day and the angle of the sun. During the winter in the northern hemisphere, the shorter days compiled with the lower angle of the sun results in much lower insolation compared to what is received during the summer months.

Trowal - An acronym for "trough of warm air aloft." It is usually a similar type of frontal structure as is found in the vicinity of an occluded frontal boundary. Organized areas of precipitation can be expected in this region.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning - One is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by the WSR-88D radar imagery or via spotter reports. In order for a thunderstorm to be considered severe one or more of the following parameters must be reached: quarter sized diameter hail or larger, 58 mph or greater winds, isolated tornadoes. When a severe thunderstorm approaches people in the affected area should seek shelter immediately.

Tropical Cyclone - It's the generic term for a non-frontal large scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub-tropical waters. These systems have organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) as well as a definite cyclonic surface wind circulation. When the cyclonic winds become sustained at 40 mph they are called tropical storms. They become hurricanes when sustained winds reach 74 mph or greater.

Brontophobia - This phobia is defined as the irrational fear of thunder. For those who suffer, it creates high anxiety even though the thunder may pose no real threat to them.