Valid Time Event Code
The Valid Time Event Code (VTEC) is a code used primarily by the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States to indicate the validity period of specific weather warnings, watches, or advisories. It is part of a system to communicate critical weather information effectively, especially during severe weather events. The VTEC consists of a specific format that includes the phenomenon type (e.g., tornado, flood), the area affected, and the start and end times of the event.
Weather whiplash
"Weather whiplash" refers to rapid and extreme fluctuations in weather conditions over a relatively short period of time. This phenomenon can involve sudden transitions from extreme heat to extreme cold, heavy rainfall to drought, or vice versa. Such drastic changes can have significant impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, water supply, and infrastructure. The term is often discussed in the context of climate change, as increased variability in weather patterns is one of the expected consequences of shifting climate conditions.
Hessdalen lights
The Hessdalen Lights are a series of unexplained lights that appear in the Hessdalen valley in Norway. They have been observed for several decades, with sightings dating back to the early 1980s. The lights are often described as bright, glowing orbs that can change color and move in unpredictable ways. They typically appear in various forms, including stationary lights, lights that move horizontally or vertically, and lights that seem to pulse or flicker.
Microcrystalline wax
Microcrystalline wax is a type of synthetic wax produced from the refining of crude oil. It is different from other forms of wax, such as paraffin wax, due to its finer crystalline structure and its characteristics of being more flexible, adhesive, and moisture-resistant. **Key properties of microcrystalline wax include:** 1. **Composition**: It consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is typically more refined than paraffin wax.
Montan wax
Montan wax is a natural wax that is derived from lignite, a precursor to coal. It is primarily composed of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols. Montan wax is obtained by extracting and refining the lignite through processes such as solvent extraction and hydrolysis. This wax is known for its unique properties, including high melting points, resistance to heat and chemicals, and excellent gloss and hardness.
Moustache wax
Mustache wax is a grooming product specifically designed to style and shape mustaches. It typically comes in a small tin or jar and is made from a blend of natural waxes, such as beeswax and lanolin, along with oils and sometimes fragrances. The primary purpose of mustache wax is to provide hold, allowing the user to mold the mustache into various styles—like curls, twists, or other shapes—while helping to tame unruly hairs.
Oiticica oil
Oiticica oil, also known as Oiticica oil or Oiticica nut oil, is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the Oiticica tree (Licania rigida), which is native to Brazil and other parts of South America. The oil is known for its rich content of fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, which contribute to its emollient and moisturizing properties.
Ski wax
Ski wax is a specialized substance applied to the base of skis and snowboards to enhance their performance on snow. It reduces friction between the snow and the ski or snowboard, allowing for smoother gliding and improved speed. Ski wax can also provide better control and stability during turns. There are different types of ski wax, categorized primarily into two groups: 1. **Glide Wax**: Used to optimize the glide of skis and snowboards on snow.
Spermaceti
Spermaceti is a waxy substance found in the head of sperm whales, specifically in the spermaceti organ, which is located in the whale's forehead. The substance is composed primarily of triglycerides and was historically valued for its properties, including its high viscosity and ability to remain stable under varying temperatures. Spermaceti has been used in a variety of applications, including: 1. **Lighting**: It was used in candles and oil lamps due to its clean-burning properties.
Surfboard wax
Surfboard wax is a specialized wax applied to the top surface of a surfboard to provide grip and traction for surfers. When surfers paddle out or ride a wave, the wax helps prevent their feet from slipping off the board, allowing for better control and maneuverability. Surfboard wax comes in various formulations and hardness levels, typically categorized by water temperature. For example, warmer water wax is softer and stickier, while colder water wax is harder and less tacky.
Wax carving
Wax carving is a sculpting technique that involves creating three-dimensional designs from wax. This method is commonly used in various applications, including jewelry making, model making, and in the preparation of objects for metal casting. In jewelry making, artisans use wax to create detailed patterns and shapes that are later cast in metal using the lost-wax casting process.
Wax fire
"Wax fire" often refers to a specific type of fire that can occur in environments where flammable wax is present, such as candle-making or candle-burning scenarios. It can also sometimes refer to incidents involving wax or waxy substances catching fire, primarily due to heat sources or improper handling. In a more general sense, wax is a combustible material, and if it reaches its flash point, it can ignite.
Fermi's interaction
Fermi's interaction refers to the fundamental weak nuclear force that governs the interactions of elementary particles, particularly those involving leptons (like electrons and neutrinos) and quarks. This interaction is largely described within the framework of the electroweak theory, which unifies the electromagnetic force and the weak nuclear force. The term "Fermi interaction" is often associated with Enrico Fermi, who made significant contributions to the understanding of weak interactions in the early 20th century.
Renaissance Wax
Renaissance Wax is a micro-crystalline wax used primarily for protecting and preserving a variety of surfaces, including metal, wood, leather, and stone. It is known for its ability to provide a thin, protective layer that helps prevent tarnishing, corrosion, and other forms of deterioration, while also enhancing the appearance of the surface it's applied to.
Astrometeorology
Astrometeorology is a branch of science that combines principles from astronomy and meteorology to study the atmospheric conditions of celestial bodies, such as planets and moons, as well as the impact of these conditions on astronomical observations from Earth.
Brown Mountain lights
The Brown Mountain Lights are a phenomenon observed in the Brown Mountain area of North Carolina, near Morganton. These lights are mysterious glowing orbs that appear in the night sky, often described as white, yellow, or orange in color. They are typically reported to float or dart around in the distance, and their origins remain unexplained. Various theories have been proposed regarding the lights, including atmospheric effects, geological activity, and even supernatural explanations.
Cabañuelas
Cabañuelas is a traditional weather forecasting method used mainly in some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and Latin America. It involves observing weather patterns and natural phenomena during the first few days of January to predict the weather for the entire year. The practice is rooted in folklore and agricultural traditions, where seasonal weather patterns are crucial for farming and planting activities.
Cohoke Light
Cohoke Light is a historic lighthouse located on the Potomac River in Virginia, specifically in Richmond County. It was first established in 1874 to aid navigation for vessels traveling the river. The lighthouse features a hexagonal wooden structure and is notable for its distinctive lantern. Although it has been decommissioned for operational use, Cohoke Light remains a significant historical landmark and is recognized for its architectural and maritime heritage.
Ezekiel Stone Wiggins
Ezekiel Stone Wiggins is a fictional character from the American TV series "Brimstone," which aired in the late 1990s. The show revolves around Ezekiel Stone, a former police officer who is condemned to Hell for killing a suspect during a police chase. He is given a chance to redeem himself by capturing escaped souls from Hell and returning them before they can cause chaos on Earth.
Farmers' Almanac
The Farmers' Almanac is a publication that has been in circulation since 1818, known for providing long-range weather forecasts, gardening and planting advice, recipes, and various articles related to rural living and home remedies. It is published annually and is particularly famous for its weather predictions, which are made using a secret formula that takes into account factors such as solar cycles, climatology, and historical weather patterns.