Glossary - F |
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F fauna
All the animal life in a particular region.
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
Is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation. Source: FLASH.org
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency: An agency of the federal government having responsibilities in hazard mitigation; FEMA also administers the National Flood Insurance Program. Source: NOAA-NWS SRH
fetch
the distance the wind has blown over the sea.
fish kills
Refers to large numbers of fish being killed, usually because there is not enough oxygen in the water or because of a chemical spill. Source: US EPA
flash flooding
A flood which follows within a few hours (usually less than 6 hours) of heavy or excessive rainfall, dam or levee failure, or the sudden release of water impounded by an ice jam. This is a dangerous situation that threatens lives and property. Source: NOAA-NWS SRH
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
The official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. Source: FEMA
Florida Coastal Monitoring Program (FCMP)
A joint venture focusing on full-scale experimental methods to quantify near-surface hurricane wind behavior and the resultant loads on residential structures. Source: FCMP
fossil fuels
Organic substances, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, found underground in deposits formed from the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals. These irreplaceable fuels are used as an energy source and their burning generates carbon dioxide.
friction
The mechanical resistive force of one object on the relative movement of another object when in contact with the first object. In meteorology, friction affects the motion of air (wind) at and near the surface of the Earth. Source: NOAA-NWS
front
In meteorology, the interface or transition zone between two air masses of different density. Since air density is determined largely by air temperature, a front can also be defined as the interface or transition zone between two air masses of different temperature.
Fujiwhara effect
The tendency of two nearby tropical cyclones to rotate cyclonically about each other. Source NOAA-NHC.
funnel cloud
A rotating, cone-shaped column of air extending downward from the base of a thunderstorm but not touching the ground. When it reaches the ground it is called a tornado. Source: NOAA-NWS ERH
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