Weather and Climate Ch.1-3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is wind?

The movement of air caused by differences in air pressure.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The apparent curving of the path of a moving object from an otherwise straight path due to the Earth's rotation.

What are polar easterlies?

Prevailing winds that blow from east to west between 60 degrees and 90 degrees latitude in both hemispheres.

What are westerlies?

Prevailing winds that blow from west to east between 30 degrees and 60 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

What are trade winds?

Prevailing winds that blow northeast from 30 degrees north latitude to the equator and that blow southeast from 30 degrees south latitude to the equator. Signup and view all the answers

What is a jet stream?

A narrow belt of strong winds that blow in the upper troposphere. Signup and view all the answers

Why does warm air rise and cold air sink?

Because warm air is less dense. Signup and view all the answers

What are pressure belts?

Pressure belts are bands of high and low pressure that are found about every 30 degrees of latitude. Signup and view all the answers

What causes winds?

Winds are caused by the unequal heating of the Earth's surface, which causes pressure differences. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect affect wind movement?

The Coriolis effect causes winds to appear to be deflected to the east or west depending on the direction that the winds are traveling in each hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

How are sea and land breezes similar to mountain and valley breezes?

Both types of breezes result from pressure differences caused by unequal heating of materials. Signup and view all the answers

Would there be winds if the Earth's surface were the same temperature everywhere?

Probably not because the unequal heating of the Earth's surface causes winds. Signup and view all the answers

In the Northern Hemisphere, why do westerlies flow from the west but trade winds flow from the east?

Both winds are affected by the Coriolis effect. In the Northern Hemisphere, the westerlies travel in a northerly direction and appear to be deflected to the northeast, while trade winds blow in a southerly direction and appear to be deflected to the southwest. Signup and view all the answers

How might a local wind help you find the ocean during the daytime?

During the day, a sea breeze is caused by cooler air over the water moving toward the land, so walking toward the sea breeze would lead you to the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wind and Air Movement

Wind is the movement of air caused by differences in air pressure.
Winds are influenced by the unequal heating of the Earth's surface, creating pressure differences.

Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis effect results in the apparent curving of a moving object's path due to Earth's rotation.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes winds to curve to the right; in the Southern Hemisphere, winds curve to the left.

Types of Prevailing Winds

Polar Easterlies: Winds blow from east to west between 60 degrees and 90 degrees latitude in both hemispheres.
Westerlies: Prevailing winds from west to east between 30 degrees and 60 degrees latitude.
Trade Winds: Blow northeast from 30 degrees north to the equator and southeast from 30 degrees south to the equator.

Jet Stream

A jet stream is a narrow belt of strong winds located in the upper troposphere, influencing weather patterns.

Air Density and Movement

Warm air rises because it is less dense, while cold air sinks as it is denser.

Pressure Belts

Pressure belts are bands of high and low pressure found about every 30 degrees of latitude, affecting wind patterns.

Breeze Formation

Sea and land breezes, as well as mountain and valley breezes, result from pressure differences due to unequal heating of surfaces.

Impact of Temperature Uniformity

If the Earth's surface temperature were uniform, there would likely be no winds, as winds require temperature gradients to form.

Direction of Wind Flow

In the Northern Hemisphere, westerlies travel in a northerly direction and are deflected northeast, while trade winds travel southerly and are deflected southwest due to the Coriolis effect.

Locating the Ocean with Local Winds

During the daytime, a sea breeze occurs due to cooler air over water moving toward land; following the direction of the sea breeze can help reach the ocean.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 1 to 3 of Weather and Climate. Learn essential terms like wind, the Coriolis effect, and polar easterlies. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of atmospheric phenomena.