1.1.2 Winds Flashcards
3 cells
Polar, Ferrel, Hadley caused by convectional ppt
Wind is…
the movement of air caused by uneven heating of the Earth
Wind features are called…
aeolian landforms, processes and impacts
Winds are created by…
differences in pressure
A front is…
the boundary between two air masses with different temperature and humidity
Prevailing winds…
blow from a specific direction over a specific area of Earth
Areas where prevailing winds meet…
= convergence zones
Generally prevailing winds are…
E - W because of Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect)
Wind systems twist…
Counter clockwise in N.H & clockwise in S.H
Geostrophic winds
travel along the edges of high P or low P systems
5 wind zones:
polar easerlies, westerlies, horse latitudes, trade winds, doldrums
Polar easterlies…
blow from E from high P at Poles (polar highs) to low P in sub-polar regions
Westerlies
blow from W at mid-latitudes (temperate zone). Fed by polar easterlies and horse latitudes either side. Strongest in winter when P at poles is lower.
Westerlies have a large impact on…
ocean currents especially in SH
Horse latitudes…
narrow zone 30-35* N and S between westerlies and trade winds. Contain many deserts. Light
Trade winds…
Blow from E across tropics. Predictable. Fuelled trade.
Continental trade winds v maritime trade winds
drier and warmer
Trade winds meeting causes…
tropical storms
Doldrums
Inter tropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Weak winds and calm weather. Low pressure system. Partly responsible for monsoons
Jet stream…
high speed, strong geostrophic winds in upper atmosphere (stratosphere). Used by jet planes.
Meeting of Ferrel and Hadley cell…
high pressure causes unstable weather moved by jet-stream
