chapter 3 Flashcards
what is the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place?
weather
Weather conditions in a geographic region over a long time is called
climate
What is the measurement of heat?
temperature
Earth’s atmosphere traps heat energy in a process called
greenhouse effect
Evidence seems to show that Earth has gotten warmer in recent decades, scientists believe that process is
global warming
All centers of low pressure is called
cyclones
Some areas of the world have winds that blow from the same direction most of the time, these winds are called what?
prevailing winds
The zone along the equator is calm with no prevailing winds, this area is sometimes called what?
doldrums
When two air masses of widely different temperatures or moisture levels meet
front
When water changes from a liquid to a gas is what?
evaporation
The amount of water vapor in the air is called?
humidity
The process by which water vapor changes from a from a gas to a liquid droplets?
condensation
What effect occurs when moist air pushes against a mountain?
orographic effect
When air moves down the leeward side it warms and dries , this drier area is called?
rain shadow
Twisting spirals of air affect fairly small areas.
tornadoes
The most powerful and destructive tropical cyclones
hurricanes
In the western Pacific Ocean can create dangerously high waves
typhoons
The community of plants and animals in an area
ecosystem
This wind system, in which winds completely reverse direction and cause seasons of wet and dry weather
monsoon
Areas of tropical grasslands, scattered trees, and shrubs
savannas
Trees that lose their leaves during part of the year
deciduous forests
Trees in those forests remain green all year
coniferous forests
Permanently frozen soil
permafrost
