Chapter III Flashcards
the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place
weather
weather conditions in a region over a long time
climate
measurement of heat
temperature
the process in which earth’s atmosphere traps heat energy
greenhouse effect
the process in which earth grows warmer over a period of time
global warming
winds around centers of low atmospheric pressure
cyclones
winds that blow from the same direction most of the time
prevailing winds
areas with no prevailing winds
doldrums
zone of contact between two air masses of widely different temperatures or moisture levels
front
process by which liquid changes to a gas
evaporation
the amount of water vapor in the air
humidity
the process by which water vapor changes from a gas into liquid droplets
condensation
cooling effect that occurs when air is forced to rise over a mountain, resulting in a wetter windward side and a drier leeward side
orographic effect
a drier area on the leeward side of a mountain range
rain shadow
violent twisting spirals of air
tornadoes
the most powerful and destructive tropical cyclones
hurricanes
the term for hurricanes in the western pacific ocean
typhoons
communities of plants and animals
ecosystems
a wind system in which winds reverse direction and cause seasons of wet and dry weather
monsoon
areas of tropical grasslands, scattered trees, and shrubs
savannas
dry
arid
forests made up of trees that lose their leaves during parts of the year
deciduous forests
forests of cone-bearing evergreen trees
coniferous forests
permanently frozen soil below the ground’s surface
permafrost
