Chapter_09_Small_Scale_and_Local_Circulations Flashcards
Define microscale circulation.
Small-scale wind events like gusts, lasting seconds to minutes.
What is mesoscale circulation?
Medium-scale phenomena like thunderstorms, lasting minutes to hours.
What causes mechanical turbulence?
Physical obstructions like buildings or mountains.
Explain thermal turbulence.
Turbulence caused by surface heating, strongest midday.
How is wind direction reported?
As the direction FROM which wind originates.
What is prevailing wind?
The most frequently observed wind direction over a period.
Describe a sea breeze.
Local wind blowing from sea to land during the day due to temperature differences.
What causes Chinook winds?
Dry, warm winds descending down the leeward side of mountains.
What does an anemometer measure?
Wind speed.
Explain the difference between onshore and offshore winds.
Onshore winds blow from water to land; offshore winds blow from land to water.
