Climate Flashcards
shortwave radiation
high energy, short wavelength radiation given from the sun
longwave radiation
low energy, long wavelength radiation given from cooler objects such as the earth
PAR(photosynthetically active radiation)
range of wavelengths that plants use as source of energy during photosynthesi
Greenhouse effect
return of earth emitted radiation radiation to the earth due to atmosphere
ozone layer
thin layer of O3 molecules that encircle the earth of an altitude between 15-25 km adiabatic cooling- change in temperature of a gas due to change in pressure of a gas
solstice
earth’s tilt either furtherst or closest to the sun
equinox
no tilt away/towards the sun
Law of angular momentum
quantity that represents the product of a body’s rotational inertia and rotational velocity about a particular axis
Coriolis effect
tendency for any moving body to drift sideways from its course due to earth’s rotation
equatorial low
low pressure region at the equator where the trade winds meet
Hadley Cells
large cell of circulating air formed be infared radiation at the earths surface causing warm air to rise and the rising air cools and falls back to the surface
subtropical high
high pressure zone formed by descending cool air at intersection ferrel and hadley cells
westerlies
air current flowing towards the poles from the subtropical high
trade winds
Tropical easterly winds that blow in a steady direction from the subtropical high pressure areas to the equatorial low pressure areas; north east in northern hemisphere, southeast in Southern Hemisphere
polar easterlies
air current flowing from poles towards the equator; pushed right due to coriolis effect
evaporation
transformation of water from liquid to gas
condensation
transformation of water vapor to a liquid
ocean gyres
giant circular water motions found in the oceans; moves clockwise in northern hemisphere, counterclockwise in southern hemisphere
Intertropical convergence zone
the boundary between NE and SE trade winds characterized by high precipitation (moves seasonally)
rain shadow
phenomenon of less precipitation on the leward side of a mountain
El Nino Southern Oscillation
periodic lack of cold water upwelling disrupts air circulation over pacific, increases rainfall over americas, droubt over tropical islands around pacific ocean
rainshadow effect
winds carry moist air up mountain range which causes the air to cool, expand, and fall as precipitation, The leward side of the mountain, dry air descends picking up any moisture creating desert conditions
microclimates
climate on a very local scale that differs from general climate of the area
weather
precipitation, temperature, wind, fog, snow, humidity, clouds; environmental conditions on a short term basis
climate
long term environmental conditions in a defined area
