Exam 3 Flashcards
Practice Questions
How do temperature differences affect air pressure and wind formation?
Temperature differences cause pressure gradients, which cause wind.
What type of motion is experienced in regions of high surface pressure?
Sinking
How does friction impact wind speed in the planetary boundary layer?
Friction reduces wind speed in the planetary boundary layer
What does the pressure gradient force indicate in atmospheric science?
The force directed from high to low pressure
What is the effect of surface friction on wind direction near the ground?
Causes the wind to cross the isobars and blow toward lower pressure
What is geostrophic wind and how is it related to pressure gradient and Coriolis forces?
Geostrophic wind results from a balance between pressure gradient and Coriolis forces
In which direction does the Coriolis force act in the Northern Hemisphere?
To the right
What is the Coriolis force and how does it affect moving objects on Earth?
An apparent force caused by Earth’s rotation that deflects moving objects
What factors determine the strength of the Coriolis force?
Earth’s rotation and latitude
What is the significance of the ITCZ in atmospheric circulation?
It is the boundary where the trade winds converge, leading to rising air and precipitation
Why are winds generally stronger over oceans compared to land areas?
Because there is less friction over oceans
What is indicated by the “H” and “L” symbols on a weather map?
High and low-pressure systems
How does energy absorption vary with latitude on Earth’s surface?
Energy absorption is highest at the equator and decreases towards the poles
What is the primary function of the Hadley Cell in global circulation?
To transport heat from the equator towards the poles
What happens to air movement in a low-pressure system according to the diagram?
Air spirals inwards and counter-clockwise
What occurs when circulations in the atmosphere are shut down?
The tropics will get too warm, generating more hurricanes
How do wind patterns differ between the surface and upper atmosphere during cyclonic conditions?
Surface winds converge and cross isobars towards low pressure, while upper-level winds flow parallel to isobars
What indicates a strong winter storm on a surface map?
Strong surface low pressure
What is the relationship between high and low-pressure systems and wind direction?
Wind moves counter-clockwise around low-pressure systems and clockwise around high-pressure systems
How do upper-air maps differ from surface weather maps?
Surface maps show surface weather patterns, while upper-air maps show upper-air patterns
What is the jet stream, and how is it formed?
Very strong winds concentrated within a narrow band in the atmosphere, formed by temperature differences
How does the rotation of the Earth affect the apparent path of moving objects, like a ball?
The Earth’s rotation causes the apparent path of moving objects to curve
What happens to air columns with different rates of expansion due to temperature differences?
They result in pressure differences along a horizontal surface
How do winds behave in the free atmosphere compared to the boundary layer?
Winds in the free atmosphere blow parallel to isobars, while winds in the boundary layer cross isobars
