Interactions B/W Ocean & Atmosphere Flashcards
What is the Coriolos effect?
Due to Earths rotation wind does not follow a straight line. It curves. In northern hemisphere wind defects to the RIGHT!
What is the pressure gradient force?
The driving force of wind. HIGH pressure blows toward LOW pressure always! The larger the difference between the high and low pressure the stronger the wind. Straight line
Where is there no Coriolos effect ?
The equator
What happens when the pressure gradient force and the Coriolos effect are combined?
HIGH pressure flow outward and CLOCKWISE! LOW PRESSURE flow inward and COUNTERCLOCKWISE!
What are the three bands of global wind patterns?
The trade winds, the prevailing westerlies,the polar easterlies.
What are the trade winds?
Wind pattern located from the equator to 30 degrees latitude. Wind blows east to west. Heavily influence tropical storms and hurricanes
What are the prevailing westerlies?
Zone from 30 to 60 degrees latitude winds blow west to east. Influence tornadoes over land and post tropical storms over the ocean.
What are the polar easterlies?
Zone from 60 degrees latitude to poles. Winds blow east to west
What is the intertropical convergence zone?
A zone of low pressure circling the earth near the equator. Many regions receive extremely heavy rainfall.
Where does the ITCZ migrate to with the changing seasons?
North of the equator in summer, south of equator in winter
T/F the ITCZ greatly influences the Indian Ocean monsoon activity?
True
What are some of the impacts of the oceans on the atmosphere?
Warm water contributes to high atmospheric humidity and sea salt in coastal regions contributes to cloud formation. These regions have more rain and snow
What are two atmospheric changes that can happen due to ocean impact?
Fog banks- warm water supplies humidity and cold water causes calm air to condense
Deserts- cold water near coast can cause deserts
