Module 10 Vocab Flashcards
Saturation point
The maximum amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature.
Adiabatic cooling
The cooling effect of reduced pressure on air as it rises higher in the atmosphere and expands.
Adiabatic heating
The heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks towards the surface of Earth and decreases in volume.
Latent heat release
The release of energy when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into liquid water.
Atmospheric convection current
Global patterns of air movement that are initiated by the unequal heating of Earth.
Hadley cell
A convection current in the atmosphere that cycles between the equator and 30º N and 30º S.
Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)
The latitude that receives the most intense sunlight, which causes the ascending branches of the two Hadley cells to converge.
Polar cell
A convection current in the atmosphere, formed by air that rises at 60º N and 60º S and sinks at the poles, 90º N and 90º S.
Ferrell cell
A convection current in the atmosphere that lies between Hadley cells and polar cells.
Coriolis effect
The deflection of an object’s path due to the rotation of Earth.
Rain shadow
A region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range as a result of humid winds from the ocean causing precipitation on the windward side.
