Terms Flashcards
Define Air mass
Large body of air having the same moisture and temperature conditions throughout
Define prevailing winds
When’s that are most commonly found in the area EX. Canada winds are the westerlies
Define polar front
Stormy boundary between Cold, dry polar air, and warm moist tropical air
Define jet stream
West to east movement of air in the mid-latitude flowing at speeds of up to 4000 km/h at an altitude of between 8000 and 15,000 m
Define condensation
Process whereby water vapor is cooled and changes from an invisible gas to liquid water. Condensed vapor is what forms clouds
Define dewpoint
Temperature in which condensation occurs
Define saturated
The air is so full of water vapor that it is not able to hold any more water at that temperature
Define maritime climate
Climate type that is strongly influenced by the closeness of an ocean or other large body of water. The annual temperature range tends to be small and precipitation high
Define moderating effect
Affect the large bodies of water have on the climate over nearby land areas. Winter temperatures are warmer and summer temperatures are cooler than areas located away from large bodies of water. The result is a small annual temperature range