Test 3

Question 1

What are source regions?

Answer 1

1. Latitude P = Polar T = Tropical
2. Underlying Surface m = maritime c = continental

Question 2

Geostrophic wind

Answer 2

An upper level wind that flows parallel to the isobars

Question 3

When we reach geostrophic conditions

Answer 3

The Coriolis force is equal to the pressure gradient force

Question 4

Two main jet streams

Answer 4

PFJ (polar front jet) and STJ (sub tropical jet)

Question 5

PFJ

Answer 5

Is variable in character, Strength varies daily, weekly, seasonally, Position varies daily, Controls surface weather, Controls movement of surface pressure cells

Question 6

STJ

Answer 6

Is not seasonal in nature, Geographically stable
Meteorologically less important, but, climatologically important (linked to position of STH)

Question 7

Jet streams length

Answer 7

Thousands of miles long, hundreds of miles wide, only a few miles thick

Question 8

Jet streams location

Answer 8

Located between 9000m and 15000m (roughly 30-50 thousand feet)

Question 8

Jet stream speed

Answer 8

Average wind velocity 75mph, can exceed 250mph (60 knots is threshold for classification)

Question 9

Jet streams form

Answer 9

In zones of maximum thermal and pressure gradients at top of troposphere

Question 10

Polar Front Jet Stream

Answer 10

Strongest in winter, weakest in summer,
Shifts equator ward in winter, poleward in summer

Question 11

Air masses form

Answer 11

Over thermal characteristics from source regions

Question 12

4 main air masses

Answer 12

cP – continental Polar
mP – maritime Polar
mT – maritime Tropical
cT – continental Tropical

Question 13

Air masses size

Answer 13

Size: subcontinental (~1000 km diameter)
Size vertical: from surface through troposphere