The Atmosphere Flashcards
What is the atmosphere and percentages?
A thin layers of gases that surround the earth. 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases
What is the line that divides the northern and the Southern Hemisphere?
The equator
What happens to the earth in the summer months?
The northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. Days are long and we receive more solar radiation
What happens to the earth in our winters?
The northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. Days are short and temperatures are low because there is little solar radiation
What is wind?
Wind is the movement of air over the surface of the earth. Wind is blown from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure
What is the Coriolanus effect?
It makes the trade winds appear to be curving to the west, regardless of whether they are traveling to the equator from the north or south
What are trade winds?
Trade winds are just the movement of air towards the equator
What are doldrums?
Doldrums are areas of calm weather. It is located at the equator.
What are prevailing westerlies?
Between 30° and 60°. Always move towards the east.
What are horse latitudes?
Found at 30° north and south of the equator. They form a belt that blows between trade winds and prevailing westerlies. They bring clear, bright weather.
What are polar easterlies?
They are located about 60° latitude in both hemispheres. These are formed when the atmosphere over the poles cools. This cool air sinks then spreads over the surface. As the air flows away from the poles, it is turned to the west by the Coriolanus effect.
What are the two main warm currents?
Gulf Stream
North Atlantic drift
What are the two cold curents?
The Labrador
The canary
Is the Labrador a hot or cold current?
Cold
Is the canary current cold or hot?
Cold
