Weather Patterns Flashcards
Convection currents
Gases or liquids rises and fall in a circular path
Sea breeze
Warm air from the land rises and the cold air from the sea sinks creating a breeze toward the land.
Land breeze
Warm air from the sea rises and the cold air from the land sinks creating a breeze towards the sea.
Coriolis effect
The rotation of the earth causes objects in the Northern Hemisphere to deflect right and objects in the Southern Hemisphere to deflect left.
Jet stream
A band of very fast moving wind caused by differences in temperature. A 10km above the ground. Moves west to east in the Northern Hemisphere and moves east to west in the Southern Hemisphere. In the U.S. We are effected by the Polar jet stream. (Cold air Canada in the U.S.)
Trade winds
Winds that blow towards the equator. Bring cold air from the poles to the tropics. Used by sailors to travel west. Gain moisture as they travel-bring tropical storms
Doldrums
A spot near the equator that has very few winds
“Trap” sailors
Prevailing winds
Winds that blow away from the equator. Bring warm air from the tropics to the poles
Prevailing westerlies
Winds that blow away from the equator. Blow WEST to EAST found over the United States
Polar easterlies
Winds that are found near the poles. Winds that move EAST to. WEST.
El Niño
Band of warm ocean temperatures that develop off the coast of South America. Cause droughts, warms up climates
La Niña
Band of cold temperatures that develop off the coast of South America. Can cause more precipitation, cools down climates
Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream brings warm air and water to the poles. East coast (Atlantic)
