Weather Patterns Flashcards
Convection current
Gases or liquids rise and fall in a circular path.
Sea breeze
This happens during the day when warm air rises from the land and cold air sinks and takes its place. This happens because cold air has more molecules and is heavier, and warm air has less molecules and is lighter.
Land breeze
This happens during the night time when warm air rises from the sea and cold air from the land sinks and takes its place.
Coriolis
The rotation of the earth causes objects in the northern hemisphere to deflect right while objects in the southern hemisphere are deflected to the left.
Jet stream
A ban of very fast moving wind caused by different in temperature. This happens about 10 kg above the ground and novels from west to east in the northern hemisphere and east to west in the southern hemisphere.
Trade winds
Winds that blow towards the equator. Bring cold air from the ones to the tropics. Used by sailors to travel west. Gain moisture as they travel and bring tropical storms.
Doldrums
A spot near the equator with very few winds. Used to trap sailors and bring humid weather.
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 from west to east. Found over the United States.
Polar Easterlies
Winds that are found near the poles and move from eat to west.
El Nino
Band of warm ocean temperatures that develop off the coast of South America. Causes droughts and warm climates.
La Nina
Band of cold ocean temperatures that develop off the coast of South America can cause more precipitation and cools down climates.
Gulf Stream
Brings warm air and water to the poles on the east coast.
