Weather Patterns Flashcards
Convection current
Gases and liquids rise and fall in a circular path
Sea breeze
Warm air from the land rises and cold air form the sea sinks creating a breeze towards the land.
Land breeze
Warm air from the sea rises and cold air form the land sinks creating a breeze towards the sea
Coriolous effect
The rotation of earth cause 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. About 10 km above the ground. Moves west to east in the northern hemisphere and moves east west in the Southern Hemisphere. In the US.
Trade winds
Winds that blow towards the equator. Brings cold air form the poles to the tropics. used by sailors to travel west. Gains moisture as they travel, brings tropical storms
Doldrums
A spot near the equator that has very few winds.
They “trap” sailors
Prevailing westerlies
Winds that blow away front the equator. Blow WEST to EAST found over the United States
Polar easterlies
Winds that are found near the poles. Blow from WEST to EAST found over the United States
El Niño
A band of warm ocean temperatures that develop of the coast of South America. Can cause droughts, warms up weather
La Niña
A band of cold temperatures that develop off the coast of South America. Can cause more precipitation, cools down climate
Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream brings warm air and water to the poles. Located on the East Coast (Atlantic Ocean)
Prevailing winds
Winds that blow away form the equator. Brings warm air from the tropics to the poles.
