Weather Patterns Flashcards
Convection current
Gasses and liquids rise and fall in a circular pattern.
Sea breeze
The sun warms the land and air above it more quickly than the water along the shore.
Coriololis effect
The rotation of the earth causes objects in the northern hemisphere deflect to the left and objects in the Southern Hemisphere to deflect to the right.
Jet stream
A band of curving wind caused by differences in temperature.
Trade winds
Winds that blow towards the equator.
Doldrums
A spot near the equator where there are very few winds.
Polar easterlies
Winds that blow east to west and are found near the poles.
Prevailing winds
Winds that blow away from the equator and bring warm air to the poles.
Prevailing westerlies
Winds that blow west to east and are found over the east coast of the US.
Land breeze
At night the land and air above it cool more quickly making the water temperature warmer than the land.
Gulf Stream
Brings warm air to the east coast of the US.
El Niño
A band of warm ocean temperatures that develop off the coast of South America.
La Niña
A band of cold ocean temperatures that develop off the coast of South America.
