Weather Pattrns Flashcards
Convection Current
gases or liquids that rise and fall in a circular path.
Sea Breeze
Cold air that sinks into warm air spots.
Land Breeze
Warm air that rises up and the cool air goes into it’s place.
Coriolis Effect
The rotation of the Earth causing objects in the Northern Hemisphere to deflect to the right while objects in the Southern Hemisphere are deflected to the left.
Jet Stream
A band of very fast moving wind caused by difference in temperature. About 10km above the ground. The U.S is effected by the polar Jet Stream. It moves west to east in the Northern Hemisphere. Moves east to west in the Southern Hemisphere.
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.
Doldrums
A spot near the equator with very few winds. Traps sailors!
Prevailing winds
Winds that blow AWAY FROM the equator. Brings warm air from the tropics to the poles.
Prevailing westerlies
Winds that blow away from the equator. Blows east to west, found over the U.S.
Polar easterlies
Winds that are found near the poles. Winds that move east to west.
El Niño
Warm ocean temperatures off South America. Can cause droughts warm ups climates.
La Niño
Cold ocean temperatures off South America. Can cause precipitation cools down the climate.
Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream- brings warm air and water to the poles, is on the east coast.
