Understanding Weather Patterns and Ocean Currents

Coriolis Effect

Water movement influenced by Earth's rotation.

Jet Stream

Strong air currents moving west to east.

Low Pressure

Atmospheric pressure lower than surrounding areas.

High Pressure

Air build-up causing increased atmospheric pressure.

Stationary Front

Stalled front with warm and cold air masses.

Cold Front

Colder air mass pushes underneath warmer air.

Warm Front

Warmer air moves over a cold air mass.

Occluded Front

Cold front catches up to warm front.

Convection Currents

Air movement caused by uneven heating.

Climate

Long-term weather patterns in a region.

Ocean Currents

Continuous flow of ocean water affecting climate.

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone formed over warm ocean waters.

Hurricane Strength

Requires warm ocean water to grow.

Hurricane Death

Weakens upon landfall due to energy loss.

Wind Formation

Air movement from high to low pressure.

Hydrosphere

System containing all of Earth's water.

Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Sun's Radiation

Transfer of thermal energy via electromagnetic waves.

Water Cycle

Continuous movement of water through different phases.

Tropical Cyclone

Rotating storm system over tropical waters.

Energy Source for Water Cycle

Sun's energy drives evaporation and precipitation.

Weather Prediction

Jet streams help forecast weather events.

Precipitation

Water released from clouds as rain or snow.

Humidity

Amount of water vapor in the air.

Storm Formation

Low pressure creates conditions for storms.

Cold Ocean Currents

Cool coastal regions despite direct sunlight.

Warm Ocean Currents

Influence local climate by warming air.

Air Density

Mass of air per unit volume affecting pressure.

Weather Systems

Patterns of atmospheric conditions affecting climate.

Typhoon

Tropical cyclone in Northwest Pacific, especially Philippines.

Air Mass

Large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity.

Cold Air Mass

High pressure area causing cooler temperatures.

Warm Air Mass

Low pressure area leading to warmer temperatures.

Trade Winds

Steady east to west winds between 30°N & 30°S.

Westerlies

Winds flowing west to east between 30°N & 60°N.

Easterlies

Cold winds blowing from the poles toward the equator.

Jet Streams

Fast flowing air currents influencing weather patterns.

Polar Jet Stream

Brings cold air and precipitation from poles.

Doldrums

Calm equatorial region with light winds.

Land Breeze

Cooler air moving from land to sea at night.

Sea Breeze

Cooler air moving from sea to land during day.

Specific Heat

Heat needed to raise temperature by 1°C.

Evaporation

Process where water turns into vapor due to heat.

Cyclone Energy Source

Warm waters provide energy for cyclones and hurricanes.

Latitude Influence

Closer to equator means warmer, more humid climate.

Elevation Influence

Higher altitude leads to cooler temperatures and precipitation.

Continental Tropical Air

Hot, dry air masses from desert regions.

Continental Polar Air

Cold, dry air masses from land areas.

Continental Arctic Air

Bitterly cold, dry air from Arctic regions.

Maritime Polar Air

Cold, humid air masses from oceans.

Maritime Tropical Air

Warm, humid air masses from tropical oceans.

Weather Map

Visual representation of atmospheric conditions.