Air Pressure and Winds

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts related to air pressure and winds as discussed in the lecture.

ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone)

A band of clouds that represents a continual low pressure zone with year-round precipitation.

Hadley Cells

Large-scale atmospheric circulation cells that are formed by rising air at the equator and sinking air around 30° latitude.

Subtropical High Pressure Belt

A pressure belt located at 30° N/S characterized by dry air and descending air, leading to deserts.

Trade Winds

Steady winds that flow from the subtropical high pressure belts towards the equator, influenced by the Coriolis effect.

Westerlies

Winds that blow from the west between 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres.

Polar Front

The boundary between cold polar air and warm air from the south, creating low pressure as warm air rises.

Doldrums

A region around the equator characterized by weak, variable winds and the convergence of the trade winds.

Polar Easterlies

Cold, dry winds that blow from the east between 60° and 90° at both poles.

Subpolar Low Pressure Belt

Located between 55° and 70° N/S, created by the collision of Subtropical Highs and Polar Highs.

Monsoon

Seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall, significantly impacting agriculture and the climate in regions like South Asia.