Chapter 6 - Pressure, Winds, Storms and Cyclones

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the reference notes for Chapter 6 covering pressure, atmospheric effects, wind patterns, storms, and cyclones.

Pressure

The force applied per unit area.

Pressure Formula

$$\text{Pressure (P)} = \text{Force (F)} \div \text{Area (A)}$$

Pascal (Pa)

The SI unit of pressure, equal to $N/m^2$.

Atmosphere

The envelope of air surrounding the Earth.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the air around us.

Pressure Units in Gases

Pressure units include Pascal $(Pa)$, millibar $(mb)$, and hectopascal $(hPa)$.

Wind

The movement of air from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure.

Sea Breeze

A cool, moist breeze that blows from the sea to the land during the day because land heats up faster than the sea.

Land Breeze

A cool, dry breeze that blows from the land to the sea during the night because land cools down faster than the sea.

High-Speed Winds and Pressure Relationship

High-speed winds create a low-pressure area; the higher the wind speed, the lower the air pressure in that region.

Storms

Strong winds accompanied by rain, which are common in hot, humid, and tropical regions like India.

Lightning

A sudden, rapid flow of electric charges producing a bright flash of light when the insulating property of air breaks down due to large charge buildup.

Thunder

A loud sound produced when lightning rapidly heats the surrounding air, causing it to expand.

Thunderstorm

A storm accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Kalboishakhi

Pre-monsoon local thunderstorms in West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand that help kharif crops.

Bordoisila

Local thunderstorms occurring in Assam.

Mango showers

Local thunderstorms in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu that help ripen mangoes.

Coffee showers

Local thunderstorms in Karnataka that support coffee growth.

Lightning Conductor

A metallic rod installed on buildings higher than the highest point to provide an easy path for electric charges to transfer safely into the ground.

Cyclone

A large, spinning storm consisting of strong winds, clouds, and heavy rain that forms over warm ocean waters.

Eye of the Cyclone

The calm region of lowest pressure at the center of a cyclone, surrounded by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The organization responsible for providing weather alerts and updates regarding cyclones.