Untitled Flashcards Set

What are jet streams?

High-speed, narrow air currents in the upper atmosphere.

In which hemispheres do jet streams exist?

Both hemispheres.

How do jet streams affect aircraft travel?

They can help or hinder travel, saving time and fuel when flying with tailwinds.

What are the two main types of jet streams?

Polar jet streams and subtropical jet streams.

What causes polar jet streams?

Density differences between cold polar air and warmer middle latitude air.

What is the subtropical jet stream?

It forms where very warm equatorial air meets cooler air in the middle latitudes.

What are the maximum speeds jet streams can reach?

Up to 250 mph (400 km/h) at their core.

How do jet streams impact weather in mid-latitudes?

They influence the development and path of storm systems.

What is atmospheric circulation?

The large-scale movement of air in Earth's atmosphere.

Why is understanding atmospheric circulation important?

It helps explain weather patterns, climate zones, and predict weather.

What gases primarily compose Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).

What role does the sun play in atmospheric circulation?

It is the ultimate source of energy, creating temperature variations.

What creates differences in temperature and air pressure in the atmosphere?

Uneven heating of Earth's surface by solar energy.

What is convection?

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air.

What are global wind belts?

Large air circulation patterns including the Trade Winds, Westerlies, and Polar Easterlies.

What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?

A region near the equator with low pressure where air rises due to warm, moist air.

What are trade winds?

Winds that flow toward the equator between 30° and 0° latitude.

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind?

It deflects winds to the west in the tropics.

What are prevailing winds?

Winds that flow predominantly in one direction within a wind belt.

What type of weather does a cold front typically bring?

Heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, and cooler, drier air afterward.

How does a warm front affect weather?

It leads to gentle rain or snow and long periods of precipitation.

What is an occluded front?

When a cold front catches up with a warm front, pushing warm air upward.

What characterizes a stationary front?

Cold and warm air masses meet and stay in place, causing prolonged clouds and precipitation.

What is the significance of a front in weather forecasting?

A front indicates a change in weather is coming.

How do air masses form?

They form over several days with similar temperature, pressure, and humidity.

What are the characteristics of a maritime tropical (mT) air mass?

Very warm and humid air that forms over water.

What does the abbreviation 'cP' represent?

Continental Polar air mass, which is cold and dry.

What weather changes occur when a cold front passes through?

Typically results in drop in temperature, heavy precipitation, and potential storms.

In what ways do the characteristics of cP and mT air masses differ?

cP is cold and dry, while mT is warm and humid.

What are the different types of weather fronts?

Cold front, warm front, occluded front, and stationary front.

How do convection currents influence weather fronts?

They drive the movement of air masses and weather changes.

What is the role of the Coriolis effect on winds at different latitudes?

It causes winds to be deflected based on the hemisphere and their movement.

What happens when polar easterlies meet warm air?

A stormy region known as a front forms.

How do climate zones get determined?

By factors such as latitude, altitude, proximity to oceans, and atmospheric circulation.