Ch.5 Atmospheric Pressure and Winds

Atmospheric Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of gas molecules on a unit of Earth's surface or other body.

Sea Level Pressure

The atmospheric pressure at sea level, which is greater than pressure at higher altitudes.

Differential Heating

The process that produces areas of high and low atmospheric pressure due to uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

Wind Direction

Determined by the pressure differences in the atmosphere.

Global Wind Patterns

Formed by the interaction of atmospheric pressure and temperature variations across the globe.

Monsoons

Seasonal winds that change direction, typically influenced by temperature differences between land and sea.

Gas Density

The mass of gas in a unit of volume, which varies by location and affects atmospheric pressure.

Pressure-Density Relationship

Pressure is proportional to gas density; higher density results in higher pressure.

Temperature-Pressure Relationship

An increase in temperature leads to an increase in pressure, assuming other conditions remain constant.

Air Movement

The movement of air, including vertical movement, influences surface pressure.

Dynamic Highs

Areas of strongly descending air that create high-pressure systems.

Thermal Highs

Regions with very cold surface conditions leading to high atmospheric pressure.

Dynamic Lows

Areas of strongly rising air that create low-pressure systems.

Thermal Lows

Regions with very warm surface conditions leading to low atmospheric pressure.

Isobars

Lines on a map that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure, used to visualize pressure patterns.