Climate and Weather Study Notes

Mid-latitude Cyclones

Low-pressure cells causing cold, wet weather, typically characterized by gale-force winds, occurring between 30°-60° N/S.

Tropical Cyclones

Intense low-pressure systems developing over warm oceans, forming primarily at the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), with strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Subtropical Anticyclones

High-pressure cells located at 30° N/S that bring descending, dry, warm air, significantly affecting weather patterns.

Valley Climates

Areas with unique temperature variations due to slope aspect, which can create microclimates within valleys.

Urban Heat Islands

Urban areas that experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, caused by heat-absorbing materials and urbanization.

Pollution Domes

Concentrated areas of polluted air trapped by temperature inversions, leading to smog and health issues.

Coriolis Effect

The effect that causes moving objects to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Fronts

Boundaries between different air masses that can lead to significant weather changes when mid-latitude cyclones develop.

Eye of the Storm

The calm center of a tropical cyclone, surrounded by the eye wall where the highest winds and heaviest rains occur.

Anabatic Winds

Upward winds that occur during the day as warm air rises in valleys.

Katabatic Winds

Downward winds that occur during the night as cooler air sinks down slopes.