Atmospheric Science Review

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to atmospheric science, including air masses, pressure systems, and forces acting on the atmosphere.

Air Mass

Extremely large bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity properties at a given altitude.

Continental (c) Air Mass

Air mass originating from land, typically dry and stable.

Maritime (m) Air Mass

Air mass originating from water, typically moist.

Front

Boundary between air masses where significant horizontal temperature or moisture changes occur.

Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)

Force that results from horizontal pressure differences, causing wind to flow from high to low pressure.

Geostrophic Balance

Balance between pressure gradient force and Coriolis force for wind in upper atmosphere.

Coriolis Force

Apparent force causing moving objects to curve left in the Southern Hemisphere and right in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cyclostrophic Balance

Balance between pressure gradient and centrifugal forces in small-scale systems like tornadoes.

Surface Wind Balance

The balance of pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, and friction at the Earth's surface.

Thickness Equation

Relates vertical distance between pressure surfaces to the mean temperature of the layer.