Weather Maps

symbol for a warm front

symbol for a cold front

symbol for a stationary front

symbol for high pressure

symbol for low pressure

Gulf Stream

A warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico northward through the Atlantic Ocean

ocean currents

Global patterns created from the movement of the oceans; such as the Gulf Stream

Air Pressure

Force exerted on the Earth's surface by the weight of the air above the surface

Prevailing Wind

wind in a region that blows in a fairly constant directional pattern

Easterlies

Global winds that flow from the east to the west.

Warm Front

Forms when warm moist air overtakes cool, dense, dry air

Cold Front

Forms when cold, dry air overtakes warmer, humid air

Westerlies

Winds that blow from west to east

Convection

The cycle of air or liquids caused by rising less dense particles being replaced by cooler more dense particles

Current

A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans

jet stream

A narrow belt of strong winds that blow in the upper troposphere

high pressure system

a large body of circulating air with high pressure at its center and lower pressure outside of the system, usually brings clear skies and calm air or gentle breezes.

low pressure system

a large body of circulating air with low pressure at its center and higher pressure outside of the system, usually brings cloudiness and stormy weather