Global Weather Patterns

the condition of Earth's atmosphere at a certain time and place

weather

the weather conditions in an area over a long period of time

climate

the movement of water between the atmosphere , land, oceans, and living things

water cycle

the process of water changing from a solid/frozen state, to a gas

sublimation

the process of water changing from a gas to a liquid

condensation

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Precipitation

the release of water vapor into the air by plants

Transpiration

when water runs across the Earth's surface; downward toward oceans, lakes, and marshlands

runoff

the amount of water vapor in the air

humidity

the process in which some run off seeps into the ground

infiltration

The amount of water vapor in the air at any given time is usually less than that required to saturate the air. Expressed as a percentage.

relative humidity

The temperature at which condensation begins

dew point

The measure of the force with which air molecules push on a surface

air pressure

The horizontal movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of lower pressure

wind

degree of clearness of the atmosphere, with reference to the distance at which objects can be clearly seen

visibility

A huge body of air that has similar temperature, humidity, and air pressure at any given height

air mass

A boundary between two air masses

front

a high-speed high-altitude airstream blowing from west to east near the top of the troposphere

jet stream

cumilonimbus clouds heavy rain thunder lightning hail

thunder storms

a localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground

tornado

A severe storm that develops over tropical oceans and whose strong winds of more than 120 km/h spiral in toward the intensely low-pressure storm center

hurricane

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and currents.

Coriolis effect

winds that travel long distances in steady patterns over several weeks

global winds

winds that blow over short distances

local winds

large streams of surface seawater

ocean currents

A horizontal movement of ocean water that is caused by wind and that occurs at or near the ocean's surface

surface currents

the upward movement of ocean water toward the surface as a result of diverging currents

Upwelling

distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees

Latitude

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

evaporation