The Water Cycle, Weather Patterns & Global Systems

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on the water cycle, weather systems, and global patterns.

Solar Energy

Radiation from the sun that provides the thermal energy needed to power the water cycle.

Evaporation

The process by which liquid water is heated and changes into water vapor (a gas).

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools down and changes back into liquid water droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation

Any form of water (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface due to gravity.

Transpiration

The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.

Runoff

Water from precipitation that flows over the land surface into rivers, lakes, and oceans rather than soaking into the ground.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air molecules pushing down on an area.

High Pressure (H)

An area where air is sinking and spreading out; typically brings clear skies and fair weather.

Low Pressure (L)

An area where air is rising and cooling; typically associated with clouds, wind, and precipitation.

Air Mass

A large body of air that has similar temperature and moisture characteristics throughout.

Windward Side

The side of a mountain facing the oncoming wind, which receives the most moisture and precipitation.

Leeward Side

The side of a mountain shielded from the wind (the 'rain shadow'), which is usually much drier.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving objects (like wind and ocean currents) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere due to Earth's rotation.

Convection

The transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas), where warm, less dense material rises and cool, denser material sinks.

Global Winds

Large-scale wind patterns (like Trade Winds or Westerlies) that move heat and moisture around the planet.