Weather and Climate Flashcards

Flashcards about weather and climate.

A large mass of subsiding air which produces an area of high pressure on the Earth's surface.

What is an anticyclone?

What are blocking anticyclones?

Occur when cells of high pressure detach themselves from the major high pressure areas of the subtropics or poles and create anomalous conditions.

What are tropical cyclones?

Systems of intense low pressure known locally as hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones, characterized by extreme winds and torrential rainfall.

Over what type of area do tropical cyclones tend to develop?

Warm tropical oceans with sea temperatures exceeding 26°C.

What are hurricanes?

The tropical cyclones of the Atlantic.

What are the four main causes of damage from tropical cyclones?

High winds, ocean storm surges, flooding, and landslides.

What is the Typhoon Warning System?

A warning system used in Hong Kong to alert the public to potential typhoon threats.

What is a monsoon?

A seasonal reversal of wind direction.

What are the three main factors causing the major monsoon in south-east Asia?

The extreme heating and cooling of large land masses, the northward movement of the ITCZ, and the uplift of the Himalayas.

What happens during the south-west or summer monsoon?

Warm moist air from over the Indian Ocean is drawn northwards and then diverted north-eastwards due to the Coriolis force.

What occurs during the north-east or winter monsoon?

Airstreams that move outwards from a high pressure area over central Asia are dry and become even drier as they cross the Himalayas.

What is a monsoon?

A seasonal reversal of wind direction.

What are land and sea breezes?

Circulation systems resulting from differential heating and cooling between land surfaces and adjacent sea areas.

What is the mountain and valley wind?

A wind likely to blow in mountainous areas during times of calm, clear, settled weather due to temperature differences.

What is the föhn wind?

A strong, warm, and dry wind which blows periodically to the lee of a mountain range.

What is microclimatology?

The study of climate over a small area.

What are urban climates?

Large cities and conurbations experience different climatic conditions than the surrounding countryside.

What does the term 'urban heat island' refer to?

Temperatures are highest in the more built-up city centre and decrease towards the suburbs and open countryside.

How does sunlight differ in cities compared to rural areas?

Dust and other particles may absorb and reflect insolation, and high-rise buildings also block out light.

How does wind velocity change in urban areas?

Is decreased by buildings which create friction and act as windbreaks, though high-rise buildings can create 'canyons' where wind is channelled.