Air Pressure and Winds

These flashcards cover key concepts related to air pressure and winds, including definitions and explanations essential for understanding atmospheric dynamics.

Pressure

Defined as force per unit area, measured in units such as Pascals (Pa), milibars (mb), and pounds per square inch (psi).

Atmospheric Pressure

Pressure anywhere in the atmosphere due to the weight of air above a specific point.

Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)

The direct result of different air pressures that causes air to move from high to low pressure.

Coriolis Effect

The apparent deflection of moving objects due to Earth's rotation, where objects are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Friction

The force that opposes the motion of the wind, particularly significant near the Earth's surface.

Isobars

Lines of constant pressure on a map that represent areas of equal atmospheric pressure.

Geostrophic Wind

A wind that flows parallel to isobars and is influenced by the balance of pressure gradient force and Coriolis force.

Land Breeze

A localized wind flow from land to ocean that occurs at night when the land cools quickly compared to the ocean.

Sea Breeze

A localized wind flow from ocean to land that occurs during the day due to temperature differences between the land and ocean.

Monsoon

A wind system that changes direction seasonally, often associated with significant weather changes and rainfall.