Air Pressure and Winds

These flashcards cover key concepts related to air pressure, wind patterns, and their climatic impacts as discussed in recent lectures.

Hadley Cells

Atmospheric circulation cells that exist between the equator and about 30° latitude, driving trade winds.

ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone)

A region near the equator where the northeast and southeast trade winds converge, characterized by low pressure and rain.

Subtropical High Pressure Belt

A belt of high pressure located around 30° latitude characterized by dry air and desert conditions.

Doldrums

A region near the equator where winds are light and variable, often leading to calm conditions.

Westerlies

Wind systems that blow from the west in the mid-latitudes (30°-60°), causing varied weather conditions.

Polar High Pressure Belt

A region of high pressure at the poles characterized by very cold, dry air.

Trade Winds

Steady winds that blow from east to west between the equator and the subtropics.

Equatorial Low Pressure Belt

The area around the equator with rising air, warm temperatures, and moist conditions.

Monsoon

Seasonal prevailing wind patterns that cause wet and dry periods, especially in South Asia.

Polar Front

The transition zone between cold polar air and warmer air from the mid-latitudes, often associated with storm development.

Subpolar Low Pressure Belt

A belt of low pressure around 60° latitude where warm, moist air meets cold polar air.