Global Wind Patterns and Related Atmospheric Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to global wind patterns, atmospheric circulation, and associated meteorological concepts.

Hadley cell

Convection currents that cycle between the equator and approximately 30°N and 30°S.

Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

The latitude that receives the most intense sunlight, causing humid air to rise, where the two Hadley cells converge.

Doldrums

An area along the equator where no winds blow due to rising warm air creating low pressure.

Coriolis effect

The deflection of objects due to Earth's rotation, causing moving air and water to turn and twist.

Adiabatic cooling

The process by which rising air expands and cools due to lower pressure.

Adiabatic warming

The increase in temperature that occurs when air descends and is compressed due to higher pressure.

Saturation point

The maximum amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature.

Trade winds

Steady winds that blow towards the Equator from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Rain shadow

A region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range due to humid winds causing precipitation on the windward side.

Jet stream

High-altitude, hurricane-force winds that encircle the Earth in the troposphere and influence weather patterns.

Ferrel cell

Air circulation found between Hadley and Polar cells, not forming distinct convection cells.

Polar cell

Convection currents formed by air that rises at 60°N and S and sinks at the poles.

Humidity

The amount of moisture in the atmosphere, measured as relative humidity.

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools and transforms into liquid water, forming clouds.

High pressure

Atmospheric areas where air sinks and moves outward, typically bringing clear weather conditions.

Low pressure

Regions where air rises due to lower atmospheric pressure, leading to cloudy and rainy conditions.