Atmospheric Circulation
Terms
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- Which 2 factors influence the Earth's temperature?
- The length of day & the angle of the Sun's rays.
- What are the major factors that result in the wide distribution of pressure over the earth's surface?
- The unequal heating of Earth's surface due to it's tilt, rotation, & differential insolation
- What effect does Coriolis force have on thermal circulation in the Northern Hemisphere?
- The rotation of Earth causes a force that affects thermal circulation, causing it to be deflected to the right of the direction of movement in the northern hemisphere.
- According to the 3-cell theory, how many circulation belts are there?
- SiX
- According to the 3-cell theory, what type of pressure system would you normally find at 30 degrees north latitude?
- subsidence or high pressure is usually found at 30 degrees north latitude
- What is the predominant wind system in the tropics?
- The trade winds
- Name 2 types of pressure gradient.
- Horizontal & Vertical
- What is the difference between centrifugal force & centripetal force?
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CentriPETal Force is directed toward the center of rotation.
CentriFUGal Force is directed outward from the center of rotation. - What is the difference between gradient wind & geostrophic wind?
- Gradient Wind flow is parallel to the curved portion of the analysis. Geostrophic Wind is the windflow that is parallel to that portion of the analysis showing straight flow.
- What is the relationship between centrifugal force and pressure gradient force around anticyclones?
- the centrifugal force acts with the pressure gradient force
- What is the term that defines the formation of an anticyclone or the intensification of an existing anticyclone?
- Anticyclogenesis
- What is the direction of the windflow around a cyclone?
- Counterclockwise
- How do temperatures change within a Cold-Core Low?
- Temperatures decrease toward the center.
- Low pressure due to intense heating over the southwestern US is an example of which type of low-pressure system?
- Warm-Core Low
- What is the cause of monsoon winds?
- The unequal heating & cooling of land & water surfaces.
- What causes land & sea breezes?
- The diurnal (daily) contrast in the heating of local water & land areas.
- Describe Bernoulli's theorem
- Pressures are least where velocities are greatest, & pressures are greatest where velocities are least.
- When does a valley breeze usually reach its maximum?
- in the early afternoon
- What causes eddies?
- When the wind flows over or adjacent to rough terrain, buildings, mountains or other obstructions.
- What causes Foehn winds?
- Adiabatic heating of descending air on the lee sides of mountains.