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Topic 7:Weather C
Pages (131-135); Wind & Global Circulation Patterns
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Define Wind: | The horizontal movement of air across Earth's surface. |
Describe a Vector measurement, or field. | It is a measurement with both magnitude and direction. |
Define a pressure gradient. | Gradient = Change in air pressure / Change in distance |
What determines wind velocity? | The magnitude of the pressure gradient. Large gradient = fast wind. Small gradient = slow wind. |
An anemometer measures what? | Wind velocity. |
How do winds blow? | From "high to low" (wind pressure). |
Explain the Coriolis Effect. | Winds appear to curve towards the west due to Earth's rotation. The effect causes the winds to curve ever clockwise in the Northern hemisphere. |
How are winds named? | From whence they came! From, not to!! |
If isobars are close together, does the wind blow fast or slow? | Fast. |
Describe the effect of wind upon the surface of the water. | The friction creates surface currents, & waves; and the wind direction determines where the ocean currents are pushed. |
Why is the atmosphere in constant motion? | Due to differences in air temperature and pressure through out the troposphere. |
Name the primary source of different air pressures on Earth. | Unequal heating of Earth's surface. |
How many major convection cells exist on Earth? | Six (6)! |
Can you name the prevailing winds in each of the six cells? | **See figure 7-8. 30 degrees North to 60 degrees North, is a South West wind. |
Describe the jet stream. | Fast moving, narrow bands of air found near the top of the troposphere. |
How much precipitation falls at the Equator, and each 30 degrees North and South all the way to the Poles? | Equator is Wet, 30 degrees N or S - dry, 60 degrees N or S - wet, 90 degrees N or S = dry. |
Describe the dry regions of the world in terms of convecting air. | Cold and Dry. |
Describe the wet regions of the world in terms of convecting air. | Warm and moist. |
Are the zones of convergence wet or dry latitudes?(Ground level) | Wet. Can you explain why? |
Are zones of divergence wet or dry latitudes?(Ground level) | Dry. Can you explain why? |
Explain planetary wind belts. | Prevailing winds that move in a predictable direction most of the time. This aids meteorologists in weather prediction! |
Depict Monsoons. | Seasonal winds over South East Asia. (See figure 7-9). Onshore brings rain, off shore yields the dry season. |
Name the prevailing winds effecting the United States. | South Westerlies; Air parcels move from west to east, or California towards New York. |
Can you answer the multiple choice questions found on pages 135 & 136? | Answer questions (25 - 35). If some terms or concepts remain unclear, please clarify with your instructor or a classmate. |