Temperature Inversions
El Nino
Wind Speed
Air Pressure/Weather
Misc.
100
What is a temperature inversion?
A thin layer of the atmosphere where the normal decrease in temperature with height switches to the temperature increasing with height.
100
What is an El Nino?
A weather system that occurs every 3-7 years. It involves episodes of ocean warming that affects the eastern tropical pacific.
100
What is the info that Mrs. Ferguson said to remember no matter what?
The unequal heating of Earth's surface generates pressure differences. Solar radiation is the ultimate energy source for most wind
100
What is air pressure?
Air pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of air. It can be exerted in all directions- down, up, and sideways.
100
North Africa and the Southwest United States have similar climates because why?
They are on the same latitude line.
200
When would a surface inversion develop close to the ground?
On a clear/calm night.
200
With the onset of El Nino, warm water blocks the upwelling of what?
Cold water.
200
What are the three factors that combine at any given moment to control the wind? What do they do separately?
Pressure differences, the Coriolis effect, and friction.
200
What is a barometer?
It is a device used for measuring air pressure.
200
Where are Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells located?
Hadley cells are located between 30 degrees N-equator and equator-30 degrees S. Ferrel cells are in between 60 degrees N-30 degrees S and 60 degrees S-30 degrees S. Polar cells are located between 60 degrees N-90 degrees N and 60 degrees S-90 degrees S.
300
With temperature inversions, why are mixing depths usually greater during the afternoon hours?
That is the hottest point in the day and it the most unstable.
300
During El Nino, what happens to the storms and precipitation that normally occur in the western part of the pacific ocean?
The storms move east toward South America.
300
What are cyclones and anti-cyclones?
A cyclone is a center of low pressure. Pressure decreases from the outer isobars toward the center. Lowest pressure in the center. Air flows inward. In the northern hemisphere, air flows counter-clockwise. An anti-cyclone is a center of high pressure. The value of the isobars increases from the outside toward the center. Highest pressure in the center. Air flows outward. In the northern hemisphere, air flows clockwise.
300
The wind has what result?
The wind is the result of horizontal differences in air pressure. Air flows from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.
300
What is the relationship between the sun and air temperature?
The heating of the Earth's atmosphere is by the sun which drives convection within.
400
What happens to air temperature as you increase in altitude?
The air temperature will get colder.
400
During El Nino, what happens to air temperatures along South America side of the pacific ocean?
It starts to become warmer in central areas.
400
What is a prevailing wind?
It is the wind that blows more often from one direction than any other.
400
What are rising air and sinking air associated with?
Rising air associated with cloud formation and precipitation whereas sinking air produces clear skies.
400
Describe how wind patterns create the global band of rainforests?
Trade winds carry water vapor towards the equator where they collide creating low-pressure systems.
500
With temperature inversions, what happens to air temperature when air sinks to lower altitudes and air are compressed?
When air sinks the surface temperature will get hotter.
500
During El Nino, what will happen to the ocean temperature off the coast of South America?
The oceans temperatures will rise.
500
What is commonly used to measure wind speed?
An anemometer is an instrument that resembles a cup and measures wind speed.
500
What do low-pressure systems do?
In any season low-pressure systems can produce bad weather.
500
What are some pressure differences?
A pressure gradient, closely spaced isobars, and widely spaces isobars. Pressure gradient-the amount of pressure change occurring over a given distance. Closely spaced isobars- lines on a map that connect places of equal air pressure, indicates a steep pressure gradient and high winds. Widely spaced isobars-indicates a weak pressure gradient and light winds.
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