Latitude
Do the the tropics generally receive more or less precipitation than the poles?
More precipitation
What is the name of the current that originates near Alaska in the Northern Pacific Ocean and moves south along the coast of California?
The California Current
Does land or water typically heat up faster?
Land
What are prevailing winds?
Winds that typically blow in the same direction
As altitude increases, temperature...
Decreases
What is the latitude of the equator?
Describe the climate (temperature and precipitation) of places near cool currents
Cool temperature and less precipitation
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Does land or water typically cool down faster?
Land
What is the name of the prevailing winds that typically cross the United States?
The Westerlies
In the United States, does more precipitation typically fall on the western or eastern slope of mountain ranges?
Western slope due to the Westerlies
Why do the tropics receive more precipitation than the poles?
More direct solar radiation causes more evaporation. This results in more precipitation.
What drives surface ocean currents?
The wind
Why is the Central Valley typically warmer in the summer than San Francisco?
The Central Valley is surrounded by land while San Francisco is closer to water
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What direction do the Westerlies move toward?
The east
Describe the Rain Shadow Effect
As air moves across a mountain range it rises, cools, and causes precipitation on the windward side. After it crosses the summit, it sinks and dries. Therefore, the leeward side of a mountain range receives little precipitation.
Why are places near the equator warmer than places further from the equator?
Places near the equator receive more direct sunlight
What direction do surface currents typically move in the Northern Hemisphere?
Clockwise (2x Points!)
Does land or water have a higher specific heat capacity?
Water
Why does air rise at the equator and create low pressure systems?
Air at the equator receives more direct sunlight. This causes it to increase its kinetic energy, resulting in a lower density and rise above cooler air masses.
Why does temperature typically decrease as elevation increases?
At what angle to the Sun is solar radiation most intense?
90 degrees
Why do surface currents typically sink when they reach the polar regions?
They become cooler and saltier. This causes the water to become more dense and they sink.
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Define specific heat
The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius
+200 bonus points
What is the name of the prevailing winds in the tropic region?
The Eastern Trade Winds
Does California have active volcanoes?
Yes