gFlashcards

A large area of air that has a definite area of origin and distinctive characteristics.

The fraction of incident electromagnetic radiation reflected by a surface.

The meteorological conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and wind that characteristically prevail in a particular region; the long-term average of weather.

A weather front in which a cold air mass moves into and under a warm air mass. It creates a narrow band of intence precipitation.

An apparent force resulting from Earth's rotation causes particles in motion to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere adn to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

An atmospheric system characterized by the rapid, inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center that is associated with rising air. Cyclones circulate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and are usually accompanied by stormy, often destructive weather.

A global belt of light, cariable winds near the equator, resulting from the vertical flow of low-density air masses upward within this equatorial belt. Associated with much precipitation.

The global belts between about 30 & 35 degrees north and south latitude where winds are light and variable as a result of the vertical movement of air masses downward at these latitudes, causing a hot, dry climate. These belts are associated with the major continental and maritime deserts of the world.

An Easterly moving air mass at an elevation of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). Moving at speeds that can exceed 300 kilometers (185 miles) per hour, the jet stream follows a wavy path in the middle lattitudes and influences how far polar air masses may extend into the lower latitudes.

The seaward flow of air from the land caused by differential coolign of Earth's surface.

The boundary between the global wind belts/ prevailing westerlies and polar easterlies that is centered at about 60 degrees latitude in each hemisphere and is characterized by rising air and much precipitation.

The region of high atmospheric pressure that occures at the poles in both hemispheres.

A scale of hurricane intensity taht divides tropical cyclones into categories based on wind speed and damage.

The landward flow of air from the sea caused by differential heating of Earth's surface.

A rise above normal watere level resulting from wind stress and reduced atmospheric pressure durring storms. Consequences can be more severe if it occures in association with high tide.

A global belt of low atmospheric pressure located at about 60 degrees north or south latitude that is associated with vertical flow of low-density air upward and much precipitation.

A region of high atmospheric pressure located at about 30 degrees latitude.

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the instant when the Sun moves north to the Tropic of Cancer before changing direction and moving southward toward the equator approximately June 21.

Pertaining to the oceanic region where pronounced seasonal change occures (about 40-60 degrees latitude). Also known as the middle latitudes.