Weather 6 (Weather Currents)

Front

What causes wind to form?

Back

Wind is formed due to the unequal heating of the land, causing air to flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

Front

What is the jet stream?

Back

The jet stream is a fast-flowing air current that forms a boundary between cold and warm air masses.

Front

How does the location of the jet stream affect weather systems?

Back

The location of the jet stream significantly affects the path of weather systems in the United States.

Front

What two factors are needed to measure wind?

Back

Wind is measured by its direction and speed.

Front

What is El Niño?

Back

El Niño is a climate pattern that causes the subtropical jet stream to bring cold, wet winter weather to the southeastern United States.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air, due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is a cold air mass?

Back

A cold air mass is a large body of air that is cooler than the surrounding air.

Front

What is a warm air mass?

Back

A warm air mass is a large body of air that is warmer than the surrounding air.

Front

What role does friction play in wind formation?

Back

Friction between the air and the Earth's surface can decrease air pressure and affect wind flow.

Front

What is the difference between high pressure and low pressure?

Back

High pressure is associated with clear skies and calm weather, while low pressure is associated with clouds and precipitation.