Unit 8 Vocab

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere includes all the ice, water vapor, and liquid water in the atmosphere, including oceans, lakes, streams, soils, and groundwater.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the effect of the Earth’s rotation on the path of air and water, causing the path to curve.

Front

What is a typhoon?

Back

A typhoon is a tropical storm that occurs in the regions of the Indian or western Pacific oceans.

Front

What is a jet stream?

Back

A jet stream is a fast-moving, narrow band of air that moves west to east across the globe.

Front

What is a convection current?

Back

A convection current occurs when temperature differences cause liquids and gases (fluids) to expand and move; less dense areas rise while more dense areas sink, creating a cyclical current.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for weather and climate.

Front

What is weather?

Back

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind.

Front

What is air pressure?

Back

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a surface, affecting weather patterns and conditions.

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large tropical storm system characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, typically forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather is the short-term state of the atmosphere, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.