Weather and Atmosphere

Front

Purpose of Earth's Atmosphere

Back

Makes conditions on Earth suitable for living things.

Front

Atmosphere's Composition

Back

A mixture of gases, including nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases.

Front

Altitude and Air Pressure

Back

As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.

Front

Weather and Climate Notes

Back

Day-to-day changes based on area.

Front

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface is the cause of weather.

Back

Weather is influenced by how differently the Earth's surface heats up.

Front

Coriolis Effect

Back

The way Earth's rotation makes winds in the Northern Hemisphere curve to the right and winds in the Southern Hemisphere curve to the left.

Front

Major global wind belts

Back

Trade winds, prevailing westerlies, and polar easterlies.

Front

Jet stream

Back

Bands of high-speed winds about 10 kilometers above Earth's surface.

Front

Maritime Tropical Air Masses

Back

Warm, humid air masses that form over oceans.

Front

Continental Polar Air Masses

Back

Cold, dry air masses that form over land.