Winds, Oceans, and Atmosphere

Front

What is the effect of warm-water currents on coastal areas?

Back

Warm the coast.

Front

What causes the air pressure difference between the equator and the poles?

Back

The amount of direct sunlight each area receives.

Front

How is wind defined?

Back

Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

A land breeze is a wind that blows from the land to the sea, typically occurring at night.

Front

What is a sea breeze?

Back

A sea breeze is a wind that blows from the sea to the land, typically occurring during the day.

Front

What is the Jet Stream?

Back

The Jet Stream is a fast-moving ribbon of air that moves from west to east in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What is the California Current?

Back

The California Current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States.

Front

What is the role of the sun in ocean currents?

Back

The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating temperature differences that drive ocean currents.

Front

What is atmospheric pressure?

Back

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point.