Weather 6 (Weather Currents)

Front

What is the jet stream?

Back

The jet stream is a fast-flowing air current in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns. It typically flows from west to east and can affect the speed and direction of storms.

Front

How does temperature difference affect wind speed?

Back

The greater the temperature difference between air masses, the faster the wind blows. This is because warm air rises and creates areas of low pressure, causing air to move from high to low pressure.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a region over a significant period.

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What is El Niño?

Back

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to significant weather changes, including droughts and floods.

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What is La Niña?

Back

La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean's surface temperatures are cooler than average, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Niño.

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Why is the polar jet stream faster in winter?

Back

The polar jet stream is faster in winter because the air is colder, creating a stronger temperature gradient between the polar regions and the equator.

Front

What is a thunderstorm?

Back

A thunderstorm is a rain-bearing cloud that produces lightning and thunder, often accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail.

Front

What does it mean when we say a city has 'changing weather'?

Back

Changing weather means that the atmospheric conditions in that city are fluctuating, which can include variations in temperature, precipitation, and wind.

Front

What is the significance of average summer temperatures increasing over time?

Back

An increase in average summer temperatures over time can indicate a change in climate, suggesting long-term trends that may be linked to global warming.

Front

What role does the Gulf Stream play in weather?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that influences the climate of the eastern United States and Western Europe by transporting warm water from the tropics.