Unit 8 Global Weather Systems

Front

Air mass

Back

a body of air that has about the same temperature and humidity throughout

Front

Air pressure

Back

the amount of force that air molecules exert on the Earth’s surface; can be high or low causing air to rise or sink

Front

Atmosphere

Back

an envelope of mixed gases held to the Earth by gravity; the most dense gases are near the surface of the Earth

Front

Climate

Back

the long-term pattern of weather in an area

Front

Convection current

Back

when temperature differences cause liquids and gases (fluids) to expand and move; the less dense areas continually rise; the more dense areas continually sink, creating a cyclical current

Front

Coriolis effect

Back

the effect of the Earth’s rotation on the path of air and water; causes the path to curve

Front

Density

Back

A measure of how much mass is in packed into a given space (volume); higher density sinks, lower density rises

Front

Global winds

Back

winds that circulate in belts around the Earth, moving in specific directions

Front

Hydrosphere

Back

the ice, water vapor, and liquid water in the atmosphere, including oceans, lakes, streams, soils, and groundwater

Front

Interact

Back

having two or more objects/substances acting on or effecting each other