Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation Vocab Flashcard

Front

What is atmospheric circulation?

Back

The large-scale movement of air that distributes heat and moisture around the Earth.

Front

What is oceanic circulation?

Back

The movement of ocean water driven by factors such as wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and air pressure?

Back

Cold air is denser and has higher pressure compared to warm air.

Front

What happens to cold air?

Back

Cold air sinks and flows away from the poles.

Front

What is a sea breeze?

Back

A cool breeze that moves from the ocean to the land during the day due to temperature differences.

Front

What are prevailing westerlies?

Back

Steady winds that flow from west to east between 30 degrees north and 60 degrees north and 30 degrees south and 60 degrees south.

Front

What are polar easterlies?

Back

Cold winds that blow from east to west near the north and south poles.

Front

What is the equator?

Back

An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0 degrees latitude.

Front

What is the role of the poles in atmospheric circulation?

Back

The poles are areas of high pressure where cold air sinks and moves towards lower pressure areas.

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

A breeze that moves from the land to the ocean at night due to temperature differences.