Unit 5 Essential Vocabulary

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air or water currents, due to Earth's rotation.

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term patterns and averages of weather in a region.

Surface temperature convection is driven by the uneven heating of Earth's surface by the sun.

Currents are continuous movements of water in the ocean caused by factors like wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation.

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

The jet stream is a fast-flowing air current in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns.

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation.

Pressure systems are areas of high or low atmospheric pressure that influence weather conditions.

Tropical cyclones are intense circular storms that form over warm ocean waters, including typhoons and hurricanes.

The sun provides energy that drives weather patterns and influences Earth's climate.