Atmospheric Science Flashcard

Front

What are low-pressure systems associated with?

Back

Clouds & precipitation.

Front

What are high-pressure systems associated with?

Back

Fair weather.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time, while climate refers to long-term average patterns of temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

Front

What type of air mass develops over the Gulf of Mexico?

Back

Maritime tropical.

Front

What is the primary factor influencing the direction of ocean currents?

Back

Wind patterns.

Front

What causes most differences in air pressure?

Back

Unequal heating of the atmosphere.

Front

Define 'atmosphere'.

Back

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

Front

What is El Niño?

Back

A climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Front

What is La Niña?

Back

A climate pattern characterized by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.