Weather Basics & Global Wind Patterns

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass, where the cold air pushes under the warm air, often leading to precipitation and thunderstorms.

Front

What type of air mass typically forms in lower latitudes?

Back

Warm air masses typically form in lower latitudes and move toward the poles.

Front

In which hemisphere does the polar front dive south during major cold outbreaks?

Back

The polar front dives south during major cold outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What are Hadley cells?

Back

Hadley cells are atmospheric circulation cells that extend from the equator to about 30° north and south latitudes, responsible for trade winds and tropical weather patterns.

Front

What is kinetic energy in relation to air molecules?

Back

Kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion; warm air molecules have greater kinetic energy than cold air molecules, leading to higher temperatures.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is a boundary where a warm air mass rises over a cold air mass, often resulting in gradual weather changes and light precipitation.

Front

What is the role of the Ferrel cells?

Back

Ferrel cells are atmospheric circulation cells located between 30° and 60° latitudes, responsible for the westerly winds and influencing weather patterns in mid-latitudes.

Front

What is the significance of the polar cells?

Back

Polar cells are atmospheric circulation cells that occur near the poles, where cold air sinks and creates high-pressure areas, influencing polar weather.

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Trade winds are steady winds that flow from east to west in the tropics, created by the Hadley cells and influencing tropical weather.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as winds, due to the rotation of the Earth, causing winds to curve rather than move in a straight line.