GEOG 155 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Santa Ana Winds, Katabatic Wind, Coriolis Force
Document Summary
Atmospheric pressure and altitude: greater proportion of the atmospheric mass is concentrated near tht. Earth"s surface: atmospheric pressure depends on the overlying mass of air, so it also. Decreases with alititude: pressure is a force/unit area. Vertical pressure is influenced by gravity: surface pressure, standard sea-level air pressure is about 14. 7 lb/in2, pressure lines on surface weather charts are called isobars. The greater the atmospheric pressure, the higher the column of mercury. The values give standard sea-level pressure in several commonly used pressure units. Wind: the movement of air in the atmosphere, main energy source- sun. Movement of heat from warmer latitudes towards coller regions: the result of air movement from areas of high pressure to areas. Of low pressure: also influenced by earth"s rotations. The coriolis effect: movement of air caused by three forces. Caused by differences in pressure/density over distance: the greater this gradient, the stronger the force. The direction of the pressure-gradient force is always directed.
