JEG100H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Barometer, Atmospheric Circulation, Weather Vane
29 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Driven by imbalance between equatorial energy surpluses and polar deficits. Created through motion, size, number of air molecules. Weight of water molecules lighter than oxygen and nitrogen in air. 1 mb = 1 hectopascal = 1 n/m2. Measurements adjusted to sea level (101. 3 kpa, 1013. 2 mb) Wind: horizontal motion of air across earth"s surface. Taken 10 m off ground to reduce effects of topography. Geostrophic winds: winds moving around pressure areas, parallel to isobars. In northern hemisphere, high pressure anticyclones spiral out clockwise while low pressure cyclones spiral counter-clockwise. Stops air from moving upwards towards lower pressures. Air moves from high to low barometric pressure. Different pressures caused by uneven heating of earth. Coriolis force: deflective force making wind travelling in straight line appear deflected in relation to earth"s rotating surface. Curve to right in northern hemisphere, left in southern hemisphere. Strength of deflection varies due to varying rotational speeds at different latitudes.
