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Atmospheric Sciene
Exam 1
42
Other
Undergraduate 2
02/11/2013

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Cards

Term
The divergent quadrants of a jetstreak are its ____ and _____ quadrants
Definition
right entrance/left exit
Term
how does Newtons first law of motion relate to the atmosphere?
Definition
air molecules moving in the atmosphere will continue to move at constant speed in a straight line as long as no net force is exerted on the molecule.
Term
the Corolis force is
Definition
zero at the equator, due to the rotation of the earth, and stronger when the winds are faster, except at the equator
Term
_____ is the weight of the air above a unit area.
Definition
pressure
Term
convergence into an air colum ____ mass to the colum resulting in _____ surface pressure.
Definition
adds/increased
Term
the coriolis force is always directed to the ____ of the motion in the ____ hemisphere.
Definition
right/northern
Term
what is the term used to describe the net inflow of air molecules into a region of the atmosphere with the result of increasing the surface pressure?
Definition
convergence
Term
geostraphic balance...
Definition
is not a valid approximation to air flow within the boundary layer
Term
air in low-pressure centers rises, leading to _____and ____
Definition
clouds/precipitation
Term
air in high pressure centers sinks, leading to _____
Definition
relatively clear skies
Term
high-pressure systems are associated with ___ at the ___.
Definition
divergence/surface
Term
what force counteracts the vertical pressure gradient?
Definition
gravitational force
Term
what is the term used to describe a region of exceptionally strong winds found within the jetstream?
Definition
jetstreak
Term
friction...
Definition
decreases surface wind speeds, ultimately leading to air flowing toward low-pressure centers
Term
the coriolis force is zero at the poles and maximum at the equator. T or F
Definition
false
Term
what type of surface pressure systems are typically associated with fair weather?
Definition
high pressure
Term
in the northern hemisphere, the force of friction, along with the pressure gradient and coriolis forces, causes surface winds to blow ______ and ___ ___ the center of surface low-pressure systems.
Definition
counterclockwise/in toward
Term
air motions are driven by pressure differences that develop due to the uneven solar heating that occur across the earth's surface.T or F
Definition
True
Term
what term is used to describe the net-inward directed force found in symmetrically curved flow in the upper atmosphere?
Definition
centripetal acceleration
Term
temperature increases with height in the troposhpere and decreases with height in the stratosphere.T or F
Definition
false
Term
the speed of the surface wind is dependent only on the pressure gradient force. T or F
Definition
false
Term
how does the average speed of air molecules influence the atmosphere?
Definition
it determines the air temperature
Term
except very near the earth's surface, the force of friction acts primarily through the mixing of air moving at different speeds. T or F
Definition
true
Term
the ___ is directed towards the center of the earth.
Definition
gravitational force
Term
the coriolis force increases as the wind speed increases, except directly on the equator where the CF is zero. T or F
Definition
T
Term
the angular momentum of air is the same everywhere on Earth. T or F
Definition
false
Term
what is in geostrophic balance, it must now ____ to isobars and be ___the boundary layer
Definition
parallel/above
Term
what is the ultimate driver of the Earth's weather?
Definition
the sun
Term
what type of surface pressure systems are typically associated with fair weather?
Definition
high pressure
Term
the pole to equator temperature graident is much stronger in winter than in summer. therefore, the jetstream aloft will generally be much stronger.
Definition
true
Term
in clear skies at cruise altitudes, what type of turbulence most likely results in commerical aircrafts flights becoming "bumpy" and the pilot illumination?
Definition
shear-induced turbulence
Term
when to coriolis force balances the _____ the air is in geostraphic balance.
Definition
horizontal pressure gradient force
Term
the ___ causes air to slow down near the surface.
Definition
frictional force
Term
the ____ is an apparent force associated with the rotation of the earth.
Definition
coriolis force
Term
the depth of the boundary layer will depend on the surface roughness, heating, atmospheric stability and wind speed. T or F
Definition
true
Term
the pressure gradient force is directed at a ___ to ___
Definition
90 degree angle/ isobars
Term
the direction of wind id dependent upon all forces acting on it. T or F
Definition
True
Term
jetstreams are located at one latitude and one alitude in the upper atmosphere and do not influence storm systems at the surface. T or F
Definition
False
Term
at any particular time up to three jetstreams may be present at a given longitude. T or F
Definition
True
Term
which forces are in balance with respect to air motions within the boundary layer?
Definition
horizontal pressure gradient force, coriolis force, and frictional force
Term
what type of weather systems typically have the strongest horizontal pressure gradients found on earth?
Definition
hurricanes
Term
geostaphic balance exists when the horizontal pressure gradient force is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the coriolis force. T or F
Definition
True
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