GEOG 1F91 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Atmospheric Circulation, Lapse Rate, Polar Front
2 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Weather systems: recurring circulation patterns and the conditions associated with them. Air mass: a large body of air that has fairly similar temperature and moisture characteristics throughout. Move from one place to another when under the influence of pressure gradients and other wind patterns. The air masses that have the biggest influence on north america are continental polar (cp) and continental arctic (ca) Fronts: a boundary between one air mass and its neighbour air mass. Thermally direct: an increase in density that results from a loss of energy in atmospheric circulation. Heat is released from air masses through condensation as the air rises near the equator. Anticyclone: divergence causes air to descend and become warm. Skies are typically clear and winds are light. Cyclone: convergence causes the air to rise and become cool. Cyclonic precipitation: a form of precipitation that occurs when warm, moist air is lifted by air motion occurring in a cyclone.
