GEOL 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13.2: Sea Breeze, Cool Air, Intertropical Convergence Zone
18 Apr 2019
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Document Summary
Variations in air pressure cause wind at all scales. Origin and patterns of such winds reflect influences from an unequal heating by: Heat related to the evaporation of liquid water and condensation of water vapor. Differing thermal responses of land versus sea. During daytime hours, land heats up significantly, particularly in the summer. Land heats up more overall and more rapidly than water does. Hot air over the land surface rises, inducing a local low-pressure area over the land. Air over the water body is cooled by the relatively cool water temperatures and by cooling associated with evaporation. Relatively cool air over the water sinks, inducing a local high pressure area over the water. Difference between low pressure over land and high pressure over the water represents a pressure gradient, pushing air near the surface from high pressure to lower pressure. Flow is an onshore breeze or sea breeze that feels cool to people on the beach.
