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Earth Science Tarbuck 12 Ed. Chapter 18
Chapter 18 Vocabulary Earth Science Tarbuck 12 Ed.
20
Science
Undergraduate 1
02/05/2011

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Term
Air pressure
Definition
The pressure exerted by the weight of air above. Driving force of wind, both magnitude and direction
Term
Millibar
Definition
When meteorologist measure atmospheric pressure they employ this unit.
Term
Mercury barometer
Definition
Invented by Tortricelli, 1643 the use of mercury for measuring air pressure.
Term
Aneroid barometer
Definition
Smaller and more portable instrument, uses a partially evacuated metal chamber.
Term
Barograph
Definition
provides continuous record of pressure changes with the passage of time.
Term
Wind
Definition
Flow of air horizontally, air flows from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.
Term
Solar radiation
Definition
the ultimate energy source for most wind
Term
Isobars
Definition
lines that connect places of equal air pressure
Term
Pressure gradient
Definition
the spacing of isobars indicates the amount of pressure change occurring over a given distance
Term
Coriolis effect
Definition
the deviation is the result of earths rotation
Term
Geopstrophic winds
Definition
upper-air winds generally take the path of parallel to the isobars
Term
Jet streams
Definition
The most prominent feature of upper level flow are the jet streams
Term
Lows, or cyclones
Definition
centers of low pressure
Term
Highs, anticyclones
Definition
high-pressure centers
Term
Convergence
Definition
friction causes an in flow around a cyclone
Term
Divergence
Definition
net outflow around an anti cyclone
Term
Barometric tendency
Definition
pressure, very useful aid in short range weather prediction
Term
Underlying cause of wind
Definition
Unequal heating of Earth's surface
Term
Equatorial low
Definition
a region marked by abundant precipitation
Term
subtropical high
Definition
center of the zone subsiding dry air, deserts of australia, arabia, and North Africa
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