Geo Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level?
1013 mb
What is considered high atmospheric pressure?
Any atmospheric pressure greater than 1013 mb is considered to be high.
What is considered low atmospheric pressure?
Any atmospheric pressure less than 1013 mb is considered to be low.
What is an anticyclone?
An anticyclone is a high-pressure weather system where air sinks and spreads out, resulting in stable, clear, and dry weather.
What weather does an anticyclone generally bring to the Caribbean?
Anticyclones generally bring clear skies, light winds, and dry weather.
When do anticyclones affect the Caribbean?
Anticyclones affect the Caribbean during the months of June to September.
What type of clouds are associated with anticyclones?
The cloud type associated with anticyclones is low level cumulus clouds.
What are the impacts of anticyclones on the Caribbean?
Anticyclones can cause dry weather, stable weather, temperature variations, and negatively impact agriculture.
How do anticyclones affect rainfall?
Anticyclones can lead to reduced rainfall, which may cause drought conditions, especially in water-short islands.
What temperature variations occur during anticyclones?
Daytime temperatures can rise due to lack of cloud cover, while nighttime temperatures may drop, especially in coastal areas.
How do prolonged dry spells from anticyclones affect agriculture?
Prolonged dry spells can negatively affect crops and agriculture, particularly in areas dependent on consistent rainfall.
What are the trade winds?
The trade winds are constant winds that blow from the northeast towards the southwest across the Caribbean.
What causes the trade winds?
They occur due to the Earth’s rotation and pressure systems and are a major feature of tropical climates.
Where are the trade wind belts located?
The trade wind belts are located mainly between 5 degrees and 30 degrees north and south of the Equator.
How do trade winds change during the winter months?
These winds move farther south during the winter months, around January.
What type of clouds are associated with trade winds?
High-level cirrus clouds are associated with this weather system.
How do trade winds impact temperatures in the Caribbean?
The trade winds help cool the region, especially coastal areas, by bringing in moist air from the Atlantic, which regulates temperatures.
What role do trade winds play in rainfall patterns?
These winds contribute to the distribution of rainfall in the Caribbean, bringing moisture to the region.
How do trade winds affect hurricanes and storms?
Trade winds can steer hurricanes and tropical storms, affecting their direction and intensity in the region.
Why are trade winds favorable for sailing and tourism?
Historically, trade winds were important for navigation and sailing. Today, they also make conditions pleasant for tourism, especially in coastal resorts.
What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
The ITCZ is a narrow band of low pressure near the equator where the trade winds from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge.
What weather phenomena are associated with the ITCZ?
It is characterized by frequent thunderstorms, cloud formation, and intense rainfall.
Which areas does the ITCZ affect?
The ITCZ affects Trinidad, Tobago, and Guyana.
What is the impact of the ITCZ on rainfall in the Caribbean?
The ITCZ is responsible for the Caribbean’s rainy season, particularly from May to October.
