Class 3b: Climate and WeatherAir pressure and windsGlobal air circulationSlide 4Ocean currentsClimate classificationWeather: hurricanesClass 3b: Climate and WeatherAir pressure and winds•Air is a fluid•Warmer air is less dense•Air moves from dense to less dense conditions•Ex.: Land-sea breezesGlobal air circulation•Equator receives most insolation•Hot air rises, heads towards poles•Air becomes heavy and sinks at 30°N and S•Plus the Coriolis effect•Warmer air “holds” more water•Low pressure=warm air=precipitation•High pressure=cold air=dry airOcean currents•Follow same circular pattern (driven by wind)•Warm currents flow away from equator, pile up on eastern shores–Gulf Stream, Brazil•Cold currents flow towards equator, cause upwelling–Humboldt/Peru, CaliforniaClimate classification•Temperature and precipitation•Köppen classification system•Nine types, plus highlandsWeather: hurricanes•Start at low pressure centers•Warm air rises•Water evaporates with energy from sun•With condensation, energy is
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