Class 3b: Climate and WeatherAir pressure and windsGlobal air circulationOcean 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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