Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
© Jenny Elia Pfeiffer/Corbis
Flowing air is usually invisible to the naked eye. However, in some cases, such as this spectacular sandstorm in Eritrea,
Africa, strong winds blow dust in a way that allows us to visualize air movement. Flowing air is the focus of this chapter.
L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
C H A P T E R P R E V I E W
1.
Understand the concept of air pressure and how it is
measured.
2.
Compare and contrast high- and low-pressure
systems and how air flows within and between them.
3.
Describe the factors that influence large-scale wind
patterns on Earth.
4.
Discuss the various components of the global
circulation model.
5.
Discuss the seasonal migration of atmospheric
pressure systems on Earth.
6.
Understand why people are developing wind as a
supplementary energy system and where in the Unit-
ed States the potential is high for this development,
and identify the challenges facing the effort.
7.
Describe the various local circulatory systems and
why they occur.
8.
Discuss the nature of oceanic circulation and how it
compares with atmospheric circulatory patterns.
Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric Pressure Systems
The Direction of Airflow
Fluctuations in the Pressure Gradient
The Coriolis Force
Global Pressure and Atmospheric
Circulation
Global Atmospheric Circulation
The Asian Monsoon
Global Atmospheric Circulation
and Water Vapor Movement
Human Interactions: Harnessing
Wind Energy
Local Wind Systems
Oceanic Circulation
El Niño
