February 11, 2020 Jet Stream The Jet Stream is like a river of wind high above in the atmosphere. These slim strips of strong winds have a huge influence on climate, as they can push air masses around and affect weather patterns. NOTES: *Jet Stream is a band of wind high above the atmosphere February 11, 2020 Jet Stream The Polar Jet Stream has the greatest affect on the United States is found below the North Pole. NOTES: *Jet Stream runs WEST to EAST *Barrier between Hot and Cold Air *Greater the temperature difference the faster it moves *Pushes air masses around *Jet Stream drops down and brings cold air (DOWN=COLD AIR) *Jet Stream moves up and brings warm air (UP=WARM AIR) KEY WORD: Jet Stream = fast wind that moves weather/air masses February 11, 2020 Gulf Stream The Gulf Stream is a powerful current in the Atlantic Ocean. Winds push water in the Atlantic towards the East coast of the United States. In turn, the Gulf Stream affects the climate of the areas closest to the current by bringing warmer temperatures. NOTES: *Water Current brings warm temperatures *Affects the EAST COAST of the United States KEY WORD: GULF STREAM = WARM TEMPERATURES & EAST COAST February 11, 2020 Coriolis Effect The Coriolis Effect is the curving of the wind caused by the Earth's rotation. The Coriolis Effect plays an important part in the movement of different weather patterns all around the world. Especially when it comes to ocean currents like the Gulf Stream. NOTES: *Curving of the wind caused by Earth's Rotation February 11, 2020 El Niño El Niño is a warming of the surface water of the western and central Pacific Ocean, occurring every 4 to 12 years and causing unusual weather patterns. El Niño tends to bring warm temperatures and rain to the west coast of the United States. NOTES: *El Niño is the warming of water in the Pacific Ocean *Brings warmer temperatures and rain February 11, 2020 El Niño El Niño can result in a stormy winter along the West Coast. A wet winter across the South. A warmer-than average winter for parts of the North. Click Here to Learn More NOTES: *Brings Stormy weather along West Coast *Dry across the Southwest & Midwest *Rainy Winters in SOUTHEAST *Warmer temperatures KEY WORD: El Niño = RAIN & WARM February 11, 2020 La Niña La Niña a cooling of the surface water of the western and central Pacific Ocean, occurring every 4 to 12 years and causing unusual weather patterns. La Niña features drier and milder conditions across the South, the Pacific Northwest will become wetter than normal, while the Northeast will have cold periods. NOTES: *La Niña is the cooling of water in the Pacific Ocean *Brings mild and dry weather across the South *Brings more rain along the West Coast KEY WORD: La Niña = DRY & MILD.