AP®︎ Environmental Science: Topic 4.8 Flashcards

The short-term state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity, clouds, and pressure

The long-term pattern and range of weather conditions in a region, including typical temperatures, precipitation, and weather frequency

The forced rise of an air mass over a mountain or other elevated terrain, causing expansion and cooling that may produce precipitation

The side of a mountain that faces incoming wind, where air rises, cools, and commonly produces more precipitation

The downwind side of a mountain, where descending air warms and becomes relatively dry

A relatively dry leeward region formed when air rises, cools, and loses moisture on a mountain’s windward side, then descends and warms

Water can absorb or release substantial thermal energy with relatively little temperature change, moderating nearby coastal temperatures

A climate strongly influenced by a nearby ocean, usually with milder temperatures and smaller daily and seasonal temperature ranges

An inland climate with less ocean influence and generally greater daily and seasonal temperature variation

Movements of ocean water that redistribute heat; warm currents tend to warm nearby coasts, while cold currents tend to cool them