Week 7... continued: Indian Monsoons
Jet Streams Definition: Jet streams are narrow, fast-moving bands of geostrophic wind in the upper troposphere , typically found at altitudes between 9–16 km . These are circumpolar, meandering air currents primarily flowing from west to east , heavily influenced by Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect) and horizontal temperature contrasts. Fundamental Concepts A. Geostrophic Wind Forms when pressure gradient force (PGF) balances the Coriolis force in the absence of friction. Air moves parallel to isobars above ~2 km altitude. Basis for jet stream motion. Why Jet Streams Form Caused by sharp temperature and pressure gradients , particularly at the boundaries of air masses. These gradients are strongest near: Polar Front (between cold polar and warm tropical air) Subtropical Front (due to Hadley cell dynamics) Structural Characteristics Feature Details Location Upp...