I. Convection systematics:

A. Gradients -- rate of change

B. Winds and gradients in pressure, temperature and H2O

1. System's schematic

2. Water and air density

3. Potential feedback

II. Global circulation pattern (A general circulation model)

A. Zones of high and low pressure

B. Wind directions on a non-rotating planet

C. The Coriolis effect and wind belts

D. Local effects

1. Adiabatic heating and cooling

2. Temperature and Relative humidity

3. Examples: desert latitudes, monsoons, rain shadows

III. Effects of water on energy transfer (Energy stored during evaporation)

A. Example of energy involved and how it moves

B. Energy and states of water (liq-vap, 600 cal/g; sol-liq, 80 cal/g)

C. Use systematics to explain hurricanes and tornadoes.

Objectives:

1. Describe the causes of wind and draw a schematic system's sketch illustrating potential feedback in the system. Recognize the potential for stable and unstable wind systems.

2. Describe the predicted winds on a non-rotating planet. Determine how wind belts would be different if the Earth were to rotate in the opposite direction.

3. Predict dominant wind patterns at different latitudes on the Earth's surface and understand their causes.

4. Describe the importance of wind and water vapor in the transfer of energy from equatorial to polar regions.

5. Describe the relationships between wind belt and climate. For example explain the extreme dry conditions of Death Valley and the Sahara Desert. Explain the relationship between wet and dry seasons in southern California and wind direction.

6. Explain the relative stability/instability of tornadoes and hurricanes as weather systems.

RETURN