Small-Scale Wind Systems

Focus topics

 
• Small-Scale Winds
• Determining Wind Direction and Speed
• Local Wind Systems

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Key Terms

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Check for Comprehension
 

1.  Do you understand the relationships between viscosity, laminar flow, eddies, and turbulence?

2.  Can you identify several local wind systems?

3.  Can you explain onshore and offshore breezes?

4.  Can you explain mountain and valley breezes?

5.  Can you explain thermal circulation, and the formation of thermal highs and lows.
 

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Questions for Review

1. Describe the various scales of motion and give examples of each.

2.  What causes the wind to gust?

3.  An upper wind is reported as 315 degrees. From what compass direction is the wind blowing?

4.  Explain how a thermal circulation develops.

5.  Explain why chinook winds are warm and dry.

6.  Why is it dangerous during hang gliding to enter the leeward side of of the hill when the wind speed is strong?

7.  The convergence of two sea breezes in Florida tends to produce showers while the convergence of two sea breezes over California does not. Explain this.
 
 

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Quiz

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If  you've answered the review questions and finished the reading assignment you should be ready to take the quiz for this section.  You may only take the quiz one time.  If more than one copy is submitted, only the first copy received will be graded.  You are expected to do your own work, but you may use your text and other resource material.  If you agree with these statement and are ready to take the quiz, press the button below.

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