conduction
Energy that is transferred when molecules bump into one another.
convection cycle
A cycle in which air is warmed, warm air rises, air is cooled, and cool air sinks.
hydrosphere
All of the water on Earth's surface.
condensation
The process of water vapor changing to liquid.
evaporation
When water changes from a liquid to a gas.
heat
Energy that flows from an object with a higher temperature to one with a lower temperature.
radiation
Heat that is transferred in rays or waves.
water cycle
The cycle that moves back and forth between Earth's atmosphere and surface.
wind
Movement from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.
jet stream
Narrow belts of strong wind in the troposphere.
sea breeze
The air movement from the cooler sea toward the warmer land during the day.
land breeze
The air movement from the land toward the water.
equator
Imaginary line around the middle of the Earth.
doldrums
Windless zone at the equator which sailing vessels try to avoid.
prevailing westerlies
Winds generally responsible for the movement of weather across the U.S. and Canada.
trade winds
Winds that provide a dependable route for trade.
solar radiation
Heat from the Sun.
Coriolis effect
The deflection of air masses resulting from Earth's easward rotation.
polar easterlies
Winds that blow from the North and South Poles.
ozone layer
Part of the atmosphere that protects Earth from harmful radiation.
troposphere
Layer of atmosphere closest to Earth's surface.
ionosphere
A layer of charged particles above Earth.