Jet streams are fast-moving air currents that flow in the upper atmosphere, significantly influencing global weather patterns. They are characterized by their high speeds, meandering paths, and seasonal variability. Understanding the characteristics of jet streams is crucial for predicting weather changes and climate patterns.
Here are characteristics of jet streams:
1. Length: Jet streams typically range from 1,600 km to 3,200 km in length.
2. Curved Path: They follow a curved and meandering path due to the Coriolis effect, which causes the air to turn as it moves along the surface of the Earth.
3. Width and Depth: Jet streams cover hundreds of kilometers in width and extend only a few kilometers in depth.
4. Altitude Variation: The height of jet streams decreases from the equator toward the poles, reflecting the decreasing height of the troposphere in that direction.
5. Non-linear Flow: They do not flow in a straight path; instead, their movement is influenced by various atmospheric conditions.
6. Rossby Waves: Jet streams typically exhibit a wavy pattern, forming what are known as Rossby waves, which contribute to weather variability.
7. Wind Shear: Jet streams are characterized by both vertical and lateral wind shear, leading to changes in wind speed and direction at different altitudes.
8. Seasonal Variability: They show significant seasonal variations, with their position and intensity changing throughout the year.
9. Seasonal Extension: During the colder months, jet streams tend to extend towards the equator, bringing colder air masses southward.
10. Narrowing in Summer: In the summer, jet streams often narrow down, resulting in less pronounced weather changes.
GEOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS