Subtropical jet stream

Definition

The subtropical jet stream is a fast-flowing ribbon of air located in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically found around 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This jet stream is a significant component of the larger atmospheric circulation and plays a crucial role in influencing weather patterns, storm tracks, and climatic conditions across various regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The subtropical jet stream typically forms at altitudes of about 10 to 15 kilometers (30,000 to 50,000 feet) above sea level.
2. It is strongest during the winter months when temperature contrasts between the tropics and polar regions are greatest.
3. The position of the subtropical jet stream can shift north or south depending on seasonal changes and global weather patterns.
4. This jet stream helps to separate tropical air masses from polar air masses, influencing storm development and precipitation patterns.
5. Changes in the subtropical jet stream can have significant impacts on droughts and floods in various regions, making it an important factor for climatologists.

Review Questions

• How does the subtropical jet stream interact with other atmospheric features to influence weather patterns?
  • The subtropical jet stream interacts with features like the polar jet stream and Hadley cells to create complex weather patterns. For instance, when the subtropical jet streams dip or rise, it can lead to shifts in storm tracks and alter precipitation patterns. This interaction can lead to significant weather events like droughts or heavy rainfall depending on how these jets align with other air masses.
• Discuss how seasonal changes affect the strength and position of the subtropical jet stream.
  • Seasonal changes have a profound effect on the subtropical jet stream. During winter, the temperature contrast between tropical and polar regions is more pronounced, leading to stronger winds in the subtropical jet. Conversely, during summer, this contrast diminishes, often resulting in a weaker jet stream that can shift position. These shifts can directly impact local weather conditions, such as increased storm activity or prolonged periods of dry weather.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on the behavior of the subtropical jet stream and its implications for global weather systems.
  • Climate change may significantly alter the behavior of the subtropical jet stream by affecting its strength and position. As temperatures rise, the differences in temperature between equatorial and polar regions could diminish, potentially leading to a weaker and more meandering jet stream. This alteration could have broad implications for global weather systems, including increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes or droughts, thereby impacting agriculture, water supply, and ecosystem stability across various regions.

Related terms

polar jet stream: A narrow band of strong winds found at higher latitudes, usually between 30 and 60 degrees latitude, that influences the weather patterns in mid-latitude regions.

Hadley cell: A large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern that results from the heating of the equator, creating rising air and leading to the formation of the subtropical jet stream.

climate zones: Regions of the Earth defined by distinct climate characteristics, such as temperature and precipitation, which can be influenced by the position and strength of jet streams.