Great plains low-level jet

Definition

The great plains low-level jet is a fast-moving stream of air that occurs at relatively low altitudes, typically between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above the ground, over the Great Plains region of North America. This phenomenon is critical in transporting moisture from the Gulf of Mexico into the central United States, significantly influencing local weather patterns, particularly during the spring and summer months when it contributes to storm development and precipitation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The great plains low-level jet typically forms during the evening and overnight hours, reaching its peak intensity around dawn before dissipating by late morning.
2. This jet can transport large amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico into the Great Plains, enhancing rainfall and contributing to severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.
3. The presence of the low-level jet is closely linked to temperature differences between land and water, with warmer air over land leading to stronger winds aloft.
4. Research has shown that variations in the strength and position of the great plains low-level jet can influence drought conditions in the region by altering moisture availability.
5. Meteorologists monitor this jet closely as it can be a key factor in predicting severe weather outbreaks in the central United States.

Review Questions

• How does the great plains low-level jet interact with local weather systems to influence precipitation patterns?
  • The great plains low-level jet plays a vital role in shaping local weather systems by transporting moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico into the Great Plains. As this moist air interacts with cooler air masses in the region, it can lead to convective activity that results in cloud formation and precipitation. During spring and summer, when atmospheric conditions are favorable, this interaction can enhance rainfall and contribute to severe weather events like thunderstorms.
• Evaluate the impact of the great plains low-level jet on severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.
  • The great plains low-level jet significantly impacts severe weather events like thunderstorms and tornadoes by supplying necessary moisture and energy. When this jet enhances humidity advection into an unstable atmosphere, it can lead to vigorous convection, creating conditions conducive to severe storms. As a result, areas under its influence often experience increased frequencies of severe weather during peak seasons.
• Discuss how changes in the intensity or position of the great plains low-level jet could affect regional climate trends over time.
  • Changes in the intensity or position of the great plains low-level jet can have significant implications for regional climate trends. If the jet becomes weaker or shifts position due to climate change, it may lead to reduced moisture transport into the Great Plains, potentially increasing drought frequency and intensity. Conversely, a stronger or more consistent jet could result in enhanced rainfall patterns, impacting agriculture and water resources. Monitoring these shifts is crucial for understanding long-term climate dynamics in the region.

Related terms

Jet Stream: A high-altitude band of strong winds that flows from west to east in the atmosphere, influencing weather systems and patterns.

Convective Activity: The process by which warm air rises and cools, leading to cloud formation and precipitation, often associated with thunderstorms.

Humidity Advection: The horizontal transport of moisture by the wind, which can affect local weather conditions and contribute to precipitation.