Jet stream
Jet streams are fast flowing, relatively narrow air currents found a little below the tropopause, the transition between the troposphere (where temperature decreases with height) and the stratosphere (where temperature increases with height).[1][2] This is about 10 to 15 kilometres (6.2 to 9.3 mi) above the surface of the Earth.
Jet Stream Media
The polar jet stream can travel at speeds greater than 180 km/h (110 mph). Here, the fastest winds are coloured red; slower winds are blue.
Clouds along a jet stream over Canada.
General configuration of the polar and subtropical jet streams
Cross section of the subtropical and polar jet streams by latitude
Highly idealised depiction of the global circulation. The upper-level jets tend to flow latitudinally along the cell boundaries.
Jupiter's distinctive cloud bands
Hurricane Flossie over Hawaii in 2007. Note the large band of moisture that developed East of Hawaii Island that came from the hurricane.
Flights between Tokyo and Los Angeles using the jet stream eastbound and a great circle route westbound.
Meanders (Rossby Waves) of the Northern Hemisphere's polar jet stream developing (a), (b); then finally detaching a "drop" of cold air (c). Orange: warmer masses of air; pink: jet stream.
References
- ↑ Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 168. ISBN 9780850451634.
- ↑ United States Department of Energy. June 26, 2002. Ask a Scientist. Archived 2008-05-13 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on May 5, 2008.
