Jet stream: Quick Facts

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Photos

Positions of jet streams in the atmosphere. Arrows indicate directions of mean motions in a meridional plane.

Four circular thematic maps show Rossby wave patterns over the North Pole, each illustrating different stages of upper atmospheric airflow. The sequence moves from an uninterrupted jet stream around cold polar air, to the development and amplification of wave patterns, showing high- and low-pressure centers, warm and cold air movement, and the eventual restoration of the initial airflow after a cold air mass detaches. Labels indicate the positions of high (H) and low (L) pressure centers and sho

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Topics

tropical easterly jet stream Rossby wave Polar front jet stream Subtropical jet stream Clear-air turbulence Wind westerlies Stratosphere Troposphere Quasi-biennial oscillation Planetary boundary layer Windstorm Atmospheric circulation surge Wind chill Breeze Gradient wind microburst Buys Ballot’s law

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