| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Current | a flow of air or water in a certain direction |
| Jet Stream | an air current in the upper atmosphere that flows from the west to the east |
| Gulf Stream | a warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean; it flows northeast along the eastern coast of the United States |
| El Nino | an unusual warming of the surface water in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator |
| La Nina | an unusual cooling of the same water |
| Trade Wind | a wind that blows toward the equator; it blows from east to west |
| Sea Breeze | during the day,the air over land heats quickly, while the water stays cooler, as the air above the land heats, it begins to rise. The cool air from the water moves toward the land to replace the rising warm air. |
| Land Breeze | at night, this occurs near the ocean. The air above the land cools down fast and the air above water stays warm. The air above the ocean rises and pulls the cool air from the land. |
| Valley Breeze | during the day, the sun heats the valley air quickly. The warm air rises and moves up the mountain. |
| Mountain Breeze | at night, the mountain air cools faster than the valley. The cool air sinks down the mountain causing the wind to move in the opposite direction. |
