Quck answer
A jet stream is a narrow, fast-moving air current in the atmosphere, located in the upper levels of the troposphere. It is caused by temperature and pressure differences between air masses. Jet streams flow from west to east, and their speed can reach up to 250 mph (400 km/h). They can extend for thousands of kilometers and have a significant impact on weather patterns. Jet streams are important for aviation as they can affect flight times and fuel efficiency. They also play a role in the formation and movement of storms.
Are you prepared to embark on a journey? Today in Wonderopolis, we are ascending high into the sky. How high, you ask? We are venturing several miles up into the atmosphere to glide along a powerful current of wind. What are we referring to? The jet stream, of course!
A jet stream is a narrow flow of air that spans thousands of miles in width and length. These streams are located approximately seven miles above the Earth’s surface, where the troposphere meets the stratosphere at a point known as the tropopause. Allow us to elaborate.
The winds within a jet stream are caused by disparities in temperature between two large air masses that border the tropopause. These temperature discrepancies create variations in air pressure between the air masses.
As colder air attempts to move towards warmer air, winds are generated. Due to the Earth’s rotation, these winds start to move from west to east, forming a jet stream. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the winds within the jet stream will travel.
How fast do the winds within a jet stream typically move? Very fast! Most of the time, a jet stream flows at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. On occasions, they can reach maximum speeds of over 200 miles per hour!
Jet streams were initially discovered in the 1920s by a Japanese meteorologist named Wasaburo Ooishi. He utilized weather balloons to track upper-level winds high above Mount Fuji. However, the term “jet stream” was not coined until 1939 when a German meteorologist first used it in a research paper.
Research and understanding of jet streams grew during World War II, as pilots noticed variations in winds while flying between North America and Europe. It did not take long for pilots to realize that flying with the jet stream could decrease travel time, while flying against the jet stream could be extremely challenging, if not impossible.
Although jet streams exist in the Southern Hemisphere, the two strongest jet streams are found in the Northern Hemisphere. Jet streams have a significant impact on global weather patterns, as the powerful winds can swiftly push weather systems from one region to another. Meteorologists track the position of jet streams to aid in weather prediction.
Jet streams undergo shifts throughout the year. During warmer weather, they move northward. Conversely, in colder weather, they move southward. They tend to be most powerful during winter, as the temperature difference between Arctic and tropical air masses is greatest at that time.
In addition to meteorologists, pilots and airline officials also closely monitor jet streams. Flying with the jet stream can significantly reduce flight duration and fuel consumption. For planes traveling from east to west, it is also crucial to keep an eye on jet streams. Pilots may choose to fly above or below a jet stream to save time and fuel.
Would you believe that a few individuals have actually walked in a jet stream? It’s true! The summit of Mt. Everest sits within a jet stream. Winds at the top of Mt. Everest consistently blow at speeds exceeding 118 miles per hour. This can pose great danger to those who brave the climb to the highest point on Earth!
Give It a Try
Are you eager to learn more about jet streams? Grab a friend or family member and engage in one or more of the following enjoyable activities:
Discover the Jet Stream with NOVA
Explore Inside the Jet Stream, an engaging interactive experience by NOVA that provides a deeper understanding of the jet stream through visuals and images.
Imagine a powerful river of wind soaring at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, located more than five miles above the earth’s surface. Can you picture it? Now, consider whether you would like to experience the jet stream from a hot air balloon. Why or why not? Alternatively, if you were a bird, would you take advantage of your ability to fly and embark on a thrilling, high-speed journey around the world via the jet stream? Allow your imagination to roam freely and envision the incredible adventure that awaits in the jet stream!
Feeling up to a challenge? Test your skills by calculating the time saved when flying from Los Angeles to London compared to flying from London to Los Angeles. Thanks to the jet stream, traveling west to east is quicker than the opposite direction. For example, if the average flight time from Los Angeles to New York is 30 minutes less than the flight time from New York to Los Angeles, how much time would you likely save when flying from Los Angeles to London compared to flying from London to Los Angeles? To solve this, you will need to determine the distances between Los Angeles and New York, as well as Los Angeles and London, and use those figures in your calculations.
FAQ
1. What is a jet stream?
A jet stream is a narrow, fast-flowing air current that occurs in the upper atmosphere. It is typically found at high altitudes, between 30,000 and 40,000 feet above the Earth’s surface. Jet streams are caused by a combination of atmospheric conditions, including temperature gradients and the rotation of the Earth.
2. How are jet streams formed?
Jet streams are formed due to the contrast in temperature between warm air masses and cold air masses. As warm air rises and cold air sinks, a pressure gradient is created. This gradient causes air to flow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, resulting in the formation of jet streams.
3. What are the characteristics of a jet stream?
Jet streams are characterized by their high wind speeds, which can reach up to 250 miles per hour. They also have a narrow width, typically around a few hundred miles, and can extend for thousands of miles horizontally. Jet streams are strongest during the winter months and tend to weaken during the summer.
4. How do jet streams affect weather patterns?
Jet streams play a crucial role in shaping weather patterns. They can steer weather systems, such as storms and fronts, across large distances. Jet streams also influence the intensity and direction of winds at lower altitudes. Changes in the position and strength of jet streams can lead to shifts in weather patterns and can impact the formation and movement of weather systems.
5. Are jet streams always present?
Jet streams are not always present in the atmosphere. Their location and strength can vary depending on the season and the overall atmospheric conditions. While jet streams are more commonly found at higher latitudes, they can also occur at lower latitudes during certain weather patterns. Jet streams are constantly changing and are closely monitored by meteorologists to understand their impact on weather patterns.
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