Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the UniverseChapter 12:
MeteorologyProblem of the WeekFlight Height and the Jet Stream The students will come up with various scenarios, but they should indicate
that they would begin on the West Coast somewhere either northwest or
southwest, depending on the jet steam path they choose. - Looking at the northern most jet stream, they should notice a distinct
dip North and south. This would take them in a less direct route.
- Looking at the southernmost jet stream, this would take them more
directly across the U. S.
The students will need to use skills of estimation
to determine wind speed and altitude depending on the route they take. They
should be able to make some estimate using the color-coded key for wind
speed and general knowledge about where the jet streams occur in relation
to altitude. Resources: - Balloon
Race: Frequently Asked Questions About the Jet Stream
NOVA Online Adventure. (2000). This is great site for exploration on
balloon flight and recent attempts to circumnavigate Earth in a balloon.
- Jet
Stream. WW2010: The weather world 2010 project
Department of Atmospheric Science University of Illinois.
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