The Jet Stream

1. The Jet Stream

2. The Jet Stream is a fast moving current of air at altitudes between 9 000 m asl and 15 000 m asl. It moves at speeds of between 300 and 500 km/h, and travels from the west to the east. Source: http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/fltenv4.htm Source: http://www.acer-acre.org/ClimateChangeCD/sec3/323.htm

3. The Jet Stream shows the line of contact between cold arctic air and warm tropical air. Since the air masses are in contact below the jet stream, the weather on the ground can change very quickly. When flying towards Europe airline pilots will try and fly in the jet stream to save time and money. On the return voyage the pilot will attempt to avoid the jet stream. Source: http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cyc/upa/jet.rxml

4. The Jet Stream and the Ash Cloud • Movement of ash from Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in Iceland 2010 Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/galleries/images/55822/500x400/icelands-eyjafjallajokull-volcano.jpg Source: http://www.zamaanonline.com/eruption-of-eyjafjallajokull-volcano-iceland-3464

5. The Jet Stream in Winter In winter the Jet Stream follows the sun and passes to the south of Canada. This allows cold dry arctic air to flood south and gives us our cold temperatures. Cold, Dry Cold Arctic Air cA Warm, Humid Tropical Air mT

6. The Jet Stream in Summer In summer the Jet Stream follows the sun and passes to the north of Ontario. This allows warm humid tropical air to flood north and gives us our hot humid temperatures. Cold, Dry Cold Arctic Air cA Warm, Humid Tropical Air mT

7. The Jet Stream Spring and Fall In the spring and in the fall the Jet Stream passes directly above eastern Ontario. The cold arctic and warm tropical air mix in the region making our weather variable. It can be cold one day and warm the next, with much rain and sometimes violent storms. Cold, Dry Cold Arctic Air cA Warm, Humid Tropical Air mT