Jetstream

[mikey]

I've heard people talk about the jet stream and how it affects the tropics vis a vis the US mainland. Can someone give a quick lesson on this subject in plain english please?

[wjs3]

Well, that's an awful lot of quesiton in one sentence.

So, where to begin...are you familiar with what the jet stream is? let's start there...

Here's a definition that is from the AMS glossary...

http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/gloss ... jet+stream

As you can see, there is not just one jet stream. And, as you can also see from the definition (though we don't see it often here), there are other "jets" in the atmosphere--like Low Level Jets (can help in forming severe weather in the plains, among other functions) and the Mid-Level African Easterly Jet (one of the things that kicks off the tropical waves we see crossing the Atlantic during Hurricane seasons).

However, as the definition describes, jet stream as used here (and as commonly used in meteorology) refers to the polar front jet and the sub-tropical jet.

So far so good?

WJS3

[mikey]

yes. thank you for replying

[wjs3]

OK, I am not going to be able to write more until later today/tonight (probably...I might get a break mid-morning).

Sorry. I'll catch you later. Next we talk about how the shape of the jet stream works to help form mid latitude lows.

WJS3

[deltadog03]

Easy answer to my best ability! Jetstream can do 2 things to a tropical cyclone. 1. Provide a ventilation channel and allow for the storm to atleast maintain intensity. 2. Shear it to death if not in the favorable position to help!

[HeatherAKC]

I just got the book "Weather For Dummies". I'm enjoying it as it explains things like this in a way that is easily understood, by...um...dummies! (Like me!)

I would look up the answer, but I don't have it with me at the moment.

But I would recommend the book.

[Frank2]

The jetstream and it's affect on a hurricane can be compared to a garden hose - the hose can not only direct a stream of water from one place to another, but, can also hold back or direct water in another direction (if the hose is lying on the ground)...

[wjs3]

Mikey:

Can you calrify your question? Do you wnat to know what the jet does in the tropics specifically, or do you want to know what the jet does in the mid latitudes (mainland US) compared to the role of a jet/subtropical jet in the tropics?

WJS3

[mikey]

Mainly in relation to the US. I had heard something that it affects the shear factor for canes approaching the states. Thanks to everyone for helping:)