jet streams

Jet streams are fast-moving, narrow bands of strong winds high in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily found near the tropopause (the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere). They flow from west to east around the globe, influenced by temperature differences between the equator and poles. These powerful currents guide weather patterns, storms, and aviation routes, often changing position and strength. Their presence affects the climate and helps determine regional weather conditions, making them a crucial component of Earth's atmospheric system for weather forecasting and understanding global climate dynamics.