Bill Nye: Wind

Front

What causes wind?

Back

Wind is caused by the Sun, air pressure, and the rotation of the Earth.

Front

Which area of Earth's surface receives the most direct sunlight?

Back

The Equator.

Front

How does air move at the equator?

Back

Air moves up.

Front

What causes air to move from the poles to the equator in a curve?

Back

The Coriolis Effect.

Front

Where does air get cooled on Earth?

Back

The Poles.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the phenomenon that causes moving air to turn and twist rather than move in a straight line due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

Why does the equator receive more sunlight than the poles?

Back

The equator is tilted towards the sun, receiving more direct sunlight throughout the year.

Front

What happens to air pressure as you move from the equator to the poles?

Back

Air pressure generally increases as you move towards the poles.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in wind formation?

Back

The Sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating differences in air pressure that cause wind.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and air movement?

Back

Warm air rises, and cool air sinks, creating movement in the atmosphere.