Global Winds, Global Currents, & Tides

Front

Sunlight travels towards the Earth in parallel rays, but the Earth’s curved surface causes

Back

different parts to receive sunlight at different angles.

Front

Effect of sunlight at the equator.

Back

At the equator, sunlight hits more directly, concentrating energy and leading to warmer temperatures.

Front

Uneven heating of the Earth's surface causes what to happen with wind?

Back

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface creates wind, which redistributes heat and moisture around the Earth.

Front

Describes the convection process.

Back

Convection is the process where heat is transferred through a fluid by the movement of the fluid, with warmer fluid rising and cooler fluid sinking.

Front

What is the role of convection in the atmosphere?

Back

Convection helps distribute heat throughout the fluid and is important for heating the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What causes variability in air pressure.

Back

There is variability in air pressure, sometimes higher and sometimes lower, is due to differences in heating.

Front

Polar cells characteristics.

Back

Polar cells are found near the poles where cold air sinks and then moves towards 60° latitude.

Front

Coriolis Effect on wind.

Back

The Coriolis Effect causes winds in the Northern Hemisphere to curve to the right and in the Southern Hemisphere to curve to the left.

Front

Horse latitudes.

Back

The "horse latitudes" are areas of calm winds due to high pressure at around 30° latitude.

Front

Does air traveling from the equator or poles travel faster?

Back

Air traveling from the equator moves faster than air from the poles relative to the ground.