Santa Ana Winds

What causes the Santa Ana winds to blow through Southern California?

• Counter-clockwise circulation around low-pressure areas

• Clockwise circulation around areas of surface high pressure east of the Sierra Nevada

• Seasonal changes in ocean temperature

• Volcanic activity in the Great Basin region

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During which season do the Santa Ana winds primarily occur?

• Summer

• Winter

• Fall

• Spring

As the air flows downslope from the mountains toward the coast, what happens to it?

• It cools down and becomes more humid

• It remains unchanged in temperature and humidity

• It heats up and dries out

• It condenses and forms rain

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the characteristic of the Santa Ana winds?

• They are moist and bring heavy rainfall

• They are warm and humid

• They are strong and dry

• They are weak and variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens to the air as it moves from the area of high pressure to the lower pressure at the coast?

• It warms up and gains moisture.

• It cools down and gains moisture.

• It warms up and loses moisture.

• It cools down and loses moisture.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the effect of the Santa Ana winds on vegetation?

• They increase the moisture content in vegetation.

• They have no significant effect on vegetation.

• They dry out vegetation.

• They cool down the vegetation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Where is the lower pressure located in relation to the Santa Ana winds?

• In the mountains

• Off the coast

• In the deserts

• In the area of high pressure

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What causes the Santa Ana winds to be strong northeast winds?

• The rotation of the Earth

• The temperature of the ocean

• The difference in pressure between the inland and the coast

• The moisture content in the air

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What natural phenomenon can cause the Santa Ana winds to reach speeds of 45 to 100 mph?

• Ocean currents

• Mountain ranges

• Urban heat islands

• Volcanic activity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

According to the National Weather Service, what can the Santa Ana winds cause when they are strong enough?

• Snowstorms

• Power outages

• Rough seas for mariners

• Earthquakes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5