Wind Systems and Effects

What causes wind to blow?

• Ocean currents

• Convection in the atmosphere

• The Coriolis effect

• Gravity

Answer explanation

Wind is caused by convection in the atmosphere, where warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating pressure differences. The Coriolis effect influences wind direction, while gravity helps maintain atmospheric pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which global wind blows from the poles?

• Trade winds

• Jet stream

• Prevailing westerlies

• Polar easterlies

Answer explanation

The polar easterlies are cold winds that blow from the poles towards the equator. They are distinct from trade winds and prevailing westerlies, which originate from different latitudes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which global wind system was historically used by sailors for navigation?

• Jet stream

• Trade winds

• Polar easterlies

• Prevailing westerlies

Answer explanation

The trade winds are consistent winds that blow from east to west in the tropics. Historically, sailors utilized these winds for navigation across the oceans, making them crucial for maritime travel.

The Coriolis effect makes winds blow in a straight line.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Coriolis effect causes winds to curve rather than blow in a straight line due to the rotation of the Earth. Therefore, the statement is false.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Trade winds are consistent winds near the equator.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Trade winds are indeed consistent winds that blow from east to west near the equator. This phenomenon is a result of the Earth's rotation and the differential heating of the Earth's surface, confirming that the statement is true.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The jet stream is a low-altitude, slow-moving wind. True or False?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is False. The jet stream is actually a high-altitude, fast-moving wind that flows in the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Local winds are caused by global convection patterns.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Local winds are indeed influenced by global convection patterns, which create temperature and pressure differences that drive local wind systems. Therefore, the statement is true.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Prevailing westerlies blow from the west.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because prevailing westerlies are winds that blow from the west towards the east in the mid-latitudes, confirming the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The Earth's rotation does not affect wind direction.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Earth's rotation affects wind direction due to the Coriolis effect, which causes moving air to turn and twist. Therefore, the statement that the Earth's rotation does not affect wind direction is false.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Trade winds help distribute heat across the planet.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Trade winds are large-scale wind patterns that help distribute heat from the equator towards the poles, playing a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6