Prevailing Winds and Cells of Air

Which of the following is the direct source for global winds and ocean currents?

• the uneven heating of Earth by the sun
• the Coriolis effect
• the rotation of Earth
• the sun is shining and warming air from the East to the West

Which of the following is most responsible for the moving bands of air around Earth that are shown in the picture?

• conduction
• convection
• Coriolis effect
• greenhouse effect

The Coriolis effect greatly affects the paths of air circulation on Earth. What causes the Coriolis effect?

• the sun
• the moon
• Earth's rotation
• Earth's revolution

Some characteristic types of wind result where global pressure belts meet. Which of the following is a zone of weak, variable winds located at 30⁰N and 30⁰S latitude?

• jet streams
• local winds
• the doldrums
• the horse latitudes

Land and water absorb and release the sun's heat in different ways. One result is a sea breeze.  Which statement is true of sea breezes?

• They originate in the day and blow toward the land.
• They originate in the day an blow toward the water.
• They originate in the evening and blow toward the land.
• They originate in the evening and blow toward the water.

Winds are named based on different factors. How are winds usually named?

• Winds are usually named based on their altitude.
• Winds are usually named based on their strength.
• Winds are usually named based on the direction in which they are blowing.
• Winds are usually named based on the direction from which they are blowing.

Air circulates in Earth's atmosphere. Which of the following is the fundamental cause of air circulation in Earth's atmosphere?

• ocean currents
• Earth's gravity
• Earth's magnetic field
• energy from the sun

Differences in air pressure drive the global wind systems on Earth. Which term describes polar winds that blow from east to west?

• easterlies
• westerlies
• jet streams
• trade winds

The global movement of air occurs in convection cells.  In general, how does air move?

• from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure
• from areas of lower pressure to areas of higher pressure
• from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature
• in a completely random directions

Which type of breeze is illustrated in the figure?

• sea breeze
• land breeze
• valley breeze
• mountain breeze