Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere

Energy from the Sun warms the land and water on the surface of Earth. The heat energy in Earth’s surface then transfers to the air directly above it. The air above the land heats up faster than the air above the water. Which statement explains how this transfer of heat energy causes wind?

• It causes the air above land to rise and the cooler, heavier air to rush in and take its place.

• It causes the air above land to push the cooler, heavier air out of place.

• It causes the air above land to move slower than the air above water.

• It causes the air above land to collide with cooler, heavier air.

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How does the energy from the Sun contribute to the production of winds on Earth?

• different areas absorb the heat differently, so warmer air rises and cooler air moves in to fill the gap

• gravity pulls the air down from the tops of the mountains to the valleys and oceans, and this pushes on the air below

• the Sun's energy comes in radiating waves, which move the atmosphere around as they go through it

• oceans heat and cool faster than the land, so they affect the air above them more than the land does

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Energy can be transferred as heat in many ways. Which statement below is the best description of energy transfer by convection?

• from the sun to Earth

• from magma to the cooler rock touching the magma inside Earth

• between the water molecules on the ocean’s surface in contact with air molecules immediately above the surface only

• by air moving from low elevations near Earth’s surface up to higher elevations in the atmosphere in a cycle

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The diagram summarizes what happens to solar radiation that reaches Earth from the Sun. Based on the diagram, what is the atmosphere’s role in determining the characteristics of Earth?

• The atmosphere reflects most of the Sun’s radiation, preventing Earth from heating up.

• The atmosphere transmits all of the Sun’s radiation that strikes it, heating Earth’s surface.

• The atmosphere blocks most of the Sun’s radiation from reaching Earth’s surface, keeping temperatures cool.

• The atmosphere absorbs a portion of the Sun’s radiation, keeping temperatures warm enough for life to exist.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which step of the diagram involves convection?

• Step 1

• Step 2

• Step 3

• Step 4

What causes the movement in atmospheric and oceanic currents?

• Tectonic plates shifting large volumes of air and water

• Radiant heat waves from the core transferring to the air and water

• The Sun's heat causing the density of the air and water to rise and sink

• The Moon's gravitational pull causing the air and water to move slightly away from Earth

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

When energy from the sun reaches the air above land, the air warms and rises. Along a coastline, cooler air above the ocean flows toward the land to replace this rising air. Which of the following best describe these processes?

• conduction and convection

• radiation and conduction

• radiation and convection

• conduction, convection and radiation

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5

If you visit the beach on a hot summer day you will probably feel a sea breeze coming off the water onto the land. Which of the following causes this sea breeze?

• the water is warmer than the land during the day

• Earth is tilted toward the Sun, causing air to move inland from the water

• during the day, solar radiation warms the land more than the water

• hurricanes that form in the oceans blow air into the shore

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In December, Bill was driving through Florida with his family. As they drove closer to the coast, Bill noticed that the air grew a little cooler. Which of the following statements best explains the temperature difference.

• Air expands at higher temperatures.

• Warm air moves toward the coastline from inland areas.

• The water heats up faster than the land, creating a land breeze.

• The land heats up faster than the water, creating a sea breeze.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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A sea breeze blows from the ocean toward the shore. Why does this occur?

• High pressure over the land causes a downdraft to occur.

• The tide carries the wind to the shore as it moves back and forth.

• Conduction of heat from the warm water produces wind from the ocean.

• Air over land heats faster than air over water, which causes convection.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6