Wind
What is the cause of the wind?
The Sun unevenly heats the Earth, causing wind
Convection cells are...
Convection cells are circular patterns of air movement that occur in the atmosphere due to the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. They form when warm air rises because it is lighter, and cooler air sinks because it is heavier.
Where are the global trade winds positioned at?
The global trade winds are generally positioned between the longitudes of 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the equator.
True or False - Wind moves from low pressure to high pressure
False - Wind moves from high pressure to low pressure
What is a convection current?
A convection current is a continuous loop of rising and falling air.
Which way do the trade winds in the Northern Hemisphere blow from?
The trade winds blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere.
What effect does the rotation of the Earth cause, making winds curve rather than move in straight lines?
The Coriolis Effect
True or False - In the atmosphere, convection cells move air around and help create weather.
True
Which way do the trade winds in the Northern Hemisphere blow from?
The trade winds in the Southern Hemisphere blow from the southeast.
True or False - High-pressure sinks and low-pressure rises.
Justify your answer.
True - the air is heavier when there is high pressure, causing air to sink and be more dense. Low pressure rises because the air is lighter and less dense when there is low pressure.
What are the three main convection cells?
The Hadley cell, the Ferrel cell, and the Polar cell.
What do the global trade winds affect?
They affect weather, ocean currents, and the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes.
What else can direct and shape the path of the wind?
Mountains, valleys, and bodies of water can direct and shape the path of the wind, making it stronger or weaker depending on the terrain.
Why are convection cells important?
Convection cells are important because they drive global wind patterns and influence weather systems. They help create trade winds, jet streams, and areas of high and low pressure around the globe.
What creates the conditions necessary for the trade winds to form?
A region known as the tropical zone, where the Sun's energy is most concentrated, causes warm air to rise and form the basis for convection currents. These latitudes are where the Hadley cells operate, creating the conditions necessary for the trade winds to form.