Air Masses
What is the primary factor that influences air mass characteristics?
Earth's rotation
How does the Earth's rotation affect the Coriolis effect at the equator?
There's little to no coriolis effect at the equator
In which layer of the atmosphere do convection currents primarily occur?
Troposphere
What causes wind?
Unequal heating
What effect does the Earth's rotation have on air masses?
It influences the direction of air masses
How do low pressure systems influence air masses?
They promote rising air and cloud formation
What is NOT a factor that influences air mass characteristics?
a. Varying land surfaces, such as mountain ranges
b. Latitude
c. Earth's Magnetic field
How does the Coriolis effect influence wind patterns in the atmosphere?
(right) East in Northern hemisphere
(left) West in Southern
Predict what would happen to Earth's convection currents if the Sun doubled in size.
The ocean currents and wind currents would be greater than they are now
How does the rotation of the Earth affect air mass movements?
It influences the direction of air mass movement
Explain how the Coriolis effect affects wind patterns in the atmosphere
The deflection of the air masses causes a circular path
If you wanted to eliminate wind, what would be the best way to do it?
The ocean currents and wind currents would be greater than they are now
Why do air masses move from high pressure to low pressure areas
High pressure - more dense
Low pressure - less dense
How does the rotation of the Earth impact wind direction in different hemispheres?
Creates the Coriolis Effect
What do convection currents help to distribute in the atmosphere?
Heat is released from the oceans and land, causing wind.