Global Winds and Ocean Currents

Front

What is the prevailing wind direction in many regions of the world?

Back

The prevailing wind direction in many regions is from southwest to northeast.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the primary cause of wind formation on Earth?

Back

Winds are formed due to the uneven heating of Earth's surfaces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does air move around areas of high pressure?

Back

Air moves out of or away from areas of high pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

At what degrees of latitude do 'wind belts' occur?

Back

Wind belts occur every 30 degrees of latitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the general air pressure at the equator compared to the poles?

Back

There is high pressure at the poles and low pressure at the equator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the major global wind patterns called?

Back

The major global wind patterns are called trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect and how does it influence wind direction?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth, influencing wind direction to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density and temperature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is upwelling and why is it important?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, supporting marine life and fisheries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3