Local and Global Winds

Front

What are global winds?

Back

Global winds are winds that blow constantly and predictably over long distances, influenced by the Earth's rotation and the uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the phenomenon that causes global winds to move in a curved path instead of a straight line due to the rotation of the Earth.

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How does air pressure affect wind movement?

Back

Air always moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, creating wind.

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

A land breeze is a type of wind that occurs at night when cooler air from the land moves towards the warmer air over the sea.

Front

In which direction do polar easterlies flow?

Back

Polar easterlies flow from east to west.

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Trade winds are steady winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, occurring between the equator and 30 degrees latitude.

Front

What causes sea breezes?

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Sea breezes are caused by the differential heating of land and water, where cooler air from the sea moves towards the warmer land.

Front

What is the significance of the jet stream?

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The jet stream is a fast-flowing air current in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns and the movement of storms.

Front

What are westerlies?

Back

Westerlies are winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes, between 30 and 60 degrees latitude.

Front

How do mountain breezes form?

Back

Mountain breezes form at night when cooler, denser air flows down from the mountains into the valleys.