Global Winds and Ocean Currents

Front

What causes winds to form?

Back

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

Front

How does air move around areas of high pressure?

Back

Air moves OUT OF or AWAY from areas of high pressure.

Front

What are 'wind belts'?

Back

Wind belts are areas of wind that have the same prevailing direction, occurring every 30 degrees of latitude.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection in the movement of air due to Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the general air pressure at the equator?

Back

There is LOW pressure at the equator.

Front

What is the general air pressure at the poles?

Back

There is HIGH pressure at the poles.

Front

What is the primary factor that influences wind direction?

Back

The primary factor influencing wind direction is the Coriolis effect.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

Thermohaline circulation is the movement of ocean water driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and air pressure?

Back

As temperature increases, air pressure generally decreases.

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Trade winds are steady winds that flow from east to west between the equator and 30 degrees latitude.