Global Winds and Coriolis Effect

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What are global winds?

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Global winds are large-scale wind patterns that occur due to the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, affecting weather and climate.

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What are prevailing westerlies?

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Prevailing westerlies are winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes, typically between 30° and 60° latitude.

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What are polar easterlies?

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Polar easterlies are cold winds that blow from east to west between 60°N and the North Pole and 60°S and the South Pole.

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What is the Coriolis Effect?

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The Coriolis Effect is the curving of winds and ocean currents due to the Earth's rotation, causing winds to curve counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

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How do greenhouse gases affect the atmosphere?

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If greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increase, they trap more heat, leading to a warmer atmosphere.

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What is convection?

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Convection is the process by which hot air rises and cool air sinks, creating wind patterns.

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What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

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What role does the sun play in global winds?

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The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating temperature differences that drive wind patterns.

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What are trade winds?

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

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How does latitude affect wind patterns?

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Latitude affects wind patterns by influencing temperature and pressure differences, which drive the movement of air.