Global Winds

Front

What are global winds?

Back

Global winds are large-scale wind patterns that occur in the Earth's atmosphere, driven by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What causes the direction of prevailing winds?

Back

The direction of prevailing winds is determined by the rotation of the Earth on its axis and the sun’s uneven heating of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the trade winds?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the polar easterlies?

Back

The polar easterlies are cold winds that blow from the east near the poles, typically found between 60 degrees latitude and the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the prevailing westerlies?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do global winds affect weather patterns?

Back

Global winds influence weather patterns by moving air masses and moisture across different regions, affecting temperature and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the jet stream?

Back

The jet stream is a fast-flowing air current in the upper atmosphere that can influence weather patterns and the movement of air masses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

In which direction do weather patterns generally move in the United States?

Back

Weather patterns in the United States generally move from west to east.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

Why do the trade winds and polar easterlies not typically impact North Carolina's weather?

Back

They do not typically impact North Carolina's weather because they are found near the equator or at the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as winds, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6