Global Wind Patterns

Front

What are global wind patterns?

Back

Global wind patterns are large-scale wind movements that occur in the Earth's atmosphere, influenced by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun and the rotation of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are prevailing westerlies?

Back

Prevailing westerlies are winds that blow from the west to the east in the mid-latitudes of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

In which direction do prevailing westerlies flow?

Back

From west to east.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What causes wind?

Back

Wind is caused by differences in air pressure, which are created by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does air move in relation to pressure?

Back

Air moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is wind?

Back

Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

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, including wind, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

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 is the role of the sun in wind formation?

Back

The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating temperature differences that lead to pressure differences and ultimately cause wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is a jet stream?

Back

A jet stream is a fast-flowing ribbon of air high in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6