Understanding Wind Patterns and Air Pressure

Front

What is wind?

Back

The movement of air across the Earth's surface.

Front

What is a jet stream?

Back

A high-speed, narrow band of wind that travels from west to east.

Front

Why do global winds occur?

Back

Because the earth is heated unevenly.

Front

Why do winds curve instead of going straight toward the equator?

Back

Because the earth rotates, the Coriolis effect occurs and changes the directions of the winds, causing them to curve to one side.

Front

What causes global winds?

Back

Differences in atmospheric pressure due to uneven heating of the Earth.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The apparent deflection of moving objects (like wind) caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is atmospheric pressure?

Back

The force exerted by the weight of air above a given point.

Front

How does temperature affect air pressure?

Back

Warm air is less dense and rises, leading to lower pressure; cool air is denser and sinks, leading to higher pressure.

Front

What is convection?

Back

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases).

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Global winds that blow from east to west in the tropics.