Global Winds

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What are global winds?

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Global winds are winds that blow constantly, predictably, and over long distances due to the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun.

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What is conduction?

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Conduction is the transfer of heat by direct contact between materials, where warmer, less dense air rises above cooler, denser air.

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What causes global winds?

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Global winds are caused by the unequal heating of the Earth by the sun, which creates pressure differences in the atmosphere.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects (like winds) caused by the rotation of the Earth.

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What is convection?

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Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases), where warmer areas rise and cooler areas sink.

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What role does the sun play in global winds?

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The sun is the initial source of energy that causes unequal heating of the Earth, leading to the formation of global winds.

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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, part of the global wind system.

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How does the Earth's rotation affect wind patterns?

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The Earth's rotation causes winds to curve, leading to the Coriolis effect, which influences weather patterns.

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What are polar easterlies?

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Polar easterlies are cold winds that blow from the east near the poles, part of the global wind system.

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What are westerlies?

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Westerlies are winds that blow from the west in the mid-latitudes, part of the global wind system.