Global Winds

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the bending of winds due to the rotation of the Earth, causing them to curve instead of moving in a straight line.

Front

What is convection?

Back

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

Front

From where do winds blow?

Back

Winds always blow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Front

What are the doldrums?

Back

The doldrums are windless areas at the equator and at 60° latitude where warm air rises.

Front

Where are most of Earth's largest deserts located?

Back

Most of Earth's largest deserts are located at 30 degrees latitude.

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Trade winds are steady winds that blow from east to west in the tropics.

Front

What are westerlies?

Back

Westerlies are winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes.

Front

What are polar easterlies?

Back

Polar easterlies are cold winds that blow from the east near the poles.

Front

What is atmospheric pressure?

Back

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and air pressure?

Back

As temperature increases, air pressure decreases because warm air is less dense.