Global Atmospheric Circulation and Climate Patterns

Multiple Choice

Why is insolation (incoming solar radiation) stronger at the equator than at the poles?

• Because the equator receives more direct sunlight due to the angle of the sun's rays

• Because the equator is closer to the sun

• Because the poles have more clouds

• Because the equator has less atmosphere

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the Hadley Cell?

• Hot air rises at the equator, rains, and sinks dry at 30°

• Cold, dense air sinks at the poles, weak easterlies

• Weaker, pushed by Hadley & Polar cells

• Air circulates only at the poles

Fill in the Blanks

The major deserts of the world are typically found at

degrees north and south latitude.

Multiple Choice

Which wind belt is primarily associated with the Hadley Cell?

• Trade Winds

• Westerlies

• Polar Easterlies

• Monsoon Winds

Open Ended

Explain how the three major atmospheric cells (Hadley, Ferrell, and Polar) interact to influence global wind patterns and the distribution of deserts and rainforests.

Multiple Choice

What is a common misconception about why deserts form at the equator?

• People think deserts form at the equator because it is hot, but the equator is actually a wet rainforest.

• People think deserts form at the equator because of sinking cold air.

• People think deserts form at the equator due to high albedo.

• People think deserts form at the equator because of the Coriolis effect.

Labeling

Label the following global winds.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

polar easterlies

horse latitudes

trade winds

westerlies

doldrums

Multiple Select

Which of the following are true about the Ferrell Cell?

• It is weaker than the Hadley Cell

• It is influenced by neighboring cells

• It is responsible for the Trade Winds

• It is found between 30° and 60° latitude

Fill in the Blanks

Insolation is strongest at the

because the sun's rays are most direct there.

Match

Match the following

• Trade Winds

• Prevailing Westerlies

• Polar Easterlies

0-30 degrees North and South

30-60 degrees North and South

60-90 degrees North and South

• 0-30 degrees North and South

• 30-60 degrees North and South

• 60-90 degrees North and South

Open Ended

How does the distribution of insolation (incoming solar radiation) across the Earth's surface influence global atmospheric circulation and climate patterns?