Atmospheric Convection Currents 6.ESS2.2

Directions: Select all the correct answers.

Some areas of the Earth receive more solar radiation than others. Which of the following results from the Sun's uneven heating of the Earth?

• ocean currents

• mountain height

• climate

• weather

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Ocean currents and global wind patterns, which are caused by convection currents, most

strongly affect a region's

• population size.

• climate.

• latitude.

• day length.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

When sunlight strikes the ground it warms the ground and the air near it. The warm air near the

ground then rises as it expands. What does this process typically result in on the ground?

• Cool air rushes in to replace the rising warm air.

• Floodwater rushes in to cool the hot surface

• Clouds push the warm air back to the ground.

• Freezing conditions near the ground generate a high pressure system

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

As the Earth rotates, winds are created that blow in a single direction over a specific area. These winds are responsible for moving clouds around the Earth and creating patterns of weather in different locations around the world. What are these winds that move in a single direction over a specific area called?

• hurricane force winds

• prevailing winds

• sea breezes

• local winds

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In general, air masses along the southern U.S. tend to be made up of high-pressure air. Air closer to the north pole tends to be low pressure air. Why does the high pressure air from the south not blow straight to the north?

• Because winds blow from areas of low pressure to areas of high pressure.

• Because the Earth's rotation twists the wind's path to the east.

• Because the Earth's surface is heated evenly, canceling out any pressure differences.

• Because the Earth's rotation twists the wind's path to the west.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The picture is a cross-section showing how air near the Earth's surface generally moves. It also shows how the polar jet stream tends to cause rain, while the subtropical jet stream tends to bring dry weather. The bottom of the image shows the latitude—the approximate distance from the equator—of each jet stream's average position. Based on this image, where are deserts and other dry climates most likely to be located?

• near the equator

• near the polar jet

• near 60° latitude

• near the subtropical jet

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Global winds are directly caused by the Earth's rotation and

• the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• the Moon's phases.

• uneven precipitation rates.

• uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6