Quiz: Circulation in Earth's Atmosphere

Winds may be named for their location or for the direction from which they blow. Which winds blow from 30° latitude in both hemispheres almost to the equator?

• A. easterlies

• B. westerlies

• C. trade winds

• D. the doldrums

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Air circulates in Earth’s atmosphere. What is the fundamental cause of air circulation in Earth’s atmosphere?

• ocean currents

• Earth’s gravity

• energy from the sun

• Earth’s magnetic field

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Which statement describes the general pattern of winds near the equator?

• A. Winds are generally weak because the equator is a region of mostly low air pressure.

• B. Winds are generally strong because the equator is a region of mostly high air pressure.

• C. Winds are generally weak because the equator is a region where low and high air pressure atmospheric bands come together.

• D. Winds are generally strong because the equator is a region where low and high air pressure atmospheric bands come together.

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The picture shows a valley between two mountains. The arrows indicate the direction of air movement. Which statement best describes the moving air?

• A. Air particles are spreading farther apart.

• B. Warm air is pushing cool air downward.

• C. Air particles are being heated by the sun.

• D. Cool air is causing an area of high pressure.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The wind in a certain area is blowing from east to west. Which conclusion is most supported by this fact?

• A. The west is experiencing lower air pressure than the east.

• B. The west is experiencing higher air pressure than the east.

• C. The west is experiencing lower air temperature than the east.

• D. The west is experiencing higher air temperature than the east.

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The atmosphere exerts a force (pressure) on Earth. Why does the atmosphere exert pressure on Earth?

• because of the pull of Earth’s gravity on air molecules

• because of electromagnetic radiation from outer space

• because of the effect of the ozone layer on solar radiation

• because of the effect of greenhouse gases on heat radiating from Earth

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Where in the diagram shown here are the high-pressure belts located?

• A, B, C, D

• A, C, E, G

• D, E, F, G

• B, C, D, E, F

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Dust particles from a desert can end up in a tropical jungle by being carried over long distances by wind.

• They are transported by water currents.

• They are carried by tectonic movements.

• They are carried by wind transport.

• They are moved by animal migration.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Explain how air particle density and air pressure are related.

• Higher air particle density leads to higher air pressure.

• Higher air particle density leads to lower air pressure.

• There is no correlation between air particle density and air pressure.

• Air pressure is independent of particle density.

The picture shows a situation that causes local winds. The wind blows from the sea to the land because the land heats up faster than the sea, creating a pressure gradient.

• The wind blows from the sea to the land because the land heats faster.

• The wind blows from the land to the sea because the sea retains moisture longer.

• The wind circulates vertically due to convection currents.

• No significant wind is produced.

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