Global Winds and Weather

Ocean currents, wind patterns, and other atmospheric disturbances are initially caused by which of these?

• gravitational pull of the Sun

• differences in the phases of the moon

• incoming solar radiation from the Sun

• ozone layer depletion

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A scientist recorded the data above at an ocean beach. Which conclusion should the scientist make?

• Faster winds make lower waves.

• Faster winds make taller waves.

• Warmer air makes lower waves.

• Warmer air makes taller waves.

When visiting the beach, Felicity observed that a breeze blew in from the ocean during the day and out toward the ocean at night. Which factor is MOST responsible for the direction of land and sea breezes in coastal regions?

• the revolution of Earth around the Sun

• the uneven heating between the land and water

• the gravitational pull of Earth on the atmosphere

• the daily rise and fall of tides in a regular pattern

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A strong wind from the north blows in a straight south direction. However, to an observer, the wind appears to be moving to the southwest. What accounts for this shift in wind direction?

• Convection

• The Coriolis Effect

• The Greenhouse Effect

• High to low pressure system

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

When land heats faster than the surrounding waters, the changes in pressure increases drastically. Which is most likely to happen?

• Rain clouds are created.

• Weak or low winds occur.

• Strong or high winds occur.

• Hurricane clouds are created.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Airplanes that travel from California to North Carolina get there in 5 hours, but airplanes that travel from North Carolina to California get there in 6 hours. Why?

• Jet Stream

• Gulf Stream

• The weather was nicer that day

• A warm front came in

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Jet streams move from

• east to west

• north to east

• west to east

• south to west

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which of these MOST likely causes winds to blow on Earth?

• Earth spins quickly, causing air to blow around.

• The gravity of Earth and the Moon push and pull the air.

• Ocean waves push air onto the shore and across Earth’s surface.

• Warm air rises and cool air falls toward Earth’s surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Uneven heating of Earth’s surface by the Sun causes which of these?

• wind patterns

• cloud formation

• volcanic activity

• nutrient cycling

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

When an island’s land surface heats faster than the surrounding water, which will be created?

• hail

• rain

• snow

• wind

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5