Solar Convection and Global Winds

A high-speed wind, called a jet stream, is moving from the west to the east across the United States. Which characteristic of this jet stream is MOST important in predicting weather patterns?

• The jet stream controls the speed of surface wind

• The jet stream controls the direction of surface wind.

• The jet stream separates moist northern air from dry southern air

• The jet stream separates cold northern air from warm southern air.

Which of these BEST explains the cause of convection currents in Earth’s atmosphere?

• Heat from Earth’s core heats the land only at the equator.

• Glaciers moving away from the poles cool Earth unevenly.

• Sunlight is more concentrated in some places on Earth than others.

• The light and heat reflected from the Moon varies as the Moon changes phases

How does the transfer of energy from the Sun to Earth compare with the way energy is distributed in ocean water?

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through convection, while energy in ocean water is distributed by conduction.

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through radiation, while energy in ocean water is distributed by convection.

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through conduction, while energy in ocean water is distributed by radiation.

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through radiation, while energy in ocean water is distributed by conduction.

What is the main source of energy that drives all weather patterns?

• The sun

• The moon

• Oceans

• Mountains

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

• wind patterns

• cloud formation

• volcanic activity

• nutrient cycling

What major ocean current influences the weather on the East Coast of the United States?

• Caribbean Current

• Gulf Stream

• Jet Stream

• Labrador Current

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.

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

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

Which of the following are narrow belts of strong winds found in the upper troposphere?

• doldrums

• westerlies

• trade winds

• jet streams

What major ocean current influences the weather on the West Coast of the United States?

• Labrador Current

• California Current

• Gulf Stream

• Jet Stream

Which factor causes the motion of surface ocean currents?

• the Sun

• the wind

• the Moon

• Hurricanes