Global Winds

What causes the 6 wind cells (convection cells) spread around the Earth?

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• • Warm air rising creating a Low Pressure area and cold air sinking creating a High Pressure area.

  
  

• • Warm air sinking creating a Low Pressure area and cold air rising creating a High Pressure area.

  
  

• • Warm air rising creating a High Pressure area and cold air sinking creating a Low Pressure area.

  
  

• • Cold air rising creating a Low Pressure area and warm air sinking creating a High Pressure area.

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The Coriolis Effect also affects global wind patterns.  What is the Coriolis Effect?

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• • The curving of the Earth due to the rotation of the Earth.

  
  

• • The curving of the Sun due to the rotation of the Earth.

  
  

• • The curving of air due to the rotation of the Earth.

  
  

• • The curving of the ocean due to the pull of the Moon.

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is true about the Polar Easterlies? (check all that apply)

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• • Polar Easterlies blow from West to East.

  
  

• • Polar Easterlies blow from East to West.

  
  

• • Polar Easterlies form as air from the High Pressure in the poles move to an area 30^o South.

  
  

• • Polar Easterlies form as air from the Low Pressure in the poles move to an area 30^o South.

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is true about the Prevailing Westerlies? (check all that apply)

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• • Prevailing Westerlies blow from West to East.

  
  

• • Prevailing Westerlies blow from East to West.

  
  

• • Prevailing Westerlies are found between 30^o and 60^o latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

  
  

• • Prevailing Westerlies can carry moist air over the United States producing rain and snow.

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why do you think these winds are called Trade Winds? (Hint -Look at the picture on the screen and think about early explorers)

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is true about the Trade Winds?  (check all that apply)

• • Trade Winds blow from East to West.

  
  

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• • Trade Winds occur between 0^o and 30^o in both the North and South Hemispheres.

  
  

• • Trade Winds blow from West to East.

  
  

• • Trade Winds meet in an area called the Doldrums where there is little wind.

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is true about the Horse Latitudes? (check all that apply)

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• • Sinking air at the Horse Latitudes creates an area of High Pressure so the winds are weak.

  
  

• • Horse Latitudes exist at 30^o N and 30^o S.

  
  

• According to legend, ships carrying horses from Europe to America got stuck because of the lack of wind at the Horse Latitudes.  Therefore, horses were thrown overboard to save drinking water for the crew.

  
  

• • Most of the world's deserts are located around the Horse Latitudes, since the sinking air is very dry.