Understanding Earth's Atmospheric Circulation

Why does the equator have low surface pressure?

• Due to the rotation of the Earth

• Due to the presence of large water bodies

• Because of the direct sunlight heating the area more strongly

• Because of the high altitude of the equator

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What drives the engine of low latitude atmospheric circulation?

• Ocean currents

• The Hadley cell

• Polar ice caps melting

• The rotation of the Earth

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At approximately what latitude are the subtropical belts of high pressure centered?

• 30 degrees latitude

• 10 degrees latitude

• At the equator

• 60 degrees latitude

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What is the polar front?

• The boundary of the Hadley cell

• A belt of conflict between polar and subtropical air

• A low-pressure system at the equator

• A high-pressure system at the poles

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How do seasonal changes affect the Hadley cell?

• They increase the strength of the Hadley cell year-round

• They cause elements of the Hadley cell to migrate

• They cause it to disappear in winter

• They have no effect

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What is geostrophic wind?

• Wind that moves across the pressure gradient

• Wind that changes direction with the seasons

• Wind that moves along the pressure gradient without surface friction

• A type of wind found only at the equator

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What causes Rossby waves to form?

• The melting of polar ice caps

• The interaction of cold and warm air masses

• Seasonal changes in temperature

• Ocean currents

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What happens to troughs of cold air in the mid-latitudes?

• They are pinched off, leaving pools of cool air

• They rise to high altitudes and dissipate

• They merge with warm air, creating high pressure

• They are warmed by the equatorial sun

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Winds that blow from 30⁰ latitude to the equator are called...

• westerlies

• polar easterlies

• trade winds

• horse latitudes

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