Exploring Atmospheric Circulation and Ocean Currents

The video introduces atmospheric circulation, explaining how air masses with varying densities move due to factors like temperature, pressure, and humidity. It discusses the uneven heating of Earth, leading to convection cells, and the Coriolis Effect, which deflects moving air. The three-celled model, including Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, describes global wind patterns. The video concludes with a preview of how these concepts affect ocean currents.

What is an air mass?

• A small body of air with varying density

• A large body of air with uniform density

• A large body of water with uniform density

• A small body of water with varying density

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Which factor does NOT affect the density of an air mass?

• Altitude

• Pressure

• Humidity

• Temperature

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Why does the equator experience the most direct sunlight?

• Because it is a sphere and tilted on its axis

• Because it is closest to the sun

• Because it is a flat surface

• Because it receives light at an angle

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What happens to air at the equator in the convection cell model?

• It remains stationary

• It sinks and diverges

• It rises and diverges

• It moves laterally towards the poles

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What is the Coriolis Effect?

• The tendency of an object moving on a stationary plane to move in a straight line

• The tendency of an object moving on a rotating plane to move in a straight line

• The tendency of an object moving on a stationary plane to be deflected from its path

• The tendency of an object moving on a rotating plane to be deflected from its path

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In which direction are objects deflected in the Northern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis Effect?

• To the left

• To the right

• Downwards

• Upwards

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Which cell is closest to the equator in the three-cell model?

• Equatorial cell

• Polar cell

• Ferrel cell

• Hadley cell

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What creates the north east tradewinds in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Air moving into the southern hemisphere and being deflected to the left

• Air moving into the northern hemisphere and being deflected to the right

• Air sinking at the equator

• Air rising at the poles

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why are most of the Earth's deserts found at thirty degrees latitude?

• Because the air is very hot

• Because the air is very cold

• Because the air is very dry

• Because the air is very humid

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What can break up the convection cells, affecting air movement and weather patterns?

• Continents

• The moon

• Oceans

• The sun

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