Circulation in Earth's Atmosphere

Winds may be named for their location or for the direction from which they blow. Which winds blow from 30° latitude in both hemispheres almost to the equator?

• easterlies

• westerlies

• trade winds

• the doldrums

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Air circulates in Earth’s atmosphere. What is the fundamental cause of air circulation in Earth’s atmosphere?

• ocean currents

• Earth’s gravity

• energy from the sun

• Earth’s magnetic field

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which statement describes the general pattern of winds near the equator?

• Winds are generally weak because the equator is a region of mostly low air pressure.

• Winds are generally strong because the equator is a region of mostly high air pressure.

• Winds are generally weak because the equator is a region where low and high air pressure atmospheric bands come together.

• Winds are generally strong because the equator is a region where low and high air pressure atmospheric bands come together.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The picture shows a valley between two mountains. The arrows indicate the direction of air movement.

• Air particles are spreading farther apart.

• Warm air is pushing cool air downward.

• Air particles are being heated by the sun.

• Cool air is causing an area of high pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The wind in a certain area is blowing from east to west. Which conclusion is most supported by this fact?

• The west is experiencing lower air pressure than the east.

• The west is experiencing higher air pressure than the east.

• The west is experiencing lower air temperature than the east.

• The west is experiencing higher air temperature than the east.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The atmosphere exerts a force (pressure) on Earth. Why does the atmosphere exert pressure on Earth?

• because of the pull of Earth’s gravity on air molecules

• because of electromagnetic radiation from outer space

• because of the effect of the ozone layer on solar radiation

• because of the effect of greenhouse gases on heat radiating from Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Air rising and sinking in Earth’s atmosphere forms a pattern of smaller convection cells.

• A, B, C, D

• A, C, E, G

• D, E, F, G

• B, C, D, E, F

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6