Convection in the Atmosphere: Winds and the Coriolis Effect

Radiation transfers energy from the Sun to various parts of the Earth and its atmosphere. What process is driven by this transfer of energy?

• the constant pattern of ocean tides

• the movement of tectonic plates across Earth's surface

• the spinning of Earth on its axis

• the global circulation of the atmosphere and oceans

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The image is a cross-section showing how air near the Earth's surface generally moves. It also shows how the polar jet stream tends to cause rain, while the subtropical jet stream tends to bring dry weather. The bottom of the image shows the latitude—the approximate distance from the equator—of each jet stream's average position.

Based on this image, where are deserts and other dry climates most likely to be located?

• near 60° latitude

• near the equator

• near the subtropical jet

• near the polar jet

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What causes atmospheric convection?

• The Sun's energy cools the ground, cooling air at the surface and causing the air to sink.

• Energy from deep in the Earth heats the ground, heating air at the surface and causing the air to rise.

• Energy from deep in the Earth cools the ground, cooling air at the surface and causing the air to sink.

• The Sun's energy heats the ground, heating air at the surface and causing the air to rise.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The steam that can be seen coming out of a boiling kettle consists of condensing water droplets. These water droplets move upward with the hot water vapor coming out of the kettle. The process of hotter air rising and cooler air falling is called convection. What role does convection play in the atmosphere?

• Convection currents distribute heat in the atmosphere.

• Convection prevents the air in the atmosphere from moving.

• Convection makes the air warmer at higher altitudes.

• Convection transfers heat from the atmosphere to the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following are major influences on weather and climate?

• I, III, and IV only

• I, II, and III only

• II, III, and IV only

• I, II, and IV only.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Earth's rotation causes moving air and water to appear to turn to the right north of equator and left south of equator

• ozone layer

• condensation

• polar easterlies

• Coriolis effect

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas with low pressure

• westerlies

• wind

• trade winds

• polar easterlies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The transfer of heat by the flow of material

• Coriolis effect

• condensation

• conduction

• convection

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

these winds are at the top of the troposphere and are a narrow band of winds that flow around the Earth from west to east

• atmosphere

• polar easterlies

• jet streams

• wind

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Steady winds that flow from east to west between 30 degrees north latitude and 30 degrees south latitude.

• ionosphere

• wind

• jet stream

• trade winds

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6