Atmospheric Currents

Solar energy heats the surface of the Earth, including the ground, rocks, and even roadways. As the temperature of these surfaces increases, heat energy is released back into the atmosphere, forming a pocket of warm air. As the warm air pocket rises, it is replaced by cooler air.

This process is responsible for many of the weather patterns in our atmosphere, and is known as

• convection.

• evaporation.

• transpiration.

• conduction.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Convection currents, resulting from uneven heating of the Earth's surface, cause _______ to form.

• volcanoes

• mountains

• fossils

• wind

Global winds are directly caused by the Earth's rotation and

• uneven precipitation rates.

• uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

• the Moon's phases.

• the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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Global winds are found in each convection region. Because convection cells are in a set place in the atmosphere and the Earth is spinning on its axis, the winds appear to curve.

The apparent curving of the winds is called _______.

• the Curvature effect

• the global wind effect

• atmospheric curving

• the Coriolis effect

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.

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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If the state of Nebraska has a heat wave, which state would most likely feel the same heat wave within the next day or two?

• Texas

• North Dakota

• Utah

• Indiana

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The Coriolis Effect.... (select all that apply)

• helps distribute heat around Earth.

• is due to gravity.

• is caused by unequal heating to Earth's surface.

• causes air masses to move in a curved direction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6