Unequal Heating

Why do convection currents occur in the atmosphere?

• The Sun warms the atmosphere, causing warm air to become less dense and rise.

• Cold air from the poles pushes warm air towards the equator.

• Rainfall cools the air, causing it to sink and create currents.

• Mountains block wind flow, leading to temperature differences.

What is convection?

• The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases), where warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks.

• The process of heat transfer through direct contact between materials.

• The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

• The movement of air caused by temperature differences in the atmosphere.

What is the primary source of energy that heats the Earth's atmosphere and oceans?

• The Moon

• Volcanic Activity

• The Sun

• Geothermal Energy

What happens to warm air when it rises?

• It cools and condenses, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.

• It remains the same temperature and density.

• It becomes denser and sinks back down.

• It heats up and expands indefinitely.

What is important about the Gulf Stream?

• It is a cold ocean current that cools the climate of the eastern United States.

• It is a warm ocean current that influences the climate of the eastern United States and Western Europe.

• It is a river that flows through the Gulf of Mexico.

• It is a tidal wave that affects the fishing industry.

What is one reason the Earth experiences unequal heating at different latitudes?

• The Earth's tilt makes some latitudes get more intense sun.

• All latitudes receive the same amount of sunlight throughout the year.

• The distance from the equator has no effect on temperature.

• Cloud cover is uniform across all latitudes.

What matter absorbs TE and holds it for longer?

• 
• Metal

• Wood

• Plastic

How do ocean currents affect climate?

• They have no effect on climate.

• They distribute heat around the planet, influencing the climate of coastal regions.

• They only affect marine life.

• They create storms and hurricanes.

Why is the equator warmer than the poles?

• The equator receives more direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to higher temperatures compared to the poles.

• The poles are closer to the sun during summer months.

• The equator has more landmass than the poles.

• The poles experience more volcanic activity, which heats the atmosphere.

How does the land vs water affect local climates?

• Land heats and cools faster than water, leading to temperature differences that affect local climates.

• Water retains heat longer than land, resulting in more stable temperatures.

• Land and water have no significant impact on local climates.

• Water evaporates more quickly than land, causing cooler temperatures.