Atmospheric Movement

Which statement best describes the atmosphere around Earth?

• A layer of gases held by gravity

• A solid shell surrounding the planet

• A vacuum with no particles at all

• A thin ring of liquid air and water

What primarily causes air to move and create wind?

• Plants releasing oxygen during photosynthesis

• Moon’s gravity pulling the atmosphere

• Earth’s magnetic field pushing air

• Temperature differences from uneven heating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Global wind belts form because of two main factors. Which pair correctly identifies them?

• Cloud formation and rainfall patterns

• Uneven solar heating and Earth’s rotation

• Ocean tides and continental drift

• Volcanic eruptions and mountains

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

You are labeling a global winds diagram with three major wind belts per hemisphere. Which sequence from equator to pole is correct?

• Polar easterlies, westerlies, trade winds

• Trade winds, polar easterlies, westerlies

• Westerlies, trade winds, polar easterlies

• Trade winds, westerlies, polar easterlies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A sailor plans a route from 25°N to 45°N. Which prevailing winds will most influence the trip, and what general direction do they blow?

• Doldrums with calm air and no flow

• Polar easterlies blowing from west to east

• Trade winds blowing from east to west

• Westerlies blowing from west to east

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which statement best describes the Coriolis Effect in Earth’s atmosphere?

• Winds stop at the equator’s calm zone

• Winds slow because of surface friction

• Winds strengthen from temperature changes

• Winds curve due to Earth’s rotation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In a high-pressure system, what is the typical air motion and weather near the surface?

• Air rises, clouds quickly form

• Air moves sideways only

• Air sinks, skies generally clearer

• Air stands still, weather unchanged

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which pattern correctly matches a low-pressure system to likely local weather?

• Rising air, cloudier and wetter

• Sinking air, drier and calmer

• Descending air, stronger sunshine

• Uniform air, steady temperatures

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is a jet stream and why does it matter for weather?

• Seasonal monsoon over continents

• Gentle valley wind at night

• Slow sea breeze cooling coasts

• Fast upper-level wind guiding storms

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

A storm track shifts north when the jet stream moves north. Which consequence is most likely for a city south of the jet?

• Calmer, warmer conditions

• Sudden tropical downpours

• Colder, cloudier conditions

• Windier, wetter conditions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5