T5_EX2_Slideshow_Assignment_Global Patterns

Which statement best defines atmospheric pressure?

• Force air exerts on a surface

• Amount of water vapor in air

• Speed of moving air currents

• Temperature difference in the troposphere

Answer explanation

Atmospheric pressure is defined as the force that air exerts on a surface due to its weight. This makes the first choice the correct answer, as it directly relates to the concept of pressure in the atmosphere.

In a convection current, what happens to less-dense warm air near Earth’s surface?

• It spreads and equalizes pressure

• It cools and raises pressure

• It rises and lowers pressure

• It sinks and increases pressure

Answer explanation

In a convection current, less-dense warm air rises because it is lighter than the surrounding cooler air. As it rises, it creates lower pressure in the area, making 'It rises and lowers pressure' the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which pair correctly matches pressure with air density?

• Low density

• High pressure

• High density

• Sinking air

• Low density

• Rising air

• High density

• Low pressure

Wind forms because air moves from areas of ______ to areas of ______.

• high pressure; low pressure

• low pressure; high pressure

• high density; low density

• low temperature; high temperature

Answer explanation

Wind forms as air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This movement occurs because air seeks to equalize pressure differences, resulting in wind.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Meteorologists use lines called isobars on maps. What do isobars connect?

• Equal air pressure points

• Equal wind speed points

• Equal temperature points

• Equal humidity points

Answer explanation

Isobars are lines on weather maps that connect points of equal air pressure. They help meteorologists understand pressure systems and predict weather patterns, making 'Equal air pressure points' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

On a hot day, a breeze whooshes by your face. Which explanation aligns with pressure differences near the surface?

• Warm air rose, lowering local pressure

• Wind moved from low to high pressure

• Air rushed from high to low pressure

• Cool dense air sank, increasing pressure nearby

Answer explanation

On a hot day, warm air rises, creating lower pressure. This causes air to rush in from high pressure areas, resulting in a breeze. Thus, air moves from high to low pressure, aligning with the observed phenomenon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which process primarily creates areas of low air pressure near the equator?

• Jet streams pulling air upward

• Earth’s rotation speeding up winds

• Warm air rising high into the atmosphere

• Cold air sinking at the poles

Answer explanation

Warm air rises near the equator, creating low pressure areas as it ascends. This process is crucial for the formation of tropical weather patterns and contributes to the overall circulation of the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the Coriolis effect?

• Heating that forms calm equatorial zones

• A fast river of air in the upper atmosphere

• Pressure differences caused by convection belts

• The influence of Earth’s rotation on wind direction

Answer explanation

The Coriolis effect refers to how Earth's rotation influences the direction of winds and ocean currents, causing them to curve rather than move in a straight line. This is crucial for understanding weather patterns.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

If Earth did not rotate, how would global winds move?

• Curve east to west in midlatitudes

• Reverse direction seasonally everywhere

• Blow straight from the poles to the equator

• Form only jet streams above continents

Answer explanation

If Earth did not rotate, winds would blow directly from the poles to the equator due to the temperature differences, without the Coriolis effect to curve their path.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which statement best describes jet streams?

• Curving winds created by land heating

• Slow bands of air near the surface

• Narrow, fast winds in the upper atmosphere

• Calm regions at horse latitudes

Answer explanation

Jet streams are narrow, fast winds found in the upper atmosphere, typically at altitudes of 6 to 12 kilometers. They play a crucial role in weather patterns and are not related to surface winds or calm regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6