AP Environmental Science 4.5 - Global Wind Patterns

Mr. Smith explains global wind patterns, focusing on the properties of air, the Sun's energy, and Earth's rotation. The video covers how these factors contribute to atmospheric circulation, the formation of Hadley cells, and the Coriolis effect. It also discusses the impact of these patterns on weather, including the formation of deserts and the direction of trade winds. The video concludes with a call to practice explaining these concepts using visual models.

What are the three basic factors that influence atmospheric circulation?

• Cloud formation, precipitation, and wind speed

• Air pressure, humidity, and temperature

• Ocean currents, mountain ranges, and Earth's tilt

• Sun's energy, air properties, and Earth's rotation

Why does warm air rise?

• It is denser than cold air

• It holds more moisture

• It is less dense than cold air

• It is heavier than cold air

What happens to warm air as it rises and cools?

• It evaporates and disappears

• It condenses and forms precipitation

• It expands and holds more moisture

• It becomes denser and sinks

Why is there intense rainfall at the equator?

• The air is cooler and holds less moisture

• The air is warmer and holds more moisture

• The air is warmer and holds less moisture

• The air is cooler and holds more moisture

What causes the formation of deserts around 30 degrees latitude?

• Cool, moist air rising

• Warm, moist air descending

• Cool, dry air descending

• Warm, dry air rising

How does Earth's rotation affect wind movement?

• It causes wind to move in a straight line

• It deflects wind in the opposite direction of Earth's spin

• It speeds up wind movement

• It stops wind from moving

What is the Coriolis effect?

• The change in air pressure with altitude

• The deflection of moving objects due to Earth's rotation

• The warming of air as it rises

• The increase in wind speed at higher altitudes

Why do winds between 30 and 60 degrees move from west to east?

• Because of low pressure at 30 degrees

• Because of high pressure at 60 degrees

• Because the Earth spins faster at 30 degrees

• Because the Earth spins faster at 60 degrees

What are the Eastern trade winds?

• Winds moving from south to north at the equator

• Winds moving from north to south at the poles

• Winds moving from east to west between 0 and 30 degrees

• Winds moving from west to east between 30 and 60 degrees

How do global wind patterns affect ocean currents?

• They have no effect on ocean currents

• They drive ocean currents in a counterclockwise direction in the northern hemisphere

• They drive ocean currents in a clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere

• They stop ocean currents from moving