The Impact of Global Wind Patterns on Climate and Ecosystems

The video explains global wind patterns, highlighting their role in determining climate and ecosystems. It covers how sunlight affects air temperature at the equator and poles, leading to convection cells and pressure differences. The Coriolis effect, due to Earth's rotation, creates multiple convection cells in each hemisphere, influencing prevailing winds. These winds distribute heat and moisture, shaping biomes and affecting species distribution.

What role do global wind patterns play in the environment?

• They only affect the flight of kites.

• They determine the location of rainforests and deserts.

• They are irrelevant to climate.

• They have no impact on species survival.

Why does the equator receive more direct sunlight than the poles?

• The Earth is flat.

• The equator is closer to the sun.

• The poles are covered in ice.

• Sunlight hits the equator directly, while it skims the poles.

What happens to hot, moist air at the equator?

• It moves directly to the poles.

• It rises and cools, forming clouds and rain.

• It sinks to the ground.

• It remains stagnant.

What is a convection cell?

• A circular pattern of air movement caused by temperature differences.

• A stationary air mass over the poles.

• A type of wind pattern that moves east to west.

• A type of cloud formation.

How does the Earth's rotation affect wind patterns?

• It creates a clockwise pattern in the northern hemisphere.

• It stops air movement completely.

• It causes air to move in a straight line.

• It has no effect.

What are Hadley cells?

• Cells that form between the equator and 30-degree latitude.

• Cells that form between 30 and 60-degree latitude.

• Convection cells near the poles.

• Cells that form only over oceans.

What are the westerlies?

• Winds that move from north to south.

• Winds that move from west to east.

• Winds that move from east to west.

• Winds that move from south to north.

How do prevailing winds affect biomes?

• They have no effect on biomes.

• They only affect ocean currents.

• They distribute heat and moisture, influencing biome distribution.

• They cause biomes to disappear.

Where are deserts typically found in relation to convection cells?

• In areas of high pressure where cool, dry air sinks.

• In areas of low pressure where hot, moist air rises.

• Only at the poles.

• Only at the equator.

What is the significance of low-pressure areas near the equator?

• They are regions of high precipitation and rainforest growth.

• They are regions of high desert formation.

• They are regions of constant drought.

• They have no significant impact on climate.