Global Winds and Their Impact on Climate and Navigation

The video explores global winds, starting with their historical use by sailors. It explains how Earth's tilt causes unequal heating, leading to pressure differences and the Coriolis effect, which influences wind patterns. The video details global wind patterns, including prevailing westerlies, trade winds, and polar easterlies, and discusses areas with little wind like the doldrums and horse latitudes.

What was the primary benefit of trade winds for ancient sailors?

• They allowed for faster travel between cities.

• They helped sailors navigate using the stars.

• They provided a source of fresh water.

• They were used to predict weather patterns.

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

• Because the Earth is closer to the sun at the equator.

• Due to the Earth's tilt on its axis.

• Due to the Earth's rotation speed.

• Because the equator is at a higher altitude.

What happens to air as it moves from high pressure to low pressure areas?

• It becomes denser.

• It cools down significantly.

• It moves in a curved pattern due to the Coriolis effect.

• It follows a straight path.

What is the Coriolis effect?

• The effect of gravity on ocean currents.

• The deflection of moving air due to Earth's rotation.

• The warming of air as it rises.

• The cooling of air as it sinks.

In which direction do the prevailing westerlies move?

• From north to south.

• From west to east.

• From south to north.

• From east to west.

What are the polar easterlies?

• Winds that blow from west to east.

• Dominant winds found between 60 degrees latitude and the poles.

• Winds that are strongest at the equator.

• Winds that blow from the equator to the poles.

How do the trade winds move?

• From west to east.

• From the equator towards the poles.

• From the poles towards 60 degrees latitude.

• From high pressure areas at 30 degrees towards the equator.

What is the main characteristic of the doldrums?

• They are known for frequent storms.

• They experience very little wind.

• They are located at 30 degrees latitude.

• They are areas with strong winds.

Why do sailors avoid the horse latitudes?

• Because they experience little wind.

• Due to the presence of strong currents.

• Due to the high temperatures.

• Because of frequent storms.

What causes the air at the equator to rise vertically?

• The Earth's rotation.

• The Coriolis effect.

• Direct heating from the sun.

• The presence of high pressure systems.