Coriolis Effect and Wind Patterns

This video tutorial covers Unit 8, focusing on weather, specifically the Earth's oceans and atmosphere. It explains how the Sun's energy causes atmospheric movement, known as wind, and discusses the role of convection currents and pressure gradients. The tutorial also explores global convection cells and the Coriolis effect, which influences wind patterns due to Earth's rotation.

What is the primary source of energy that drives atmospheric movements?

• The Moon

• The Earth's core

• The Sun

• Ocean currents

How does the Sun's uneven heating of the Earth's surface contribute to wind formation?

• It stops air movement

• It cools the atmosphere

• It creates convection currents

• It causes uniform air pressure

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

• It becomes denser

• It cools down

• It moves faster

• It remains stationary

What is a pressure gradient?

• A method of measuring wind speed

• A difference in air pressure between two areas

• A measure of temperature change

• A type of wind pattern

Which of the following best describes a convection cell?

• A type of ocean current

• A stationary air mass

• Multiple cells due to Earth's rotation

• A single large cell from equator to pole

At which latitudes does air typically rise in the global convection cell model?

• 30 degrees north and south

• 60 degrees north and south

• At the poles

• At the equator

What effect does the Earth's rotation have on wind direction?

• It deflects winds, causing them to curve

• It increases wind speed

• It stops wind movement

• It causes winds to blow in a straight line

What is the Coriolis effect?

• The apparent curving of wind paths due to Earth's rotation

• A type of ocean current

• A method of measuring air pressure

• A phenomenon that causes winds to blow faster

How does the speed of Earth's rotation affect wind patterns?

• It has no effect

• It influences the curvature of wind paths

• It causes winds to move in a straight line

• It slows down wind speed

In which direction do winds appear to curve in the Northern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect?

• To the south

• To the north

• To the east

• To the west