Global Atmospheric Circulation

Question 1

What does the sun warming the Earth at the equator cause?

Answer 1

It causes the air to rise - creating a low pressure belt

Question 2

Where does the air go as it rises?

Answer 2

Away from the equator

Question 3

At 30 degree north and south of the equator, what does the cool air do?

Answer 3

The cool air sinks creating a high pressure belt

Question 4

At the ground surface, the cool air can move in what two directions? and what are they called?

Answer 4

• Toward the equator (trade winds)

- Towards the poles (westerlies)

Question 5

Why do winds curve at ground surface?

Answer 5

Because of the Earths rotation

Question 6

what meets at 60 degrees north and south of the equator?

Answer 6

The colder air from the poles and the warmer surface winds - the warmer air rises and creates low pressure

Question 7

Why do the poles have high pressure? and what happens to the high pressure air?

Answer 7

The cool air sinks, creating high pressure - high pressure air is then drawn back toward the equator