Global Wind Patterns

Question 1

Adiabatic cooling

Answer 1

The cooling effect of reduced pressure on air as it rises higher in the atmosphere and expands`

Question 2

Adiabatic heating

Answer 2

The heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks toward the surface of Earth and decreases in volume.

Question 3

Atmospheric convection current

Answer 3

Global patterns of air movement that are initiated by the unequal heating of Earth

Question 4

Hadley cell

Answer 4

A convection current in the atmosphere that cycles between the equator and 30°N and 30°S

Question 5

Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

Answer 5

The latitude that receives the most intense sunlight, which causes the ascending branches of the two Hadley cells to converge

Question 6

Polar cell

Answer 6

A convection current in the atmosphere, formed by air that rises at 60°N and 60°S and sinks at the poles, 90°N and 90°S

Question 7

Ferrell cell

Answer 7

A convection current in the atmosphere that lies between Hadley cells and polar cells

Question 8

Coriolis effect

Answer 8

The deflection of an object’s path due to the rotation of Earth

Question 9

How does Earth’s rotation affect wind currents at the equator?

Answer 9

• As Earth rotates, its surface moves much faster at the equator than in mid-latitude and polar regions.
• The faster rotation speeds found closer to the equator cause objects that are moving directly north or south to deflect.