Physical

Question 1

How do pressure belts work?

Answer 1

• Air at the equator is heated strongly so it rises in low-pressure conditions - air flows towards North and South poles. As it rises it cools and condenses - cloud and rain
• Air sinks at 30 degrees north and south under high pressure - dry and clear skies. This is the hadley cell
• Air at polar latitudes is colder and denser so the air sinks towards the ground surface under high pressure conditions. The air flows towards the equator. The air warms as it reaches about 60 degrees and again risies under low pressure conditions. This forms the polar cell. In between the Polar and Hadley cell is the Ferrel Cell

Question 2

How do surface winds work

Answer 2

• They are experienced as air moves from high- to low-pressure areas in the convection cells
• Wind bends due to coriolis effect

Question 3

Conditions that cause storms:

Answer 3

• Low latitudes between 5-30 degrees north and south of the equator
• Originate in oceans with temperatures above 27ºC at depths of 60-70m
• Between summer and autumn
• Low wind shear