Question

Air Currents

Key Concept How does uneven heating of Earth’s surface result in air movement?
Directions: On each line, write the term that correctly completes each sentence. Each term is used only once.
cold poles tropics warm
1. The lowest latitudes are in the .
2. The highest latitudes are near the .
3. The temperature of air affects its movement— air rises, and
air sinks.
Directions: Circle the term in parentheses that correctly completes each sentence.
4. The amount of solar energy that a part of Earth’s surface receives depends largely on
the (angle/brightness) of the sunlight in that area.
5. Low air pressure is usually located over the (poles/tropics).
6. Air pressure variations in different areas are the source of (clouds/winds).
7. A land breeze usually occurs during the (day/night).
8. A sea breeze is a (cool/warm) wind that blows from the sea onto the land.
9. Global wind belts influence (climate/tides) and weather.

Answer 1

The uneven heating of Earth's surface results in air movement through a process called convection. This movement of air creates air currents and wind patterns. The Coriolis effect, which is the rotation of the Earth, also influences the direction of winds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The uneven heating of Earth's surface results in air movement through a process called convection. Convection is driven by the flow of hot air from the tropics to the poles and the flow of cold air from the poles toward the tropics. This movement of air creates air currents and wind patterns.

For example, warm air at the equator rises, creating a low-pressure area, while cold air at the poles sinks, creating a high-pressure area. The differences in air pressure between these areas lead to the movement of air, resulting in wind. The Coriolis effect, which is the rotation of the Earth, also influences the direction of winds.