Question

How does wind occur? How do you know?

A. Different temperatures on land and water create a convection current in the air.
B. Heat energy is absorbed differently by land and water.
C. Air has kinetic energy, which is energy of movement.
D. Radiation from the sun causes molecules in the air to heat up and move.

Answer 1

Wind is created by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, leading to differences in air pressure and the creation of convection currents in the atmosphere. Sea breezes are a specific example that occurs due to differential heating of land and water.

Correct option is B

Step-by-step explanation:

Wind occurs due to the thermal energy dynamics in the atmosphere. The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly because different surfaces absorb heat at different rates. For instance, land heats up and cools down much faster than water. This creates areas of varying pressures due to the temperature differences, as warmer air tends to rise and cooler air sinks, leading to a convection current in the air. At night, this process is reversed along coastlines, resulting in sea breezes that move from the land towards the ocean.

Additionally, because of the movement of mass, warmer material rises and colder material sinks, transferring energy through the process of convection. Sea breezes during the day are an example of this phenomenon.