Atmospheric Circulation The Coriolis Effect, Winds and Breezes Chapter 22.3

The Coriolis Effect Air follows a curved path due to the rotation of the Earth. Air follows a curved path due to the rotation of the Earth. The faster an object travels, the greater the Coriolis Effect on the object. The faster an object travels, the greater the Coriolis Effect on the object.

The Coriolis Effect and Wind Wind that blows from increased to decreased pressure curve because of the Coriolis Effect. Wind that blows from increased to decreased pressure curve because of the Coriolis Effect. In the Northern Hemisphere winds curve right. In the Northern Hemisphere winds curve right. In the Southern Hemisphere winds curve south. In the Southern Hemisphere winds curve south. file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual% 20Concepts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc02/hq622_03_v02fs.htm file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual% 20Concepts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc02/hq622_03_v02fs.htm file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual% 20Concepts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc02/hq622_03_v02fs.htm file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual% 20Concepts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc02/hq622_03_v02fs.htm

Global Winds Winds do not flow in a single straight line. Winds do not flow in a single straight line. Each Hemisphere has 3 patterns of air flow (winds). Each Hemisphere has 3 patterns of air flow (winds). Wind Belts: Area of the Earth characterized by winds that flow in one main direction. Wind Belts: Area of the Earth characterized by winds that flow in one main direction. 6 wind belts- 3 in each Hemisphere. 6 wind belts- 3 in each Hemisphere. Winds are named by the direction the wind comes from. Winds are named by the direction the wind comes from.

Trade Winds Winds that flow towards the equator between 30° and 0° latitude. Winds that flow towards the equator between 30° and 0° latitude. N. Hemisphere called Northeast Tradewinds N. Hemisphere called Northeast Tradewinds S. Hemisphere called Southeast Trade Winds. S. Hemisphere called Southeast Trade Winds. Called trade winds because trading ships sailed on these winds during the 18 th and 19 th centuries. Called trade winds because trading ships sailed on these winds during the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

Westerlies Winds that flow between 30° and 60° latitude towards the poles. Winds that flow between 30° and 60° latitude towards the poles. N. Hemisphere- southwest westerlie N. Hemisphere- southwest westerlie S. Hemisphere- northwest westerlie S. Hemisphere- northwest westerlie These winds are felt in the continental U.S. These winds are felt in the continental U.S.

Polar Easterlies Winds that blow from about 60° to 90° (the poles) Winds that blow from about 60° to 90° (the poles) These winds are created by the polar high pressure and are deflected by the Coriolis Effect These winds are created by the polar high pressure and are deflected by the Coriolis Effect Strongest over Antarctica Strongest over Antarctica Where the polar easterlies and the westerlies meet are regions called fronts. Where the polar easterlies and the westerlies meet are regions called fronts.

Doldrums and Horse Latitudes Areas where winds are weak and variable. Areas where winds are weak and variable. Doldrums are where tradewinds from N. and S. Hemisphere meet (at equator). Doldrums are where tradewinds from N. and S. Hemisphere meet (at equator). Horse Latitudes are subtropical high pressure zones around 30° latitude. Horse Latitudes are subtropical high pressure zones around 30° latitude.

Jet Streams Narrow bands of high speed winds that blow high above the surface of the Earth. Narrow bands of high speed winds that blow high above the surface of the Earth. Can affect airline travel Can affect airline travel

The diagram below shows the different wind belts on Earth.

Local Winds Wind we usually feel that cover less than 100 km are called breezes. Wind we usually feel that cover less than 100 km are called breezes. During the day, the land gets hotter faster, and the hot air rises, creating an area of lower pressure. Wind blows from the sea to the land. This is a sea breeze. During the day, the land gets hotter faster, and the hot air rises, creating an area of lower pressure. Wind blows from the sea to the land. This is a sea breeze. At night, the land cools off faster than the sea. Cooler air descends creating an area of higher pressure. Wind blows from the land to the sea. This is a land breeze. At night, the land cools off faster than the sea. Cooler air descends creating an area of higher pressure. Wind blows from the land to the sea. This is a land breeze. file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual%20Conc epts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc03/hq622_03_v03fs.htm file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual%20Conc epts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc03/hq622_03_v03fs.htm file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual%20Conc epts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc03/hq622_03_v03fs.htm file:///B:/Earth%20Science/Earth%20Science%20Resourse/Visual%20Conc epts%20CD/student/ch22/sec03/vc03/hq622_03_v03fs.htm

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