Global Winds

What is Weather? It is the condition of earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place.

Why Air Moves The Movement of air caused by differences in Air Pressure this is called wind. Wind: air that moves horizontally, or parallel to the ground, caused by differences in air pressure The greater the pressure difference, the faster the wind moves.

What is Wind? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCLwbqmacck

Causes of Pressure Difference Generally caused by the unequal heating of the earth. The equator receives more direct solar energy than other latitudes, so at the equator it is warmer. Therefore the air is less dense-Rises This creates low pressure REMEMBER: Temperature and Pressure are opposite of each other. So as Temperature increases, pressure will decrease.

Cold Air Cold air is more dense and sinks- This creates high pressure The highest pressure is found along the Poles. What do you think is happening around the equator is the air sinking or rising? Convection Currents Demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci5P5yy0xlg

Circular Patterns Circulation Cells- a giant loop of moving air that includes a wind belt and the calm regions that border it Convection Cells are separated by Pressure Belts. Pressure Belts are found every 30 degrees of latitude. Ex. At about 30̊north and 30̊ south air cools and starts to sink (Horse latitudes and Doldrum)

Coriolis Effect Coriolis Effect- the influence of Earth's rotation of objects that move over Earth's surface, such as wind Northern Hemisphere winds traveling north curve to the east and winds traveling south curve to the west. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2mec3vgeaI

Global Winds Polar Easterlies-the wind belts that extend from the poles to 60̊ and 90̊ latitude in both hemispheres Westerlies-prevailing winds that blow from west to east between 30̊ and 60̊ latitude in both hemispheres. Trade Winds-Prevailing winds that blow northeast from 30 ̊south and 30̊ north latitude to the equator.

The Doldrums Doldrums- The trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet in an area around the equator Very little wind because the warm rising air creates low pressure Means sluggish or dull

Horse Latitudes At about 30 ̊North and 30 ̊South Latitude, sinking air creates an area of high pressure. These areas are called horse latitudes. Given when ships were struck in this windless area, horses where sometimes thrown overboard to save drinking water for the sailors. Sinking air is very dry and clear Deserts are located in the horse latitudes

Global Winds Circulation Animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh011eAYjAA&list=PLgTRudKVovrwg-fk5QGukODGY5bgvab9z&index=1

Jet Streams Jet Streams are a narrow belt of strong winds blowing through the upper troposphere They can reach a speed of 400 km/hr. They affect the movement of storms Do not follow regular path Jet Stream Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNnIrIuNbeA

What is a Meteorologist What are Monsoons? Monsoons – winds that change direction with the seasons. What is a Meteorologist Meteorologist – a person who studies and predicts the weather.

What are the Trade Winds? They blow from the east, moving from the horse latitudes toward the equator. Very Strong Winds