Convection in the Atmosphere: Wind Subtitle

Moving Air is Called Wind Wind is created and controlled by 4 things. 1. Unequal Heating of Earth's Surface 2. Pressure Gradient Force 3. Friction with surface of Earth (Topography) 4. Coriolis Effect

What is this graph showing?

How does the Earth Move Energy Wind ends up being the convection in the atmosphere that moves heat from one area to another.

Pressure Gradient Force All fluids, including air, move from areas of high pressure to low pressure. The bigger the pressure difference the faster the air moves. The more distance between the two, the more difficult it is to move the air out of the way.

Friction with the Earth's Surface The wind is slowed due to friction and is steered by topography (mountains, canyons, oceans, and other features of the Earth's surface).

Coriolis Effect Because the Earth is rotating, wind and ocean currents don't travel in a straight line. In the northern hemisphere, they bend to the right. In the southern hemisphere, they bend to the left. https://youtu.be/aDorTBEhEtk

Global Winds Polar Easterlies Prevailing Westerlies Trade Winds Intertropical Convergence Zone Global Winds

Global Winds The Jet Stream: a massive global wind that steers our weather. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/national/weather-surface-maps

High and Low Pressure Areas When air collects high up in the atmosphere, it will sink toward the Earth's surface and rotate clockwise. As air rises in areas of low pressure, it rotates counterclockwise. These low pressure areas are usually very stormy. http://www.goes.noaa.gov/