1. Wind Systems

2. Convection in the Atmosphere – Local Winds
Wind is the movement of air from higher pressure to lower pressure.

3. Global Wind Systems:
Result from unequal heating of the Earth’s surface
Important in spreading thermal energy around the Earth

4. 6 Major Wind Belts Trade Winds Westerlies Polar Easterlies
Move E  W between the equator & 30° N and S latitudes
Westerlies
Move W  E between 30° & 60° N and S latitudes
Move much of the weather across N. America
Polar Easterlies
Move E  W between 60° & 90° N and S latitudes
Move cold air from the poles back towards the equator

5. 6 Major Wind Belts

6. Remember: Good science checks the facts!
Created by:
Convection Currents
Warm air nearer to the equator is less dense so rises & cool air nearer the poles is denser so sinks
Coriolis Effect
A change in the direction of moving air, water or other objects on/near the Earth’s surface due to the Earth’s rotation
Remember: Good science checks the facts!

7. Coriolis Effect