Global Winds and Local Winds What is Wind

Global Winds and Local Winds What is Wind? §The movement of air caused by air pressure is called wind.

What Causes Differences in Air Pressure? § Difference in air pressure are generally caused by the unequal heating of the earth. § The equator receives more direct solar energy than other latitudes, so the equator is warmer and less dense. § Warm, less dense air rises and creates an area of low pressure. § The warm air flows toward the poles. § At the poles, the air is colder and denser, so it sinks. § As the cold air sinks, it creates areas of high pressure around the poles. § This cold air then flows toward the equator. § Blue arrows = cool air § Red arrows = warm air

Pressure Belts are found at every 30º § Air travels in many large, circular patterns called convection cells. § Convection cells are separated by pressure belts, bands of high pressure and low pressure found at every 30º of latitude. Sinking air causes areas of high pressure because sinking air presses down on the air beneath it.

The Coriolis Effect and Global Winds § Because of the Coriolis Effect in the Northern hemisphere, winds traveling north curve to the east, and winds traveling south curve to the west.

Convection cells found every 30º of latitude and the Coriolis Effect → Global Winds Polar Easterlies – – – Located from the poles to 60º latitude in both hemispheres Formed as cold, sinking air moves from the poles toward 60º north and 60º south latitude. In the US, they produce snow and freezing weather Westerlies – Located between 30º and 60º latitude in both hemispheres – Flow toward the poles from west to east – In the US, produce rain and snow

Global Winds Continued Trade Winds – Located from 30º latitude almost to the equator – The Coriolis Effect causes these to curve – How do they get their name? Early traders would use these winds to sail from Europe to the Americas.

Global Winds Continued The Doldrums – Located in an area around the equator – There is very little wind because the warm, rising air creates an area of low pressure – The name doldrums means “dull” or “sluggish” The Horse Latitudes Located 30º north and 30º south latitude The winds here are weak The name was given to these areas when sailing ships carried horses from Europe to the Americas. When the ships were stuck in a windless area, the horses were sometimes thrown overboard to save drinking water for the sailors. – Most of the world’s deserts are located in the horse latitudes because the sinking air is very dry. – – –

Jet Streams § Jet Streams are narrow belts of high- speed winds that blow the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. – They can reach maximum speeds of 400 km/h – They do not follow regular paths around the earth like other global winds. – Pilots use these to fly somewhere faster – Meteorologists use these to track the movement of storms

Local Winds § Local winds generally move short distances and can blow from any direction. – A shoreline or a mountain can produce temperature differences that cause local winds. § Mountain and Valley Breezes – The sun warms the air along the mountain slopes. This warm air rises up the mountain slopes, creating a valley breeze. – At night, the air along the mountain slopes cools. This cool air moves down the slopes into the valleys, producing a mountain breeze.

Land Sea Breezes § http: //www. classzone. com/books/earth_scie nce/terc/content/visualizations/es 1903/es 19 03 page 01. cfm? chapter_no=visualization