honors science FINALLL

What causes the primary global wind patterns on Earth?

The rotation of Earth and uneven solar heating.

What causes air to rise at the equator in the single-cell model?

Warm air being less dense and buoyant.

What force explains why air doesn't move directly from the equator to the poles?

Coriolis force.

What is the primary role of Earth’s general atmospheric circulation?

To equalize solar radiation by redistributing heat.

Which circulation cells operate between the equator and 30° latitude, 30° to 60° latitude, and 60° to the poles?

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, respectively.

What kind of circulation is the Hadley cell considered to be?

Thermally direct.

What happens to air that descends around 30° latitude in the Hadley cell?

It warms by compression and dries the atmosphere.

What surface winds dominate the tropical latitudes just north and south of the equator?

Trade winds or Easterlies.

What creates the prevailing westerlies in the mid-latitudes?

Air flowing from subtropical highs to the polar front.

What is the nature of circulation in the Ferrel cell?

Thermally indirect.

What type of winds are found at the surface behind the polar front?

Polar easterlies.

Where is surface air pressure typically low?

At the equator and near 60° latitude.

What causes air to rise at the polar front around 60° latitude?

Converging air masses of different temperatures.

What is the main reason why surface winds are deflected from their straight paths?

Coriolis force from Earth’s rotation.

Which type of wind dominates the mid-latitudes of both hemispheres?

Westerlies.

Which pressure system is associated with cold, sinking air and clear skies?

Subtropical high.