The Great Atmospheric Engine: Global Wind Belts Quiz

If the Sun heats the Earth, then the equator receives more direct energy than the poles. If the equator is warmer, then air there rises, creating pressure differences. If pressure differences exist, then air moves to balance them, creating wind.

If the Earth rotates, then moving objects like air are deflected from a straight path. If the rotation is counter-clockwise from the North Pole, then the deflection is to the right. Therefore, the statement is True.

If air rises at the equator and sinks at 30 degrees, then a circulation cell (Hadley cell) is formed. If the air flows back toward the equator and is curved by the Coriolis effect, then it creates the steady Trade Winds.

If warm air at the equator rises vertically due to intense heating, then there is very little horizontal surface wind. If there is no horizontal wind, then the area is known historically as the Doldrums.

If air moves from the high-pressure area at 30 degrees toward the low-pressure area at 60 degrees, then it is deflected by Earth's rotation. If it is deflected in the mid-latitudes, then it blows from the west toward the east.

If a wind pattern spans large latitudes and is permanent, then it is a global wind belt. Trade Winds, Westerlies, and Polar Easterlies cover the globe; Sea Breezes are local.

If air molecules are crowded in high-pressure areas, then they naturally spread out toward areas with more space. If they spread out, then they move from high to low pressure. Therefore, the statement is False.

If the Earth is a rotating sphere, then a point at the equator moves faster than a point at the poles. If air moves between these points, then its path appears curved to an observer on Earth, which is the definition of this effect.

If cooled air from the upper atmosphere travels away from the equator, then it becomes dense. If it becomes dense, then it sinks at 30 degrees latitude. If air sinks, then it creates a zone of high pressure and calm winds.

If air at the poles is very cold and dense, then it sinks and moves toward the equator. If it is deflected by the Coriolis effect at high latitudes, then it moves from the east, forming the Polar Easterlies.

If the equator is surplus in heat and the poles are deficient, then energy must move to reach equilibrium. If global winds move warm air toward the poles and cold air toward the equator, then they are distributing heat. Therefore, the statement is True.

If there is a large temperature difference between air masses high in the atmosphere, then a strong pressure gradient forms. If this gradient is high, then it produces very fast-moving ribbons of air called Jet Streams.

If temperature differences cause pressure differences, then air moves. If the Earth rotates, then that movement is curved. Cloud shape is a result of weather, not a primary driver of global wind movement.

If tropical storms form near the equator, then they are located within the Trade Wind belt. If the Trade Winds blow from the east to the west, then they push the storms in that same direction.

If air is sinking, then it is being compressed and warmed. If air warms, then it can hold more water vapor without it condensing into clouds. If clouds don't form, then it doesn't rain. Therefore, the statement is False.

If a wind comes out of the North and moves South, then it is called a North wind. If we identify wind by its point of origin, then the name tells us the direction "from" which it travels.

If the poles are at 90 degrees and the sub-polar low is at 60 degrees, then the wind belt between them occupies that space. If the air moves from the poles, then it is found in the 60 to 90 degree latitude range.

If intense sunlight causes air to rise, then the air cools as it ascends. If rising air cools, then water vapor condenses into rain. This results in the wet, low-pressure conditions of the tropics.

If the United States is located primarily between 30 and 60 degrees North latitude, then it sits under the Westerlies. If the Westerlies blow from west to east, then they move weather systems across the country in that direction. Therefore, the statement is True.

If Trade Winds blow toward the equator from both the North and South, then they must eventually collide. If they meet and "converge" near the equator, then they create the ITCZ.