Brian Davis - Global Winds Systems Worksheet - NAME: - Studocu - Free Printable

Let's solve each question based on the global wind system diagram and general principles of atmospheric circulation.

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1. What wind systems move air from about 30° north or south latitude toward the equator?

Answer:
The trade winds move air from about 30° north or south latitude toward the equator.

- Specifically:
- In the Northern Hemisphere, these are the Northeast Trade Winds.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, they are the Southeast Trade Winds.
- These winds blow from high-pressure zones near 30° latitude (the horse latitudes) toward the low-pressure zone at the equator.

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2. Describe the movement of air in the huge convection current between 30° north latitude and the equator.

Answer:
This is part of the Hadley Cell convection current:

- Warm, moist air rises at the equator due to intense solar heating.
- This rising air moves poleward at high altitudes (toward 30° N).
- As it travels northward, it cools and sinks back down near 30° N.
- The sinking air creates a high-pressure zone known as the horse latitudes.
- The air then flows back toward the equator near the surface as the trade winds.

So, the cycle is:
Rising → Poleward at high altitude → Sinking at 30° → Surface flow back to equator.

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3. According to the diagram, what forms as a result of rising air at the equator? How might this account for the formation of tropical rain forests at the equator?

Answer:
- As air rises at the equator, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and heavy precipitation.
- This results in frequent rainfall and high humidity.

This consistent convection and rainfall create ideal conditions for tropical rainforests, which require:
- High temperatures year-round
- Abundant moisture
- Constant cloud cover and rain

Thus, the rising air and resulting rain explain why tropical rainforests are found near the equator.

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4. What wind systems move air from about 30° to 60° north or south latitude?

Answer:
The prevailing westerlies move air from about 30° to 60° north or south latitude.

- In the Northern Hemisphere: Prevailing Westerlies blow from the southwest to the northeast.
- In the Southern Hemisphere: They blow from the northwest to the southeast.
- These winds are driven by the Ferrel Cell convection pattern.

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5. Describe the movement of air in the huge convection current between 30° and 60° south latitude.

Answer:
This is the Ferrel Cell:

- Air that sinks at 30° S (in the horse latitudes) flows poleward along the surface.
- As it moves toward 60° S, it is deflected by the Coriolis effect.
- At around 60° S, moisture-laden air converges with polar air masses.
- The warmer air rises over the colder air, creating low pressure and precipitation.
- The rising air then moves back toward 30° S at high altitude.

So, the cycle is:
Sinking at 30° → Surface flow toward 60° → Rising at 60° → Return flow at high altitude to 30°.

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6. Would you expect high or low air pressure at the poles? Explain your answer.

Answer:
You would expect high air pressure at the poles.

Explanation:
- The poles receive less direct sunlight, so the air is cold and dense.
- Cold, dense air sinks, creating areas of high pressure.
- This sinking air creates a polar high-pressure zone.
- This high-pressure air then flows outward toward lower latitudes (as polar easterlies).

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7. What wind systems move air from about 60° north or south latitude to the poles?

Answer:
The polar easterlies move air from about 60° north or south latitude to the poles.

- These winds blow from the high-pressure areas near the poles toward the low-pressure areas at 60° latitude.
- Due to the Coriolis effect, they curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere, appearing as easterly winds (coming from the east).
- They transport cold, dry air from the poles toward mid-latitudes.

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8. How might the existence of low-pressure bands at the equator and 60° affect types of biomes in the areas?

Answer:
Low-pressure bands lead to rising air, which causes cloud formation and precipitation.

- At the equator (0°): Low pressure causes constant upward motion, leading to heavy rainfall and warm temperatures → supports tropical rainforest biomes.
- At 60° latitude: Low pressure results from convergence of warm and cold air masses, causing frequent storms and precipitation → leads to temperate deciduous forests or boreal forests depending on temperature.

> So, low-pressure zones = more precipitation = wetter biomes.

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How might the existence of high-pressure bands at 30° and the poles affect the types of biomes in the areas?

Answer:
High-pressure bands are associated with subsiding (sinking) air, which warms and dries out as it descends.

- At 30° latitude (horse latitudes): Subsiding air leads to dry conditions → creates deserts or arid regions (e.g., Sahara, Atacama).
- At the poles: High pressure and cold, dry air → results in tundra or ice cap biomes with very little precipitation and vegetation.

> So, high-pressure zones = dry conditions = arid or cold deserts, tundra, or ice caps.

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✔ Summary Table for Quick Review:

| Latitude | Pressure Zone | Wind System | Air Movement | Biome Type |
|--------|---------------|-------------|--------------|------------|
| 0° (Equator) | Low Pressure | Trade Winds | Rising air → Clouds & Rain | Tropical Rainforest |
| 30° | High Pressure | Horse Latitudes | Sinking air → Dry | Desert |
| 60° | Low Pressure | Prevailing Westerlies → Polar Front | Convergence → Storms | Temperate Forest / Boreal |
| 90° (Poles) | High Pressure | Polar Easterlies | Sinking, cold, dry air | Tundra / Ice Cap |

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