Title
Question Set: Prevailing Winds
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
Table of Contents
Use Fig. 3.10 to answer questions 1–3.
- Using Fig. 3.10 as a model, in the Southern Hemisphere:
- Draw arrows to show the circulation cells (Hadley, Ferrel, and polar). Label the cells.
- Draw arrows to show the direction of surface winds (easterlies, westerlies, and trade winds). Label the winds.
- Indicate where the horse latitudes are located.
- Label the high- and low-pressure regions for the air masses at the equator and
- at 30° N, 60° N, and 90° N.
- at 30° S, 60° S, and 90° S.
- Compare the directions of the major currents of air in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. How are they similar? How are they different?
- Climate is the general pattern of temperature, precipitation, wind, and atmospheric pressure in a particular area over long periods of time. How do you think air circulation patterns affect the earth’s climate patterns?
- High- and low-oceanic pressure regions are not stationary. They tend to migrate with the seasons, traveling north in the Northern Hemisphere summer and south in the Southern Hemisphere summer.
- Why do you think regions of high atmospheric pressure move north during the Northern Hemisphere summer?
- How do you think the migration of pressure systems affects wind patterns?