Chapter 3 Pressure, Winds, & Currents Questions
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Dec 6, 2023
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Geography 1110: Homework Assignment
Chapter 3 Pressure, Winds, & Currents Questions (30 points)
Please answer in detail using complete sentences or thoughts (thanks!)
1.
Why is it misleading to describe atmospheric pressure as simply the weight of the
air pressing down on a surface? At least 2 (two) reasons why needed (3)
It is misleading to describe atmospheric pressure as simply the weight of the air
pressing down on the surface because atmospheric pressure presses in all
directions.
2.
When wind moves over any significant distance, why doesn’t it flow straight
“down” a pressure gradient?
At least 2 (two) attributes needed…..(3)
There are a cariety of different air pressures the wind will not flow straight down it
will encounter many different pressures by the Coriolis effect.
3.
Why are upper atmosphere winds usually faster than surface winds? 2 (two)
reasons why needed (3)
Upper atmosphere winds are faster than surface winds because there is less
resistance in ther lower atmosphere which decreases the effect of Coriolis force.
4.
What are the Hadley Cells?
Definition/brief description.
(3)
Hadley Cells are two circulation cells on either side of the equator. Air rises in the
ITCZ, flows toward the poles, sinks over subtropical high, and flows toward the
ITCZ.
5.
Why do the trade winds cover such a large part of the globe?
2 (two) reasons
why needed (3)
The trade winds cover such a large part of the globe because of the location
where they are. The trade winds are closer to oceans than land, this causes it to
be easier to make winds.
6.
Why are the subtropical highs and the ITCZ characterized by little wind? 2 (two)
reasons why needed (3)
The subtropical highs and the ITCZ characterized by little wind because
subtropical has warm and dry weather which allows for the wind to stay still.
7.
Explain why the trade winds and the antitrade winds blow in opposite directions.
2 (two) reasons needed (3)
Due to the weather and ocean making the trade winds, the antitrade wind blows
the opposite direction.
8.
Why does the ITCZ generally shift north of the equator in the Northern
Hemisphere
summer and south of the equator in winter? 2 (two) reasons why needed (3)
the ITCZ generally shift north of the equator in the Northern Hemisphere
summer and south of the equator in winter because in the summer there is a lot
more heat. The heat causes to move up closer to the North Pole.
9.
What is the Jet Stream? (3)
Jet Steams are the most prominent movement in upper-level westerly wind flows;
irregular, concentrated, sinuous bands of geostrophic wind, traveling at 190 mph.
a.
Why is it characterized as a “stream”?
The jets move in a “stream” like way.
b.
What large belt of winds do the jet streams help “steer” from above?
Jet streams help steer the Rossby waves.
10. Describe/define the Coriolis Force. (3)
Coriolis Force is the apparent deflection of moving objects such as wind, ocean
currents, missiles. These moving objects travel in a straight path, in proportion to
the speed of Earth’s rotation at different latitudes. Deflection is to the right in the
Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere; maximum at
the poles and zero along the equator.
a.
What direction
(clockwise/counter-clockwise)
are wind currents deflected
in the Northern Hemisphere?
Clockwise
i.
The Southern Hemisphere?
Counterclockwise
b.
Why are there no hurricanes on record within approximately 6 degrees
North or 6 degrees South of the Equator?
There are no hurricanes on the record within approximately 6 degree North or 6
degrees south of the Equator because the location is near the Equator. This causes
it to have Coriolis Force of 0, meaning the force is weak to move the air around
which is needed to cause a hurricane.
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