Global and local winds

Rhea Lawrence Lois Olayemi Nina Ngo

What causes wind ?

Wind is moving air caused by differences in air pressure. Air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. The greater the pressure difference, the faster the air, the stronger the winds blows.

What causes Air Pressure?

Differences in air temperature make differences in air pressure. Temperatures are caused by location, where you are on Earth, and where the sun is. Less dense air rises= low pressure High pressure= sinks, leaving an area of low pressure.

What are Global wind systems?

Global winds: large scale wind systems. 3 pairs of major global wind systems: wind belts. What are the 3 types of global wind systems? Trade winds, Westerlies, polar easterlies.

Trade Winds
Trade winds are belts that blow from 30 latitude to the equator. They curve inward to the west as they travel towards the equator.

Westerlies
Wind belts that are found between 30 and 60 latitude. Westerlies blow towards the poles from west to east. These winds carry most air over the U.S., producing rain or snow.

Polar easterlies
Wind belts that extend from the poles to 60 latitude. Form as cold, sinking air moves away form the poles. Can carry cold, artic air over the U.S. Can produce snow and freezing weather.

Why do Global Winds curve?

Global winds curve because of the Coriolis effect. The deflection or curving of the winds. As the Earth rotates, places near the equator travel faster than places near the poles. Differences in speed cause the Coriolis effect. Wind moving from the poles to the equator is deflected west. Wind moving from the equator towards the poles is deflected east.

What are Jet Streams?

Jet streams- narrow belts of very high-speed winds in lower stratosphere and upper troposphere. Blow from west to east all the way around Earth. Can reach speeds of 400km/h. Jet streams can be in different places everyday. They can affect movement of storms. Sometimes they can help predict storms if meteorologists know where the jet streams are.

What are Local Winds?

Global winds are not the only winds that blow. Local winds are important as well. They move over short distances and blow in any direction. Local winds are caused by differences in air temperature. Many temperature differences are caused by geographic features on Earth.

Fun facts
Pilots want to catch jet streams if theyre moving east. Global winds are found in about the same place everyday. Mountains and valley breezes are other examples of local winds. Jet streams form between hot and cold air masses.

Thank you for participating!!!

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