Author Question: Local winds are much more variable than predicted global patterns in Figure 20.3c. Explain the ... (Read 143 times)

crobinson2013

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 535
Local winds are much more variable than predicted global patterns in Figure 20.3c. Explain the causes of these local variations.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is wind?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



DHRUVSHAH

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 317
Answer to Question 1

Local variations in air pressure and atmosphere density occur near coastal areas, in mountainous areas, and near glaciers. Coastal lands are warmest in the afternoon, and when the air rises, it is replaced by lower density, cooler air over the ocean. This creates a wind that blows onshore in the day. The reverse happens at night, when the land cools relative to the ocean, driving an offshore wind. Cool or dry air descends from high elevation mountains into lowlands, and these winds are most intense where they descend from high, cold glaciers.

Answer to Question 2

Wind is the motion of gas molecules in the atmosphere that is caused by atmospheric convection and variations in atmospheric pressure. Warm air has a lower density than cool air and humid air is less dense than dry air. Higher density air sinks close to the surface, producing high pressure at the surface, and displaces lower density air upward to produce low pressure at the surface. Air moves from regions of high pressure toward regions of low pressure. Wind is the motion of air sinking and rising because of density differences, and moving from areas of high pressure toward low pressure.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Certain rare plants containing cyanide include apricot pits and a type of potato called cassava. Fortunately, only chronic or massive ingestion of any of these plants can lead to serious poisoning.

Did you know?

Aspirin is the most widely used drug in the world. It has even been recognized as such by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Did you know?

Though “Krazy Glue” or “Super Glue” has the ability to seal small wounds, it is not recommended for this purpose since it contains many substances that should not enter the body through the skin, and may be harmful.

Did you know?

Computer programs are available that crosscheck a new drug's possible trade name with all other trade names currently available. These programs detect dangerous similarities between names and alert the manufacturer of the drug.

Did you know?

When blood is deoxygenated and flowing back to the heart through the veins, it is dark reddish-blue in color. Blood in the arteries that is oxygenated and flowing out to the body is bright red. Whereas arterial blood comes out in spurts, venous blood flows.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library