How are air movements created? How do air movements affect weather?

Earth’s Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the Earth It protects life on Earth

The sun is where air movement begins Why does movement of air begin with the sun?

Uneven Heating

Air Molecules being heated Air molecules expand and move upwards

Air Molecules Contract When air gets cold it contracts and moves downward

Convection Current This movement is called Convection Current

Convection Current Convection Currents are seen throughout nature:

Convection Current In Water

Convection Current Under the Surface of the Earth

In Air ___________________ What is this air movement called? Write your answer below.

Convection Current in Action A Local Wind What do you think gets hotter faster: Earth’s land or Earth’s water? (Turn and Talk with a partner)

During the Day: Land heats up faster than water so the air rises above the land and comes back from the ocean. Local Wind

Water is funny. It retains heat better! So that means once it gets warm, it stays warm longer than land. So at night…

Air gets warm over water! Air then moves in the opposite direction near the ocean

Global Convection Currents Uneven heating of Earth causes local and global air movements. Here are global convection currents we have on Earth. These global wind patterns move weather across the world.

Air Movement Flow Map Make a thinking flow map of a local wind. Explain in writing what is happening in picture.