Convection Regions, Global Winds, Jet Streams

Atmospheric Convection Regions Since earth is unevenly heated, climate zones occur (different convection regions.) – These climates are also affected by 1.Temperature differences between the equator and poles 2.Warm and cold ocean currents 3.Natural features (mountains, large bodies of water) 4.Manmade features (large cities) There are 3 atmospheric convection areas in the northern hemisphere and 3 in the southern hemisphere. 1.Tropical Region – begins at the equator and extends to about 30 degrees North latitude. 2.Temperate Region – extends from where the Tropical Region ends to about 60 degrees North latitude. (30-60 degrees Lat) 3.Polar Region – extends from the end of the Temperate Region to about 90 degrees North latitude. (60-90 Lat)

19. Climate Zones/Regions 6-4.8

19. Draw and Label Climate Zones/Regions Zones are made based on Temperature! 6-4.8

Convection Currents Convection Currents – are caused when warm air near earth’s surface rises and cools as it goes upward. Convection Currents happen on a global scale in the atmosphere. When the earth spins it causes global winds, which move to weather systems and ocean currents in a certain direction. Convection Currents near bodies of water can cause local winds known as land and sea breezes. – Land Breeze – Movement of air toward the water from land. Happens at night when land cools much more rapidly than ocean water. – Sea Breeze – Movement of air toward land from water. Happens during the day because land warms quicker than water. Surface Currents in earth’s oceans circulate warm and cold water in convection patterns that influence weather and climates on land nearby. – The warm Gulf Stream influences the Eastern Atlantic shoreline, and the cold California current influences the Western Pacific Shoreline.

Global Winds Global Winds can be found in each convection region. The moving rotation of earth causes global winds to appear to curve. Earth’s rotation causes moving air and water to appear to turn to the right north of the equator and to the left south of the equator. This is known as the Coriolis Effect. – This creates distinct wind patterns on earth’s surface which influence weather.

Global Winds Continued Types of Global Winds 1.Trade Winds – blow from east to west in the tropical region These winds move warm tropical air Tropical storms often move in toward these 2.Westerly Winds – blow from west to east in the temperate region The United States is located in the westerly wind belt Turn tropical storms 3.Polar Winds – blow northeast to west in the polar region These winds move cold polar air toward the west

Jet Streams Jet Stream – a narrow belt of strong winds that blow near the top of the troposphere. – Moves from west to east around earth. It dips and bends while constantly changing positions. – Move weather systems that are in it’s path. – The polar jet stream can bring down cold polar conditions from the north. The subtropical jet stream can bring warm tropical conditions from the south.