Warm air near the Earth’s surface rises and then cools as it goes back up. Convection happens on a global scale in the atmosphere and causes global winds, surface currents, land and sea breezes.

Unequal heating of the Earth causes sections to occur. Tropical, Temperate, Polar

Tropical region –Begins at the equator and extends to about the 30 degrees north latitude. Temperate region –Extends from 30 degrees north latitude to about 60 degrees north latitude. Polar region –Extends from 60 degrees north latitude to the north pole at 90 degrees north latitude.

Global winds appear to curve.

` Blow Northeast to West in the polar region.

Winds blow from west to east in the temperate region. United states is in this region.

Blow from the east to west in the tropical region moving warm tropical air in that climate zone.

Convection currents near bodies of water can cause local winds.

Earth’s oceans circulate warm and cold ocean water in convection patterns. Influence the weather and climates of the nearby landmasses.

A fast moving ribbon of air that moves from west to east in the northern hemisphere around Earth. NOT A SURFACE WIND!