Download convection currents

• 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!