The winds on the earth do not flow in the exact “north to south&...
The winds on the earth do not flow in the exact "north to south" or "south to north" directions because of the rotation of the earth.
Explanation:
The rotation of the earth on its axis causes the winds to flow in a more complex pattern. This is known as the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is a result of the rotation of the earth and the fact that different parts of the earth have different linear velocities due to their distance from the axis of rotation.
Here is a detailed explanation of why the winds do not flow in the exact "north to south" or "south to north" directions:
1. Coriolis Effect:
- The rotation of the earth causes a deflection in the path of moving objects, including air masses.
- As the earth rotates, different parts of the earth's surface move at different speeds due to their distance from the axis of rotation.
- This variation in speed creates a deflection in the path of the moving air masses, causing them to curve.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left.
2. Three-Cell Model of Atmospheric Circulation:
- The winds on the earth are influenced by the three-cell model of atmospheric circulation: the Hadley cell, Ferrel cell, and Polar cell.
- The Hadley cell is located near the equator and is characterized by warm air rising at the equator, moving towards the poles, and sinking at around 30 degrees latitude.
- The Ferrel cell is located between the Hadley cell and the Polar cell and is characterized by air rising at around 60 degrees latitude, moving towards the poles, and sinking at around 30 degrees latitude.
- The Polar cell is located near the poles and is characterized by cold air sinking at the poles, moving towards lower latitudes, and rising at around 60 degrees latitude.
3. Jet Streams:
- The rotation of the earth and the temperature differences between air masses create high-speed wind currents called jet streams.
- Jet streams are strong, narrow bands of winds that blow from west to east in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
- The jet streams influence the movement and direction of surface winds, causing them to flow in a more complex pattern.
In conclusion, the winds on the earth do not flow in the exact "north to south" or "south to north" directions because of the rotation of the earth, which causes the Coriolis effect and influences the three-cell model of atmospheric circulation and the formation of jet streams.
The winds on the earth do not flow in the exact “north to south&...
The correct answer is option ‘B’ because of the rotation of the Earth. This phenomenon is primarily due to the Coriolis Effect, which is caused by the Earth’s rotation. Here’s a brief explanation:
- Coriolis Effect: As the Earth rotates, it causes moving air (and water) to turn and twist rather than move in a straight line.
In the Northern Hemisphere, this deflection is to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left
.
This effect prevents winds from flowing directly north to south or south to north. Instead, they follow curved paths, creating the various wind patterns we observe globally.
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