An ecologist analyzes wind patterns and concludes they originate from the equator toward the poles. The underlying principle for this observation is:
Temperature gradients caused by uneven solar heating drive winds
The Sun heats the equator much more strongly than the poles, so air near the equator becomes warmer and less dense than air near the poles. Warm equatorial air rises and cooler polar air flows in along the surface to replace it, setting up global wind circulations. The driving cause is the temperature gradient created by uneven solar heating.
Ocean salinity differences move ocean currents, not global winds. Earth’s magnetic field acts on charged particles, not on the neutral molecules of air, so it does not direct winds. Tidal forces from the Moon act mainly on the oceans; their effect on the atmosphere is far too small to produce equator-to-pole winds.
Hence, the answer is Temperature gradients caused by uneven solar heating drive winds.
Similar Questions
A climate scientist puts sensors on the valley floor and on the slopes. During the day, the sensors on the slopes show higher temperatures and more wind blowing up from the valley. Which phenomenon does this indicate?
A physical geographer compares two coastal cities: one at the equator and one near the poles. Both receive the same duration of sunlight in a day. The reason the equatorial city remains warmer is:
The radiations emitted by a hot furnace are:
Important Questions from Heat and Transfer
In summer season, the top and outer surface of the house are painted white because:
On a hot summer afternoon, the tent made up of fabric will be preferred as white colour is:
The coil of wire used in electric heaters is called a/an________.
Transfer of heat by convection can take place in
A body in motion essentially acquires
A. Kinetic energy
B. Potential energy
C. Mechanical energy
D. Heat energy
