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Wind is caused by air flowing from high pressure to low pressure. Since the Earth is rotating, however, the air does not flow directly from high to low pressure, but it is deflected to the right (in the Northern Hemisphere; to the left in the Southern Hemisphere), so that the wind flows mostly around the high and low pressure areas.

This effect of the wind "feeling the Earth turn underneath it" is important for very large and long-lived pressure systems. For small, short-lived systems (such as in the cold outflow of a thunderstorm) the wind will flow directly from high pressure to low pressure.

The closer the high and low pressure areas are together, the stronger the "pressure gradient", and the stronger the winds. On weather maps, lines of constant pressure are drawn (as in the example, above) which are called "isobars". These isobars are usually labeled with their pressure value in millibars (mb). The closer these lines are together, the stronger the wind.

The curvature of the isobars is also important to the wind speed. Given the same pressure gradient (isobar spacing), if the isobars are curved anticyclonically (around the high pressure in the above example) the wind will be stronger. If the isobars are curved cyclonically (around the low pressure in the example above) the wind will be weaker.

Near the surface of the Earth, friction from the ground slows the wind down. During the day, when convective mixing is stirring up the lower atmosphere, this effect is minimized. At night, however, when convective mixing has stopped, the surface wind can slow considerably, or even stop altogether.

Wind can be thought of one way that the atmosphere moves excess heat around. Directly or indirectly, wind forms for the promary purpose of helping to transport excess heat either away from the surface of the Earth, where sunlight causes an excess of energy buildup, or from warm regions (usually the tropics) to cooler regions (usually the higher latitudes).

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Which of these is an example of interactions between the atmosphere and hydrosphere uprooting of trees during tornadoes destruction of houses by wind formation of snow cracking of rocks due to heat?

Uprooting of trees during tornadoes and destruction of houses by wind are examples of interactions between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Snow formation is an example of interactions between the atmosphere and the lithosphere. Cracking of rocks due to heat is an example of interactions between the atmosphere and the lithosphere.


Is wind shear the cause of a tornado?

Wind shear is a factor that can contribute to the formation and intensity of tornadoes by creating a change in wind direction and speed with height, leading to rotation within the thunderstorm. While wind shear is an important ingredient for tornado development, there are other factors such as instability in the atmosphere and moisture that also play a role in tornado formation.


What causes an uneven isolation that results in global wind currents?

Uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun causes differences in air pressure, leading to the development of global wind currents. Warm air rises at the equator while cooler air sinks at the poles, creating the circulation patterns we observe in the atmosphere. This differential heating generates the movement of air masses around the globe, resulting in the formation of global wind systems.


How does the atmosphere affect hurricanes?

The atmosphere provides the necessary conditions for hurricane formation, such as warm ocean waters and low wind shear. Changes in temperature, humidity, and wind patterns can influence the intensity and movement of a hurricane. Additionally, atmospheric conditions like high-pressure systems or jet streams can steer or weaken hurricanes.


Is surface tension responsible for wave formation?

No, surface tension is not responsible for wave formation in bodies of water. Waves are typically formed by the interaction of wind with the water's surface, causing the water to move in a rolling motion. Surface tension, which is the result of cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface, does not generate waves.

Related Questions

What cells are responsible for the formation of wind?

Wind is not formed by specific cells, rather it is primarily caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates temperature and pressure differences in the atmosphere. These differences in turn result in the movement of air masses and the generation of wind.


Does the sun influenced the formation of wind on earths surface?

Not only influence, The Sun's energy is the CAUSE of wind on Earth.


What process is most responsible for the formation of Grand Canyon?

erosion by wind and water


What agent is responsible for the formation of the Florida landforms called dunes?

Erosion,deposition by water,wind , ice , and gravity


What two things shot from the sun strike the earths atmosphere?

Electromagnetic waves (including light); solar wind.


What is the particles outside earths atmosphere?

Particles found outside Earth's atmosphere include solar wind particles, cosmic rays, and interstellar dust. These particles can interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, impacting space weather and the planet's environment.


Which of these is an example of interactions between the atmosphere and hydrosphere uprooting of trees during tornadoes destruction of houses by wind formation of snow cracking of rocks due to heat?

Uprooting of trees during tornadoes and destruction of houses by wind are examples of interactions between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Snow formation is an example of interactions between the atmosphere and the lithosphere. Cracking of rocks due to heat is an example of interactions between the atmosphere and the lithosphere.


What has an effect on earths air pressure?

gas composition of atmosphere (including water vapour); altitude; temperature; and wind velocity.


Deflation is a form of what erosion?

According to scientists, deflation is a form of wind erosion because the wind is responsible for loosening the soil which results in the formation of rock pieces.


What happens when solar wind approaches earths atmosphere?

When solar wind approaches Earth's atmosphere, it interacts with the Earth's magnetic field and can create auroras in the polar regions. The solar wind can also perturb the Earth's magnetosphere, leading to geomagnetic storms that can affect satellite communications and power grids.


What main source of energy drives earths weather systems?

The main source of energy that drives Earth's weather systems is the sun. The sun's energy is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, land, and water, leading to atmospheric circulation, the water cycle, and the formation of weather patterns. This energy is responsible for driving winds, ocean currents, and the distribution of heat around the planet.


What is the effect of rotation of earth?

The earths rotation causes day and night, wind, tides and ocean currents and its also responsible for the different seasons.