How are winds, the Coriolis effect, and pressure gradients related?. Geography
Wind occurs when air moves with respect to the Earth’s surface. Air motion is produced by pressure gradients that are formed when air in one location is heated to a temperature that is warmer than another. Heating creates high pressure in the upper atmosphere, which moves high-level air away from the area of heating. This motion induces low pressure at the surface, pulling surface air toward the area of heating, and forming a convection loop. The Earth’s rotation strongly influences atmospheric circulation through the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect causes the apparent deflection of winds relative to the Earth’s surface.
Materials by theme: