Energy from the Sun and Wind

Energy from the Sun

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• The sun is the driving energy for convection currents in the atmosphere
• creates winds
• Land heats and cools more quickly than water

Why is the Uneven Heating and Cooling of Land and Water Important?

The uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the Sun cause convection currents

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Convection Currents

• The sun’s energy causes the heating of the atmosphere (air) & water causing….
• Cooler, denser water or air (gas) sinks while warmer, less dense fluid rises
• Convection (heating from the sun) is the driving force in producing winds and ocean currents due the uneven heating from the sun

WIND

• The Earth is in a constant battle to equalize its temperature
• It never succeeds, because our planet is hotter in some places than in others

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WIND PATTERNS

• Earth’s air is always on the move
• Cool air sinks
• Warm air rises
• Forms convection currents cause wind
• result of different air

pressures

Types of Winds

Local Winds

- generally move short distances and can blow from any direction

Global Winds

• are part of a pattern of air flow that moves across the Earth

Sea Breeze

Land Breeze

During the day, the land heats up more quickly than the sea. Above the land, warm air rises and the wind blows toward the coast

At night, the land cools down quickly while the sea stays warm. Above the sea, warm air rises and the wind blows away from the coast

Global Winds

• Coriolis and other factors combine to produce a pattern of wind belts around the Earth
• Examples include trade winds, easterlies, & westerlies

Coriolis Effect

Earth rotates as wind blows, making it seem as if the winds are curved

• Northern Hemisphere - winds curve to the right
• Southern Hemisphere - winds curve to the left

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Global Wind Patterns

• Winds carry heat north from Earth’s equator
• Winds carry colder air south toward the equator

BIG IDEA

The Sun’s energy produces wind and ocean currents through convection heat transfer

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Sun's Energy Video