What directly causes the pressure difference between the equator and the poles?(1 point)
Responses
the amount of heat in each area
the amount of heat in each area
the direction where wind blows
the direction where wind blows
the rotation of Earth on its axis
the rotation of Earth on its axis
the length of each season
the amount of heat in each area
The correct answer is "the rotation of Earth on its axis." The rotation of Earth on its axis directly causes the pressure difference between the equator and the poles. Here's why:
The Earth's rotation causes a phenomenon known as the Coriolis effect. As the Earth rotates, points closer to the equator move faster than points closer to the poles. This creates a difference in the velocity of air masses moving towards the equator and those moving towards the poles.
Air at the equator is warmed by the direct sunlight and rises, creating a low-pressure area. This warm air then moves towards the poles. However, due to the Coriolis effect, the air is deflected towards the east (to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere). This deflection causes the air to spiral and move in a curved path, creating the trade winds.
On the other hand, air at the poles is colder and sinks, creating a high-pressure area. This cold air then moves towards the equator. Again, due to the Coriolis effect, the air is deflected towards the east, creating the polar easterlies.
The pressure difference between the equator and the poles is a result of these large-scale circulation patterns caused by the Earth's rotation. This circulation is known as the Hadley cell (between the equator and 30 degrees latitude) and the Ferrel cell (between 30 and 60 degrees latitude).
Therefore, it is the rotation of the Earth on its axis that directly causes the pressure difference between the equator and the poles.
The correct answer is:
- the amount of heat in each area