Question

Which of the following factors influence atmospheric pressure and surface winds?

1. Latitude

2. Altitude

3. Distance from the sea

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All are correct

• Latitude:

• Variations in solar heating across different latitudes lead to differences in air temperature.  

• Warmer air is less dense and rises, creating low-pressure areas, while cooler air is denser and sinks, creating high-pressure areas.  

• These pressure differences drive global wind patterns.  

• Altitude:

• Atmospheric pressure decreases as altitude increases.  

• This is because there is less air mass pressing down from above at higher elevations.  

• This pressure gradient influences wind flow, particularly in mountainous regions.

• Distance from the sea:

• Land and water have different heat capacities. Land heats up and cools down faster than water.  

• This creates temperature differences between land and sea, leading to pressure variations.  

• These pressure differences result in sea breezes during the day and land breezes at night, influencing surface winds in coastal areas.

• Also, the temperature of the water itself, influences the temperature of the air above it, and thus influences pressure and wind.