15)
Earth is unequally heated by the Sun due to its tilt, causing patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that affect regional
climates. As shown on the atmospheric circulation map (left), sunlight drives latitudinal banding of the atmosphere, which impacts
the Coriolis Effect and prevailing winds. These winds affect temperatures and weather in a number of ways, like when air is pushed
up mountains by winds, it expands as pressure decreases, causing temperature to decrease as well. As shown on the ocean current
map (right), ocean circulation is restricted by the Coriolis Effect as well as continental borders. Combined, these elements
determine regional climates around the world.
Based on this information and the patterns shown on these maps, what reasonable conclusion can be drawn about the rotation and
unequal heating of Earth?
They cause atmosphere and ocean circulations to be random and
unpredictable.
They cause damage to the ozone layer, because warm air is constantly
pushed upward
They cause regional climates to change often, based on geographic land
distribution
They cause patterns to vary by latitude, altitude, and geographic land
distribution
