Global Wind Patterns
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Khan Academy
What it is
- This 6-minute video explains how convection cells and the Earth's rotation create global wind patterns.
- The video also discusses how wind patterns distribute heat and precipitation unevenly around the globe, which helps form different biomes.
Teaching tips
Preparation:
- Teachers need to create a free account to use Khan Academy.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this resource in lessons on global wind patterns, convection, air pressure, density, Earth's biomes, or wind energy.
Climate Change Connections:
- Discuss how climate change might affect global wind patterns and the various biomes they create.
Extensions:
- The video mentions that water-covered areas and land-covered areas absorb heat from the sun differently. Ask students to predict how rising sea levels could affect global wind patterns.
- Use the video with this real-time interactive map that displays global wind speed and direction.
Related Resources:
- Other similar resources include this NASA video that highlights the importance of wind and this resource that describes how wind and other factors affect climate.
From the scientist review
This video offers a primer on our best understanding of the global wind patterns, which are driven by solar energy. Earth's rotation also plays a role in the finer details of the circulation patterns. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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