Question

How is sunlight responsible for wind energy?

• A. Differential heating of different landforms causes pressure difference.
• B. Sunlight converts kinetic energy of air molecules to chemical energy.
• C. Sunlight decreases friction in air and thus facilitates air movement.
• D. Radiation coming from sun drags the air along itself.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Differential heating of different landforms causes pressure difference.

Different parts of Earth receive different intensity of sunlight and also different landforms have different ability to heat-up. The air mass above hotter regions develop low pressure and that above colder regions develop high pressure. Wind blows from high pressure region to low pressure region. Thus sunlight is the ultimate source of energy for winds.