Question

What are winds? Explain the different types of wind system.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Define winds. (0.5 marks)
• Describe the process of wind formation (1.5 marks)
• Explain planetary, seasonal and local wind systems. (3*1 =3 marks)

Solution:

• Horizontal movement of air is called wind. This wind starts to blow because of uneven heating of earth’s surface by the sun.
• Some parts receive direct sunlight like in equatorial areas and are warm whereas other areas which receive slant rays of sun like the polar region are comparatively cooler. Now this high temperature creates a low pressure zone and cooler climate leads to a high pressure region. The air starts to move or the wind blows from the high pressure region towards the low pressure area. This is how winds are created.
• There are three types of wind systems -
  • Planetary winds : these winds blow throughout the year on the earth’s surface and there is no change in their direction. North-eastern and south-eastern trade winds are examples of planetary winds.
  • Seasonal winds : these winds change their direction after every season and the example is monsoon winds over India.
  • Local winds : These winds cover very small areas or are localized and they blow during a specific period of day or year, like land and sea breeze which we see in the coastal areas.