Global wind belts and the jet stream
Grade 9 Science Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the best answer.
Read this first
Use this
A globe with three loops in each hemisphere.
How many circulation cells lie between the equator and each pole, by Ari's reading (NOAA)?
- Three
- Two cells in each hemisphere
- Six
- One
Which cell is the smallest and weakest, by Kira's reading (NOAA)?
- The Hadley cell
- They are equal in size
- The polar cell
- The Ferrel cell
Use this
Surface arrows for trades, westerlies and polar easterlies.
From which direction do the Northern Hemisphere trade winds blow, by Jun's reading (NOAA)?
- From the northeast
- From the northwest
- From due west
- From the southwest
Which way do the westerlies blow in the middle latitudes, by Luz's reading (NOAA)?
- From east to west
- Straight north
- Straight down
- From west to east
Use this
Bands of H and L on a globe.
Where do the trade winds of both hemispheres meet in a band of rising air and clouds, by Milo's reading (NOAA)?
- At the poles
- At 30° N and S
- At the Intertropical Convergence Zone, near the equator
- At 60° N
Where are the belts of high pressure, by Noah's reading (NOAA)?
- At the equator
- Spread evenly everywhere
- Near 30° N and S, and at the poles
- At 50° to 60° N and S
Why are many deserts near 30° N and S, by Pia's reading (NOAA)?
- High pressure there brings fair, dry weather
- Trade winds carry rain there
- The jet stream sits on the ground there
- Low pressure there brings storms
Use this
A wavy jet stream high above the surface.
What is a jet stream, by Tala's reading (NOAA)?
- Rising air at the equator
- A breeze along the coast at ground level
- A warm ocean current
- A narrow band of strong wind high in the atmosphere
Which way do jet-stream winds blow, by Zee's reading (NOAA)?
- From east to west
- Straight up
- From west to east
- From north to south
About how high are jet streams, by Esme's reading (NOAA)?
- About 300 miles above the ground
- At ground level
- About 300 feet
- About 30,000 feet (9,100 m)