Global wind belts and the jet stream

Grade 9 Science Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the best answer.

1. Read this first

   Use this

   A globe with three loops in each hemisphere.

2. 1.

   How many circulation cells lie between the equator and each pole, by Ari's reading (NOAA)?

   • One
   • Three
   • Two cells in each hemisphere
   • Six
3. 2.

   Which cell covers the tropics, with air rising near the equator, by Bo's reading (NOAA)?

   • The Ferrel cell
   • The polar cell
   • The jet cell
   • The Hadley cell
4. 3.

   Which cell is the smallest and weakest, by Kira's reading (NOAA)?

   • The polar cell
   • The Hadley cell
   • The Ferrel cell
   • They are equal in size

5. Use this

   Surface arrows for trades, westerlies and polar easterlies.

6. 4.

   From which direction do the Northern Hemisphere trade winds blow, by Jun's reading (NOAA)?

   • From the southwest
   • From the northeast
   • From due west
   • From the northwest
7. 5.

   Which way do the westerlies blow in the middle latitudes, by Luz's reading (NOAA)?

   • From west to east
   • Straight down
   • Straight north
   • From east to west

8. Use this

   Bands of H and L on a globe.

9. 6.

   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 the Intertropical Convergence Zone, near the equator
   • At 60° N
   • At 30° N and S
10. 7.

    Why are many deserts near 30° N and S, by Pia's reading (NOAA)?

    • The jet stream sits on the ground there
    • High pressure there brings fair, dry weather
    • Low pressure there brings storms
    • Trade winds carry rain there
11. 8.

    What weather goes with the low-pressure band near 50° to 60°, by Ren's reading (NOAA)?

    • More storms and precipitation
    • Clear, dry desert weather on most days
    • Calm doldrums
    • No clouds year-round

12. Use this

    A wavy jet stream high above the surface.

13. 9.

    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
14. 10.

    About how high are jet streams, by Esme's reading (NOAA)?

    • At ground level
    • About 30,000 feet (9,100 m)
    • About 300 miles above the ground
    • About 300 feet