MOVEMENT IN THE ATMOSPHERE

The Earth is a rotating sphere. The atmosphere, as well as the hydrosphere (oceans and large lakes), move because of this rotation. There is a difference between local and general worldwide winds. General winds include those that stretch thousands of miles over the Earth's surface with almost permanent directional patterns. Local winds are characteristic of particular geographical regions and exert a pronounced influence on the local climate.

The pattern of the general wind circulation is primarily determined by the unequal heating of the atmosphere at different latitudes and altitudes and by the effects of the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect). The general wind pattern includes doldrums, jet stream, polar easterlies, trade winds, and westerly winds.