What is the direction of the prevailing surface wind at Point Barrow, Alaska?

• A. North
• B. East
• C. West
• D. South

Answer: (B)

The direction of the prevailing surface wind at Point Barrow, Alaska, is predominantly from the east. This is due to the influence of the Arctic air masses and the general atmospheric circulation patterns in polar regions.

East winds are common in Point Barrow because of the position relative to high-pressure systems that often dominate the interior of Alaska. These systems can generate easterly winds as they interact with the coastline and the surrounding geography.

Understanding the local geography is important; coastal areas tend to produce different wind patterns compared to inland regions. Factors such as temperature differences between the land and water can also contribute to wind direction. The prevailing easterly winds can be influenced by the polar jet stream, which guides weather patterns in these northern latitudes.

In contrast, other directions such as north, west, or south would be less accurate representations of the typical wind patterns experienced in this location due to the specific climate conditions and geographical influences present at Point Barrow.