What is the result of air moving away from the equator at 30,000 ft in the Northern Hemisphere?

• A. Trade winds
• B. Polar easterlies
• C. Westerlies
• D. Nothing changes

Answer: (C)

In the Northern Hemisphere, air that moves away from the equator at 30,000 feet typically becomes part of the westerlies. This movement occurs due to the combined effects of the Earth's rotation and the Coriolis effect, which deflects air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. As the air rises, it cools and loses moisture, and when it reaches approximately 30,000 feet, it is predominantly flowing from west to east. This west-to-east flow facilitates the development of the westerlies, which are prevalent in the mid-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

The westerlies play a significant role in weather patterns and systems as they influence the movement of storm systems and contribute to the overall atmospheric circulation. Understanding this flow is crucial for predicting how weather systems travel across regions at high altitudes.