Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by ________.
A) solar radiation that warms moist air masses near the equator, which then cool and release precipitation as they rise, and then, at high altitude, move north or south of the tropics and sink back to the surface as dry air masses
B) air masses that are dried and heated over continental areas, which then rise, cool aloft, and descend over oceanic areas, followed by a return flow of moist air from ocean to land, delivering high amounts of precipitation to coastal areas
C) polar, cool, moist, high-pressure air masses from the poles that move along the surface, releasing precipitation along the way to the equator, where they are heated and dried
D) solar radiation that warms dry air masses at the poles, causing them to sink toward the tropics, gain moisture, and then release it as precipitation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are primarily driven by solar radiation that heats moist air masses near the equator, causing them to rise and release precipitation. As the air masses move away from the equator, they cool and become dry, sinking back to the surface at around 30 degrees latitude before moving back toward the equator. This circulation pattern, known as the Hadley cell, drives much of the world's weather patterns.

Generalized Global Air Circulation and Precipitation Patterns Are Caused by ________