Why do westerly winds prevail at upper altitudes?
A) equator to pole temperature contrast
B) rotation of the earth and equator to pole temperature contrast
C) lower air density
D) rotation of the earth
E) absence of friction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rotation of the earth causes the Coriolis effect, which deflects moving air masses to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This creates westerly winds at upper altitudes because the equator-to-pole temperature gradient causes warm air to rise at the equator and cool air to sink at the poles. This causes the air to move from the equator to the poles, but the Coriolis effect causes it to be deflected to the right (in the Northern Hemisphere), resulting in westerly winds.

Why Do Westerly Winds Prevail at Upper Altitudes