How do air currents form?
Air constantly moves over the face of the Earth in currents. These currents are caused by temperature differences on the surface of the planet caused by the sun. Earth’s weather results from the interactions of warm and cold air currents.Solar influenceAir currents move from areas of high pressure to low pressure. The sun causes differences in pressure by heating air. When air is heated, it rises, creating an area of low pressure. The heated air cools as it rises higher into the atmosphere. The cooling air falls back to Earth. This cycle creates air currents.High and low pressureAs heated air rises, fewer air molecules are present. Air pressure goes down. The air pressure of surrounding cooler areas is higher because there are more air molecules present. Air then moves to the area of low pressure until the pressures are the same.Equatorial heatingThe sun shines most powerfully on the Earth’s equator. The energy from the sun causes the air at the equator to become hot. The hot air rises
