The ultimate cause of jet streams is
A) the fact that water can exist in all three phases at once.
B) ultraviolet energy from the sun.
C) the energy imbalance between high and low latitudes.
D) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jet streams are fast-moving narrow bands of strong winds that circle the Earth in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. They are caused by the energy imbalance between high and low latitudes caused by differences in solar radiation received by the Earth's surface. This creates a temperature gradient which drives the strong, westerly winds that form the polar and subtropical jet streams. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to the property of water and not the cause of jet streams. Choice B is also incorrect as ultraviolet energy from the sun is not directly responsible for the formation of jet streams, although it is a factor in the overall energy budget of the Earth's atmosphere.

The Ultimate Cause of Jet Streams Is