Question
Here is the question : WHY ARE WESTWARD FLIGHTS SLOWER THAN EASTWARD FLIGHTS?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Gravity
- Jet streams
- Time difference
- Heat energy
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Did you know that flights heading in the opposite direction, eastward, travel at a substantially faster pace? If you did, you most likely were aware that the cause has something to do with jet streams. Flight times west-to-east differ from those traveling east-to-west, because of the Earth’s rotation, spherical shape, and the flow of jet streams—high-altitude winds that are typically westerly. Because of the jet stream’s push factor, flights across the Atlantic that head in an easterly direction are often shorter and use less fuel than those that head in a westerly direction. A travel from Europe to North America during the months of January and February, when the North Atlantic jet stream is at its most powerful, takes a lot longer than it normally would since the winds are blowing in the other direction. Because of the constraints imposed by the spherical shape of the Earth on these streams, aircraft typically take a circuitous route to reach Greenland rather than flying directly across the Atlantic Ocean. So, the next time your flight seems like it’s taking longer on the return, you know why.
One of the interesting phenomena of air travel is that flights from east to west are typically slower than flights from west to east. This is due to the influence of jet streams, which are powerful winds that blow in the upper atmosphere and can significantly affect the speed and direction of aircraft.
Jet streams are caused by differences in temperature and pressure between the polar and equatorial regions of the Earth. As warm air rises near the equator and cool air sinks near the poles, a large temperature gradient is created, which in turn creates strong winds that blow from west to east.
For aircraft flying from west to east, these jet streams can provide a significant boost in speed, allowing the plane to travel faster and more efficiently. However, for aircraft flying from east to west, the same jet streams can create a headwind, slowing the plane down and requiring more fuel to maintain speed and altitude.
jet streams can also have a significant impact on weather patterns and climate. For example, jet streams are known to play a key role in the formation and movement of storms and weather systems, and can also affect the distribution of heat and moisture across the planet.
jet streams remain a fascinating and complex natural phenomenon, offering a unique window into the complex interactions between the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land. Whether you are a pilot, a meteorologist, or simply a curious traveler, understanding the role and behavior of jet streams is an important part of understanding the complexities of the natural world and our place in it.