What phenomenon involves wind patterns created by temperature changes in the atmosphere?

The phenomenon that involves wind patterns created by temperature changes in the atmosphere is accurately referred to as air currents. This term encompasses the movement of air in the atmosphere as a result of temperature gradients, where warmer air rises and cooler air sinks, creating flow patterns. These air currents are fundamental in driving weather systems and are influenced by various factors, including the Earth's rotation and the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun.

While the term "wind" is often colloquially used to describe the movement of air, it typically refers to the localized flow at a specific moment rather than the broader, more systematic movement described by air currents. Wind is a manifestation of air currents but does not capture the overall dynamics influenced by temperature variations throughout the atmosphere.

Weather cycles and climate change both relate to atmospheric phenomena, but they operate on different principles and timescales. Weather cycles refer to patterns in weather events over short periods, while climate change involves long-term alterations in average weather patterns due to factors such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, which impact temperature and, thereby, air currents as well.