Global Atmospheric Circulation Flashcards

All 7 cards in this deck

What are the three cells of the global atmospheric circulation model, from the Equator to the pole?

The Hadley cell (0°–30°), the Ferrel cell (30°–60°) and the Polar cell (60°–90°).

What happens to air at the Equator, and what type of pressure does this create?

Air is heated by the sun and rises, creating a belt of low pressure.

What causes the heavy rainfall found close to the Equator?

Rising air cools and condensation occurs, giving heavy showers and frequent convectional thunderstorms.

What happens to the air at about 30° north and south of the Equator?

Air cools and sinks, creating high pressure with clear skies and very little rainfall — this is where the world's hot deserts are found.

What are the trade winds?

Surface winds that blow from the high pressure belts at 30°N and 30°S back towards the low pressure at the Equator.

True or false? Surface winds blow from areas of low pressure towards areas of high pressure.

False. Winds blow from high pressure to low pressure, converging where air is rising.

True or false? The sinking air at about 30° north and south of the Equator is why many of the world's hot deserts are found at these latitudes.

True. Sinking air warms, so there is little condensation, cloud or rainfall.