1.1 Global Circulation Cells Flashcards
Climate
The most solar radiation is received on the Earth’s equator because the radiation goes through the least amount of the atmosphere, and it doesn’t get displaced as much as the radiation going to the poles.
The Earth’s movement also means there are changes in temperature throughout the year. Because of the Earth’s tilt the centre point for radiation changes throughout the year
Low Pressure
Air heats & rises. Less dense. Transfers heat to atmosphere. Cools, condenses, clouds + rain occurs
“Less Air” “Low Pressure”
High Pressure
Air cools + becomes dense. It warms as it falls, clear skies + little / no rain. Transfers heat to the ground
“More Air” “High Pressure”
Coriolis Effect
Air moves from high to low pressure across the Earth - different places heating + cooling
Rotation - The wind deflected right in North Hemisphere to right in South Hemisphere
How atmospheric circulation cells explain heat energy transfer around the world
Temperature from the sun changes the air pressure i.e high to low pressure areas. Cool air goes to the equator, then heats up and goes 30° N + S, then cools again and goes back to the equator. It has blown in a surface wind from 30° N + S to equator
How large ocean currents transfer heat around the word
Thermohaline Circulation - Big loop around the Earth. Dense water sinks, letting hot water rise which causes a current - Driven by density
Surface currents are driven by wind. Surface water is dragged away by it - Driven by wind
Circulation Cells Names + Locations
Polar Cells - At the Poles
Ferrel Cells - In between the Tropics and Poles
Hadley Cells - In between the Tropics and Equator
Atmospheric Circulation
This is the process of distributing heat energy from the equator to the poles by the Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells. As the heat cools it condenses and falls, heating it up as it travels through the cells
Atmospheric Circulation
Sun heats the equator, causing air to warm and rise
Air rises + cools, moving away from the equator
Cold air sinks and some is drawn to the Poles by surface winds
Repeated, transferring heat from the equator to the Poles
