Atmospheric circulation model Flashcards
What is the atmosphere?
Complex mass of gases, liquids and solids including water droplets, vapour, carbon dioxide, oxygen, ash etc
How does global atmospheric circulation work?
Wind moves outwards from areas of high pressure (air sinking). Wind moves towards areas of low pressure (air rising). Surface wind moves heat & moisture from one place to another.
What are the circular air movements in the atmosphere called?
Cells
What are low pressure areas?
Air is rising, causing wet weather
What are high pressure areas?
Air is sinking, causing dry weather
What is the coriolis effect?
The spinning of the earth (earths rotation) makes the air bend & turn creating trade winds and westerlies.
What are trade winds?
Reliable winds (always there) which blow east to west either side of the equator between 0 and 30 degrees
What are westerlies?
Winds the blow from the west at mid latitudes (30 to 60 degrees)
What are easterlies?
Powerful winds which blow east across the topics
What is thermally direct?
Warm air rises and cold air sinks
What is thermally indirect?
Cold air rises and warm air sinks
What are the Ferrell Cells?
Thermally indirect. Between Hadley & Polar cells. Cold air sinks near 30 degrees and rises near 60 degrees.
What are Polar Cells?
Air rises and travels towards the poles. When over the poles, the air sinks causing high pressure. Thermally direct.
What are Hadley Cells?
Thermally direct. Closest to the equator. Warm air at the equator rises and expands. Travels towards 30 degrees, cools down & sinks to earth creating high pressure
Where is the UK?
About 55 degrees north, just under 60 degree north line of latitude
