EQ1 - 1.1 The Atmosphere Operates As A Global System Which Transfers Heat Around The Earth Flashcards
At what degrees is the Hadley Cell at?
0°-30°
At what degrees is the Ferrel Cell?
30°-60°
At what degrees is the Polar Cell?
60°-90°
What pressure is between the Polar Cell and the Ferrel Cell?
Low pressure - 60°.
What pressure is between the Ferrel and Hadley Cells?
High pressure - (30°)
What pressure is it between the two Hadley cells? (equator)
Low pressure - 90°
What happens to heat and gas if it reaches to the atmosphere?
Atmosphere remits heat/gases but eventually they will all escape to space.
Why is heat moved around the world?
To balance the uneven heat distribution around the world.
Surface High Pressure
Where there is more air at the surface.
Low Pressure Surface
Less air at the surface.
Less Dense Air Movement
When air is heated it rises as it is less dense.
When it rises it transfers heat to the the atmosphere.
It cools, condenses and usually clouds and rain occur.
Air Movement More Dense
When air cools it becomes more dense.
Falls and as it does it transfers heat to the ground.
Warms as it falls leaving clear skies and little/no rainfall.
How is the wind direction determined?
Causes when air moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.
Where’s the most radiation received on the Earth’s surface?
The equator, due to the curvature being the furthest out in comparison to the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Incoming Solar Radiation at the Northern Hemisphere
Radiation has to get through a larger, thicker bit of atmosphere.
Therefore there is less radiation that will be received on the surface.
Solar radiation in the Southern Hemisphere
Large thicker atmosphere for radiation to get through.
Therefore, less radiation will reach the Earth’s surface.
How do atmospheric circulation cells explain how heat energy is transferred around the world?
- Warm air rises - causes low pressure to circle in the wind direction.
- Air cools and changes to high pressure causing it to move in the wind direction.
What is ocean current heat transfer?
Large scale movements at water that transfer heat energy from warmer-cooler regions.
How do surface currents occur and what do they do?
Caused by winds.
Help transfer heat away from the equator.
How are deep ocean currents driven?
By differences in water density.
How does water density increase at the poles?
Surrounding water gets saltier when water freezes.
What does the dense water cause?
The cold, saltier water causes warmer water to flow in at the surface, causing a current.
