Global Atmospheric Circulation Model Flashcards
the global atmospheric circulation model describes
how air circulates between low and high-pressure belts as a result of differing conditions at different latitudes. This involves the transfer of heat via circulation cells
hot air has what sort of pressure
low pressure
cold air has what sort of pressure
high pressure
does hot air sink or rise?
hot air rises
does cold air sink or rise?
cold air sinks
what happens as hot air rises
the higher it gets, the colder it gets due to high temperatures higher in the atmosphere
what is the result of hot air cooling?
water vapour condenses creating rain and clouds
where does rising air go from the equator?
30 degrees north and south
what sort of pressure belt does the equator have?
low pressure belt
what sort of pressure belt does 30 degrees north and south of the equator have?
high pressure belt
what sort of weather comes as a result of high pressure belts?
minimal rainfall and no clouds
how can you remember that high pressure has dry weather?
high and dry
what happens when cool air reaches the surface 30 degrees north and south of the equator?
surface winds blow cool air either north towards the equator or the poles
what sort of pressure forms 60 degrees north and south of the equator
low pressure belt
why does low pressure belt form 60 degrees north and south of the equator?
cold air from the poles meets warm surface winds, hot air is less dense than cold air so it rises to form a low pressure
