Global Circulation

Question 0

Tropical climates: Based on monthly precipitation, instead of temperature because

Answer 0

They don’t have an obvious warm / cold season. Temp variations are less significant than precipitation variations.

Question 1

Tropical climates: (3)

Answer 1

ITCZ is important feature, migrates poleward during summer.
Heating pattern depends on the location of the ITCZ.
Little variation in sunlight through the year.

Question 2

Evaporation exceeds precipitation at

Answer 2

10’ - 40’ S

10’ - 35’ N

This is a water source region for the atmosphere.

Question 3

Precipitation exceeds evaporation at

Answer 3

Polewards of 40’ S and 35’ N

10’ S - 10’ N

This is a water loss region for the atmosphere.

Question 4

Source and sink regions for atmospheric water loss must be

Answer 4

Connected; by the transport of water by the atmosphere.

Question 5

July; Polar cell: (2)

Answer 5

70’ - 80’ N.

Very weak ascent over the polar region.

Question 6

July; Hadley cell:

Answer 6

Deep ascent over the ITCZ has shifted into the NH.

Question 7

July; Ferrel cell: (2)

Answer 7

Weaker.

Shifted slightly northwards.

Question 8

January; Polar cell: (4)

Answer 8

Weakest cell.
Rises at 60’ N/S.
Sinks at 90’ N/S.
Polar maritime air across high latitude oceans.

Question 9

January; Hadley cell: (4)

Answer 9

Deep sinking air - worlds hottest desert regions.
Over tropical latitudes.
Sinks over 30’ and rises over 15’ latitude, N&S.
Deep subsiding air links to subtropical anticyclones.

Question 10

January; Ferrel cell: (4)

Answer 10

Tropical maritime air.
Ascent isn’t as deep as at the ITCZ because the troposphere is shallower.
Air rises at 60’ and sinks at 30’ N.
Mid latitude cell.

Question 11

January; features are mirrored in SH, but with a

Answer 11

Smaller ferrel cell at 50’-60’ S (more poleward)