Global Circulation Model Flashcards
At what point of the earth is the sun’s heat more concentrated?
The equator
Where does hot air travel?
Away from the equator
Where does cold air travel?
Towards the equator
Why are the North and South poles colder than anywhere else on the planet?
They are furthest away from the sun, which leads to low solar insolation
What does solar insolation mean?
The amount of solar energy received on a given surface
High pressure______ low pressure________
Sinks and rises
What happens during low air pressure?
Air rises, and cools and condenses as it does so. Then it spreads out to form clouds which eventually cause rain
What happens during high air pressure?
The air sinks and pushes more weight on the Earth. No clouds form which means no rain.
What climates are associated with low pressure?
Temperate climates like the Uk and Canada and tropical climates like Brazil
What climates are associated with high pressure?
Deserts like the Sahara and Polars like the Antarctic
What does ITCZ stand for?
InterTropical Convergent Zone- the joining of warm air
What is the ITCZ?
The ICTZ is where the highest rainfall at the equator is associated with a permanent zone of low pressure.
What are cumulonimbus clouds?
Thunder clouds
Where are Hadley cells?
At the equator
What are the three cells?
Hadley, Polar and Ferrel
