Global Circulation Model

Question 1

What are the 3 cell models making up the global circulation model?

Answer 1

• Hadley Cell
• Ferrel Cell
• Polar Cell

Question 2

What is the Hadley Cell?

Answer 2

• adjacent to ITCZ, where insolation is most intense
• doldrums created due to constant rising air, trade winds drawn in
• air subsides around 30°N/S + deflected right/left depending on Hem.

Question 3

What is the Ferrel Cell?

Answer 3

• not thermally induced, but result of adjacent cells
• air is forced to rise at polar front, + forced to sink at high-pressure zone, where it meets Hadley Cell

Question 4

What is the Polar Cell?

Answer 4

• cold polar air sinks, creating high pressure
• as air moves to equator, it spreads out, pressure dec., + it rises
• low pressure zone created at 50-60°N/S