L1.1- Atmospheric Circulation

Question 1

Sun provides heat

Answer 1

The sun heats the surface of the earth, (more so at the equator) and causes warm air to rise leading to lower pressure at the surface.

Question 2

Frontal Rain

Answer 2

The differences in air density prevent mixing so the warm air rises over the cold air causing FR.

Question 3

3C’s

Answer 3

The three C’s of convection (Cools, condenses, clouds form) explains tropical thunderstorms at the Equator.

Question 4

Global Ocean Currents

Answer 4

These play a large role in redistributing heat from the equator to the poles.

Question 5

At the equator

Answer 5

Precipitation here explains why air has no moisture when it cools and descends above the tropics creating HP at the surface.

Question 6

Trade winds

Answer 6

Winds blow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure creating trade winds that converge on the Equator, some warmer air moves north, meeting cold air from the poles at the mid-latitudes.