Tropical Met

Question 1

Hadley cell

Answer 1

A large scale atmospheric convection cell in which air rises at the equator and sinks at medium latitudes (30°N and 30°S)

Question 2

ITCZ

Answer 2

Intertropical convergence zone - a band of low pressure around the earth which lies near the equator, the trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres come together here leading to the development of frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain, It is a weather feature which sits in the equatorial trough

Question 3

Equatorial trough

Answer 3

A permanent feature of convergence and convection and the general term for the belt of comparatively low pressure around the globe in the tropics

Question 4

Horse latitudes

Answer 4

Average latitudes 30°S and 30°N, are regions where the Hadley cell air subsides. Characterized by calm air and sea between the trade winds and mid-latitude westerlies

Question 5

Doldrums

Answer 5

A zone of ascending air within the regions at or near the meteorological equator, caused by convective action from warm surfaces

Question 6

SPCZ

Answer 6

South Pacific Convergence Zone - is a zone of intense cloudiness due to the convergence of 2 major airflows
- semi-stationary anticyclonic system in the eastern pacific
- anticyclones originating and travelling eastward from the NZ/Aus region
Its located from the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea to slightly SE of french polynesia

Question 7

SPCZ weather

Answer 7

Similar to the active ITCZ, may bring cloudiness and rainfall to Australia’s northern territory and northern Queensland (more active in summer)

Question 8

Active ITCZ weather

Answer 8

Over oceanic regions, the high moisture content creates massive cloud developments (5-60kms wide and 50,000-60,000ft deep), cloud type is mainly CU/CB/AC so turbulence and icing are expected

Question 9

Inactive ITCZ weather

Answer 9

Various oktas of cumulus, some shower activity from more developed clouds, winds are light and variable

Question 10

Summer location of ITCZ

Answer 10

A large deflection takes it south through south Africa, while a smaller wave brushes over the northern parts of aus, there’s a trough in the central pacific and Atlantic ocean where the ITCZ remains in the northern hemisphere (due to strong northern hemisphere trade winds and the influence of oceanic surface temps)

Question 11

Winter location of ITCZ

Answer 11

The entire ITCZ is located in the northern hemisphere, due to the differing nature of the surface, the latitudinal change in position and intensity of the ITCZ varies greatly.

• over major oceanic regions it is fairly constant in terms of latitude
• over continental landmasses, their differing mountains and local pressure gradients cause it to deflect north over northern Asia

Question 12

SPCZ

Answer 12

South Pacific convergence zone - is a zone of intense cloudiness due to the convergence of 2 major airflow
- semi stationary anticyclonic system in the eastern pacific
- anticyclones originating and travelling eastward from the NZ Aus region
Its located from the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea to slightly SE of French Polynesia

Question 13

SPCZ weather

Answer 13

Similar to the ITCZ so may bring cloudiness and rainfall into Australia’s Northern Territory and Northern Queensland

Question 14

Mechanisms that drive trade winds

Answer 14

Caused by the outflow from the high pressure belt at horse latitudes towards the equatorial trough

Question 15

Trade wind limits

Answer 15

Extend up to 8000ft AMSL and to the horse latitudes