Global Atmospheric Circulation
Global Atmospheric Circulation
Global atmospheric circulation describes the movement of the air around the Earth. It's a critical aspect of the Earth's weather and climate, and influences hazardous weather events. Here are key points to remember:
What it is
- Global atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air, fueled by the heat energy from the Sun.
- It is part of what determines the climate in different parts of the world.
How it works
- The equator receives the most sunlight. As the air heats up, it rises, creating a low pressure zone.
- When the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain. This creates tropical climates at the equator.
- The cool air moves towards the poles, sinking at around 30 degrees from the equator. This sinking creates areas of high pressure and often results in desert climates.
- The air near the ground then flows back towards the equator, starting the cycle over again.
- Hadley cells, Ferrel cells, and Polar cells are the three convection cells that exist in each hemisphere, named for the regions they cover.
Why it's important for the climate
- The global atmospheric circulation model influences where different types of weather occur.
- It determines periods of rainfall and dry weather over the Earth.
How it affects hazardous Earth events
- It is important for understanding natural hazards such as tropical storms.
- It plays a role in the formation and intensity of monsoons in Asia.
- The pattern changes can lead to extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
Impact of Global Warming
- Global warming could potentially disrupt atmospheric circulation patterns.
- Changes to the global atmospheric circulation could lead to altered weather patterns, impacting local climates.