Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary driver of global wind circulation?
What is the primary driver of global wind circulation?
- The temperature difference between the equator and the poles (correct)
- The gravitational pull of the Moon
- The rotation of the Earth
- The movement of tectonic plates
In which atmospheric circulation cell does warm air rise and cool air sink?
In which atmospheric circulation cell does warm air rise and cool air sink?
- Polar Cell
- Ferrel Cell
- Hadley Cell (correct)
- Jet Stream
What is the direction of the trade winds in the Northern Hemisphere?
What is the direction of the trade winds in the Northern Hemisphere?
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast (correct)
- Southeast
Why are the westerlies stronger in the Southern Hemisphere?
Why are the westerlies stronger in the Southern Hemisphere?
At what altitude is the jet stream located?
At what altitude is the jet stream located?
What is the role of the jet stream in shaping global weather patterns?
What is the role of the jet stream in shaping global weather patterns?
The Coriolis effect causes winds to curve in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere as compared to the Northern Hemisphere.
The Coriolis effect causes winds to curve in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere as compared to the Northern Hemisphere.
The temperature gradient between the equator and poles is the primary driver of global wind circulation.
The temperature gradient between the equator and poles is the primary driver of global wind circulation.
The jet stream is a slow-moving band of air that circles the Earth.
The jet stream is a slow-moving band of air that circles the Earth.
The polar region has the highest temperatures due to the high levels of humidity.
The polar region has the highest temperatures due to the high levels of humidity.
Ocean currents have a negligible impact on global temperature distribution.
Ocean currents have a negligible impact on global temperature distribution.
The trade winds blow from low pressure near the equator towards high pressure near the poles.
The trade winds blow from low pressure near the equator towards high pressure near the poles.
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Study Notes
Global Temperature Gradients
- Temperature decreases with latitude and altitude
- Equator-to-pole temperature gradient: warmest at equator, coolest at poles
- Temperature difference drives global wind circulation
Atmospheric Circulation Cells
- Three main circulation cells in each hemisphere:
- Hadley Cell: equatorial region, warm air rises, cool air sinks
- Ferrel Cell: mid-latitudes, cool air rises, warm air sinks
- Polar Cell: polar region, cold air sinks, warm air rises
- Cells interact, creating wind patterns and global circulation
Trade Winds
- Northeast trade winds (Northern Hemisphere) and southeast trade winds (Southern Hemisphere)
- Blow from high pressure near 30°N/S to low pressure near equator
- Drive ocean currents, influence regional climate
Westerlies
- Prevailing winds in mid-latitudes, blowing from west to east
- Stronger in Southern Hemisphere due to fewer landmasses
- Influence weather patterns, ocean currents, and global climate
Jet Stream
- Fast-moving band of air in upper atmosphere (20,000-50,000 ft)
- Forms at boundary between troposphere and stratosphere
- Plays key role in shaping global weather patterns and storm tracks
- Can influence regional climate, agriculture, and aviation
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