Atmospheric Circulation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the three different circulation cells?

Polar Cell (correct)

Hadley Cell (correct)

Tropical Cell

Farrel Cell (correct)

Where and how is a Hadley Cell formed?

The Hadley Cell is formed between the equator and 30 degrees north and south by warming air near the equator causing it to rise, creating low pressure.

Where and how is a Farrel Cell formed?

The Farrel Cell circulates air between the subtropical high and subpolar low, located between 30 and 60 degrees north and south, and is formed from neighboring cells.

Where and how is a Polar Cell formed?

The Polar Cell is located between 60 and 90 degrees north and south and circulates air between subpolar lows and polar highs, formed when air moves towards the equator from the poles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ITCZ and how does it form?

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure zone at the equator formed by a convergence of northeast and southwest trade winds, causing thunderstorms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between meridional and zonal flow?

Meridional flow follows longitudinal lines with north-south waviness, while zonal flow follows latitudinal lines and is much flatter. Signup and view all the answers

What are semi-permanent pressure systems, and how do they vary seasonally?

Semi-permanent pressure systems move from place to place, varying in size, location, and temperature depending on the season. Signup and view all the answers

What is a subtropical high, and what effect do they have on climate?

A subtropical high is a semi-permanent pressure cell on the descending arm of the Hadley Cell, involved in forming deserts and arid regions. Signup and view all the answers

What are troughs and ridges, and how do they relate to weather and climate?

Troughs are elongated axes of low pressure, while ridges are high pressure. Troughs often lead to cyclones, and ridges lead to anticyclones. Signup and view all the answers

When does the Southeast Asian Monsoon occur, and why?

The Southeast Asian Monsoon occurs when moist air moves northward, creating precipitation due to differential heating between land and water. Signup and view all the answers

How do sea and land breezes form?

Land heats up faster than water, causing air above land to rise and cooler air over water to move in towards the low pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How do mountain and valley breezes form?

Air at the top of the mountain heats up and rises, creating low pressure, while cooler air from the valley moves in to replace it. Signup and view all the answers

What causes major ocean currents?

Major ocean currents are caused by atmospheric circulation from drag due to semi-permanent pressure systems and thermohaline circulation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Circulation Cells

Three primary circulation cells: Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, Polar Cell.

Hadley Cell Formation

Located between the equator and 30° N/S.
Formed from warm air rising near the equator, creating low pressure.
Rising air turns in the troposphere and descends, drying out and leading to desert formation.

Ferrel Cell Formation

Circulates air between subtropical highs and subpolar lows, positioned between 30° and 60° N/S.
Acts as an indirect cell, formed by interactions with neighboring cells.

Polar Cell Formation

Found between 60° and 90° N/S.
Circulates air from subpolar lows to polar highs.
Air moves towards the equator from the poles, creating polar easterlies, with ascending air at 60° due to heating.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

A low-pressure zone located at the equator.
Formed by the convergence of northeast and southwest trade winds, leading to rising air.
Characterized by frequent thunderstorms.

Meridional vs. Zonal Flow

Meridional flow follows north-south directions with wave-like patterns.
Zonal flow follows east-west directions, appearing much flatter.

Semi-permanent Pressure Systems

These pressure systems shift location and can vary seasonally.
Changes influenced by size, location, and temperature with the seasons.

Subtropical High

A semi-permanent pressure system found in the descending arm of the Hadley Cell.
Plays a significant role in the formation of deserts and arid regions.

Troughs and Ridges

Troughs are elongated areas of low pressure; ridges are areas of high pressure.
Largest examples referred to as Rossby Waves; troughs signify cold fronts and cyclones, while ridges indicate warm fronts and anticyclones.

Southeast Asian Monsoon

Occurs when moist air moves northward, leading to heavy precipitation.
Driven by differential heating between land and water, causing air over land to rise and be replaced by cooler air from over the water.

Sea and Land Breezes Formation

Land heats more quickly than water; rising air over land causes sea air to move in towards the low-pressure area.

Mountain and Valley Breezes Formation

Mountain tops receive more sunlight, warming the air which then rises.
Cooler air from the valley moves upward to replace the rising warmer air.

Major Ocean Currents Causes

Driven by atmospheric circulation, influenced by semi-permanent pressure systems and thermohaline circulation.
Thermohaline circulation is caused by denser saline and colder water sinking, leading to movement and current formation.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on atmospheric circulation with these flashcards. Explore the three circulation cells: Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar, and understand their formation and characteristics. Perfect for students studying meteorology or environmental science.