Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the three different circulation cells?
What are the three different circulation cells?
Where and how is a Hadley Cell formed?
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?
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?
Where and how is a Polar Cell formed?
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What is the ITCZ and how does it form?
What is the ITCZ and how does it form?
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What is the difference between meridional and zonal flow?
What is the difference between meridional and zonal flow?
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What are semi-permanent pressure systems, and how do they vary seasonally?
What are semi-permanent pressure systems, and how do they vary seasonally?
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What is a subtropical high, and what effect do they have on climate?
What is a subtropical high, and what effect do they have on climate?
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What are troughs and ridges, and how do they relate to weather and climate?
What are troughs and ridges, and how do they relate to weather and climate?
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When does the Southeast Asian Monsoon occur, and why?
When does the Southeast Asian Monsoon occur, and why?
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How do sea and land breezes form?
How do sea and land breezes form?
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How do mountain and valley breezes form?
How do mountain and valley breezes form?
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What causes major ocean currents?
What causes major ocean currents?
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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.
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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.
