Ferrel Cell Quiz and Flashcards: Atmospheric Circulation Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of global atmospheric circulation?

To control cloud formation

To create daily weather patterns

To transfer heat from the equator to the poles (correct)

To distribute water across the Earth

Where does the Hadley Cell occur?

Between 0° and 10° north and south of the equator

Between 50° and 60° north and south of the equator

At the north and south poles

Between 30° and 40° north and south of the equator (correct)

What is responsible for creating winds across the planet?

Movement of air within the Polar Cell

Movement of air within the Hadley Cell (correct)

Movement of air within the Ferrel Cell

Movement of air within the equatorial zone

What happens when air rises into the atmosphere in the Hadley Cell?

It leads to condensation and rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Where are tropical rainforests primarily located?

Along the equator Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the long-term patterns influenced by global atmospheric circulation?

Distribution of heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of global atmospheric circulation?

Distributing heat from the equator to the poles Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Ferrel Cell descend to form the Polar Cell?

Around 90° north and south Signup and view all the answers

What is the spatial extent of the Polar Cell?

From 60° to the North Pole and 60° to the South Pole Signup and view all the answers

How does global atmospheric circulation help in creating regional climates?

By distributing heat from the equator to the poles Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the Ferrel Cell between?

The Hadley Cell and the Polar Cell Signup and view all the answers

How does the distribution of continents, oceans, and mountain building impact global atmospheric circulation?

By affecting surface ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of global atmospheric circulation?

Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, and Polar Cell Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in the amount and distribution of heat due to an enhanced greenhouse effect impact the Earth system?

By altering environments around the globe Signup and view all the answers

What is formed by air rising at around 60° north and south and descending at around 90° north and south?

Ferrel Cell and Polar Cell Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Global Atmospheric Circulation

Global atmospheric circulation is the movement of air across the Earth, responsible for transferring heat from the equator to the poles and creating long-term patterns in climate and ecosystems. This process involves the movement of air masses, which bring us daily weather, and the distribution of heat, which affects the water cycle, cloud formation, and precipitation patterns. The Earth's atmosphere is divided into three primary cells or types of atmospheric circulation: the Hadley Cell, the Ferrel Cell, and the Polar Cell.

Hadley Cell

The Hadley Cell is the most prominent feature of global atmospheric circulation. It occurs between 30° and 40° north and south of the equator. The air over the low-pressure zone created at the equator rises and then moves north and south. At 30°, it forms a subtropical high-pressure zone, known as the subtropical ridge. The Hadley Cell is responsible for transporting heat and water towards the poles.

The movement of air within the Hadley Cell creates winds across the planet, as air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Due to high temperatures at the equator, the air rises into the atmosphere, creating low pressure and causing condensation, which leads to rainfall. This is why tropical rainforests are found along the equator. As the air reaches the top of the atmosphere, it cools and descends at around 60° north and south, forming the Ferrel Cell.

Ferrel Cell and Polar Cell

Air rises at around 60° north and south and descends at around 90° north and south, forming the Ferrel and Polar Cells. The Ferrel Cell is located between the Hadley Cell and the Polar Cell, extending from 30° to 60° latitude. The Polar Cell is found at the highest latitudes, extending from 60° to the North Pole and 60° to the South Pole. These cells help distribute heat more evenly across the Earth, particularly because heat is insulated close to the Earth's surface.

Impact of Global Atmospheric Circulation

Global atmospheric circulation has numerous impacts on Earth's climate and ecosystems. It helps distribute heat from the equator to the poles, creating regional climates and ecosystems. The distribution of continents, oceans, and mountain building also affects surface ocean currents, which transport heat across the globe. Changes in the amount and distribution of heat in the Earth system due to an enhanced greenhouse effect can alter environments around the globe.

In summary, global atmospheric circulation is a complex process that plays a crucial role in determining Earth's climate and ecosystems. The Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, and Polar Cell are the primary components of this circulation, which transport heat and affect the distribution of heat, cloud formation, and precipitation patterns across the planet.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the global atmospheric circulation system, its impact on climate and ecosystems, and the primary components: the Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, and Polar Cell. Learn about the movement of air across the Earth, heat distribution, water cycle, and the formation of regional climates and ecosystems.