Earth Systems PDF

The albedo effect refers to the process by which surfaces reflect sunlight back into space. It plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system by influencing how much solar energy is absorbed by the planet versus how much is reflected back into space. ...

The albedo effect refers to the process by which surfaces reflect sunlight back into space. It plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system by influencing how much solar energy is absorbed by the planet versus how much is reflected back into space.  Atmospheric circulation refers to the large-scale movement of air through the Earth's atmosphere. This circulation is driven by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the Sun, which creates differences in temperature and pressure across the globe. These differences lead to the movement of air masses, which in turn influence weather patterns, climate, and the distribution of heat and moisture around the planet. Key Components of Atmospheric Circulation: The Three-Cell Model: Atmospheric circulation can be broadly understood through the three-cell model, which Polar Cell: Extending from Jet Streams: These are fast-flowing air currents found at the divides each hemisphere into three circulation cells: 60° latitude to the poles. Cold, boundaries between different circulation cells, particularly dense air sinks at the poles near the tropopause (the boundary between the troposphere and flows towards the and stratosphere). The most prominent jet streams are the Hadley Cell: Located between the equator and about 30° equator at the surface, polar jet stream and the subtropical jet stream, which creating polar easterlies. influence weather patterns and the development of storm latitude. Warm air rises at the equator, causing low Coriolis Effect: The rotation systems. pressure, and moves towards the poles. As it cools and of the Earth causes moving Monsoons: Monsoons are seasonal wind patterns that result air masses to be deflected to from the differential heating of land and sea. For example, the sinks at around 30° latitude, it creates high pressure, the right in the Northern South Asian monsoon is driven by the heating of the Indian driving trade winds towards the equator. Hemisphere and to the left in subcontinent, which creates a low-pressure area that draws in the Southern Hemisphere. moist air from the Indian Ocean, leading to heavy rains. Ferrel Cell: Between 30° and 60° latitude. This cell is driven This effect influences wind Trade Winds and Westerlies: Trade winds blow from east to by the Hadley and Polar cells. Air flows poleward at the direction and the formation west in the tropics, while westerlies blow from west to east in of major wind patterns, such the mid-latitudes. These winds are critical in driving ocean surface and equatorward at higher altitudes, creating as the trade winds, westerlies, currents and distributing heat around the planet. westerlies in this region. and polar easterlies.