Global Wind Patterns (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define global atmospheric circulation.
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Define global atmospheric circulation.
Global atmospheric circulation is the worldwide system of winds that moves solar heat energy from the equator to the poles to balance temperatures.
In which direction does air move to generate wind?
Air always moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure, generating wind.
Why is insolation greater at the equator than at the poles?
Insolation is greater at the equator because of Earth's curvature and the angle of Earth's tilt.
The irregular heating of Earth's surface creates pressure , in which hot air rises and cooler air sinks by convection.
The irregular heating of Earth's surface creates pressure cells, in which hot air rises and cooler air sinks by convection.
True or False?
Cool air can hold more water vapor than warm air.
False.
Warm air can hold more water vapor than cool air, because the capacity of air to hold water vapor depends on its temperature.
Why are tropical rainforests concentrated near the equator?
Warm, moist air rises and cools at the equator, so its water vapor condenses into clouds and heavy rainfall.
Define Hadley cell.
The Hadley cell is the largest atmospheric circulation cell, extending from the equator to about 30°N and 30°S.
Why do the world's major deserts cluster around 30°N and 30°S?
At 30°N and 30°S, descending air warms, regaining water-vapor capacity, so the air dries out.
What are the three atmospheric circulation cells in each hemisphere?
Each hemisphere has a Hadley cell, a Ferrel cell, and a Polar cell, which together make up the tricellular model.
The surface winds of the Hadley cell are called the winds.
The surface winds of the Hadley cell are called the trade winds.
In which direction do the trade winds blow in the Northern Hemisphere?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the trade winds blow as NE trade winds; in the Southern Hemisphere, they blow as SE trade winds.
Define Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is where the trade winds converge at the equator, and warm rising air produces heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
What are the horse latitudes?
The horse latitudes are the descending branch of the Hadley cell, around 30°N and 30°S.
True or False?
The Polar cell is the strongest of the three atmospheric circulation cells.
False.
The Polar cell is the smallest and weakest cell, lying between about 60° and the poles.
Between which latitudes does the Ferrel cell lie?
The Ferrel cell lies between roughly 30° and 60° north and south.
Define Coriolis effect.
The Coriolis effect is the appearance that global winds and ocean currents curve as they move, due to Earth's rotation on its axis.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect curves winds to the .
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect curves winds to the right.
Where do the westerlies blow from and to?
The westerlies blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts to the mid-latitude low-pressure areas, deflected by the Coriolis effect.
What combination of factors produces the global wind belts?
Global wind belts are produced by the combination of pressure cells, the Coriolis effect, and the three circulation cells.
How does air move within an atmospheric circulation cell?
Air moves in a roughly circular path within a cell, transferring surplus heat from equatorial regions to other parts of Earth.
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