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EST
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The atmosphere:
atmospheric circulation
30
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Definitions
Atmospheric circulation is the global-scale movement of the layer of air surrounding the
Earth.
EST
Prevailing winds are major atmospheric currents that blow in a given direction according to
global patterns of movement.
An air mass is a large expanse of the atmosphere with relatively uniform temperature and
humidity.
A cyclone is a tropical storm characterized by violent winds revolving around an area of low
pressure.
EST
Atmospheric circulation cells
Cell
Hadley cell
Location
Between the
equator and the
30th parallel
Movement of air
the equator
• Air over
atmosphere.
, rises into the
cools
• It gradually
toward the 30th parallel.
as it travels
• It runs into winds from the Ferrel cell, descends
and returns to
Ferrel cell
Between the
30th and 60th
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parallels
the equator.
• Part of the air approaching the 30th parallel
the poles.
surges toward
• Near the 60th parallel, this air collides with winds
the Polar cell.
from
• The air rises and returns toward
Polar cell
Between the
60th parallel
and a pole
the 30th parallel.
• The temperature of the air drops to
minimum
the poles.
its
over
• The air sinks to the Earth and then turns toward
the 60th parallel
, where it collides with the Ferrel cell.
• The air is forced to rise and return to
the poles.
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Concept reviews
CONCEPT REVIEW 30
The atmosphere: atmospheric circulation
Name:
EST
Group:
Prevailing winds
Winds
EST
Date:
Location
Direction in the Northern Hemisphere
Polar easterlies
Between a pole and the 60th parallel
From northeast to southwest
Westerlies
Between the 60th and 30th parallels
From southeast to northeast
Trade winds
Between the 30th parallel and the equator
From northeast to southeast
Jet streams
• Name : Subtropical jet stream
Speed : Up to 400 km / h in winter
Location : Around the 30th parallel at an altitude of 11 000 to 14 000 m
• Name : Polar jet stream
Speed : Up to 300 km / h in winter
Location : Around the 60th parallel at an altitude of 9000 to 10 000 m
Characteristics of fronts
Name
Cold front
Formation
Movement of air
When a mass of
The warm air rises rapidly
above the cold air.
cold air meets a
mass of warm air.
Warm front
When a mass of
The warm air rises
warm air meets a
gently above the
mass of cold air.
cold air.
Meteorological conditions
• Formation of puffy
clouds (cumulus)
• Probability of wind
and heavy rain
• Formation of light
clouds (nimbostratus)
• Probability of cloudy
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weather and showers
Anticyclones and depressions
Name
Anticyclone
Depression
Formation
Surrounds a
high-pressure
centre.
Surrounds a
low-pressure
centre.
Movement of air
• Clockwise rotation in the
Northern Hemisphere
Meteorological conditions
Clear sky and stable
weather :
• Counterclockwise rotation
• Dry and sunny in summer
in the Southern Hemisphere
• Cold in winter
• Counterclockwise rotation
• Cloud formation
in the Northern Hemisphere
• Precipitation
• Clockwise rotation in the
Southern Hemisphere
Observatory / Guide
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Concept reviews
CONCEPT REVIEW 30
The atmosphere: atmospheric circulation