Lecture: Global Wind Patterns and Atmospheric Circulation

Key Concepts

Atmospheric Circulation: Refers to the large-scale movement of air, which helps distribute thermal energy (heat) across the surface of the Earth.
Global Wind Patterns: These are created by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface and are influenced by the rotation of the Earth.

Hadley Cell:
- Located between the equator and 30° latitude.
- Warm air rises at the equator, creating low pressure.
- The air cools and sinks at around 30° latitude, creating high pressure.
Ferrel Cell:
- Located between 30° and 60° latitude.
- Air moves poleward and eastward near the surface and equatorward and westward at higher altitudes.
Polar Cell:
- Extends from 60° latitude to the poles.
- Air at the poles is cold and dense, causing it to sink.
- This air flows toward lower latitudes and rises around 60° latitude.

Originate from the subtropical high-pressure belt and blow towards the low-pressure regions at the equator.
East-to-west direction in both hemispheres.

Winds blowing from the west to the east in the mid-latitudes between 30° and 60°.
Plays a crucial role in influencing weather patterns.

Cold, dry prevailing winds that blow from the east to the west between 60° latitude and the poles.

Describes how the rotation of the Earth affects the direction of winds and ocean currents.
Causes moving air and water to turn and twist instead of moving in a straight line.

Area encircling the Earth near the equator where the northeast and southeast trade winds converge.
Characterized by convective activity which often results in thunderstorms and heavy rains.

Understanding wind patterns is crucial for navigation, aviation, and predicting weather.
Influences climate by distributing heat and moisture around the Earth.

These notes provide a summary of key points related to global wind patterns and atmospheric circulation, suitable for study and review.