Global Patterns Of Atmospheric Heating And Circulation Analysis

Ecology
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Ecology
Describe global patterns of atmospheric heating and circulation.
It is essential that first an explanation or description of what global patterns of atmospheric heating and circulation is provided. The global patterns of atmospheric heating and circulation can best be described as the circulation of air mainly due to the effect of unequal heating of the earth’s surface as well as the varying patterns of precipitation. The normal global circulation of the atmosphere does leave a trail of events which include the shifting of warm air from the low latitude areas to the high latitude areas and the shifting of cold air from the high latitudes to the low latitudes. The different weather patterns, as well as the presence of deserts, jet streams, etc., are all because of the global patterns of atmospheric heating and circulation CITATION Glo18 \l 1033 (Global Circulation Patterns, 2018).
One important thing to note is that the global patterns of atmospheric heating and circulation are all based on the three-cell model. Each hemisphere is made up of three cells, which include the Hadley cell, Ferrel cell, and the Polar cell. The Hadley cells are the largest and these operate from the equator to 30 degrees. It is within these Hadley cells that the trade winds blow. These winds begin when warm air at the equator rises in low pressure and towards the high latitudes. Once at the high latitudes, it sinks and produces high-pressure regions in the hot deserts and the subtropical oceans.
The Ferrel cells are the middle cells and were proposed by William Ferrel. These cells, unlike the Hadley cells, operate from 30 degrees all the way to 60 degrees. These cells are quite complicated and never seem to behave or operate like the other two. Within these cells, warm air rises near the polar cell at higher latitudes and cools as it moves towards the lower latitude areas. It continues its descent at high pressure in the lower latitudes.
The Polar cells can be described as the three-dimensional atmospheric circulation cells which are located approximately between 60 and 90 degrees. It is essential to note that the Polar cells are responsible or accountable for the polar easterly winds. Once warm air rises in the lower latitudes and moves to the higher latitudes, it is cooled and therefore, descends because of the high pressure.
What mechanisms produce high precipitation in the tropics?
High precipitation in the tropics is produced by Convection, Convergence, and Adiabatic cooling. In the tropics, it is typically warm and warm air will always rise. This warm air is later cooled through the adiabatic effect and when the air reaches the dew point, condensation happens which then leads to precipitation.
What mechanisms produce high precipitation at temperate latitudes?
Several mechanisms produce high precipitation at temperate latitudes. They include cold fronts, warm fronts, stationary fronts as well as low-pressure systems. Convergence of cold polar air and the moist subtropical air forces or leads to condensation. Aside from the above, radiation ...