atmosphere 2

explain differential latitudinal heating

lower latitudes receive more solar eng than others because the sun’s rays are more concentrated at this area and are less filtered by the atmosphere.

how does friction play a part in wind speeds friction

surface winds can be slowed by rugged or elevated terrain. 

what is a primary driver of global wind and ocean currents

the energy imbalance caused by the higher lats receiving more rad than is lost, and the opposite for the lower lats.

PGF pressure gradient force

the result of pressure change/difference over a horizontal distance. 

coriolis effect

The product of Earth’s centrifugal force, which causes objects not attached to Earth to move in a curved path. e.g. hurricanes. Hurricanes in the N hemisphere turn counterclockwise and in the Southern Hemisphere the opposite.

describe the hadley cell 

the theory that warm aie from the eqautor (low P) moved at elevation towards the poles and cools in the process. then, the cool air sinks (high P) and moves back towards eqauator, cooling in the process.

teh three cell model

due to the coriolis effect, air movinf from theh eqautor cant get to the poles, the 3 cell model involves dividing the circulation into three cells. hadley, ferrel and polar.

3 cell model; Hadley cell

og hadley idea is applicable to 30N and 30S. low P at eqautor from rising hot air, air in Nhemi flows towards the N pole and is deflected easterly. by 30N the previously rising hot air is cooling anf beginning to sink, parts traveling N and others to teh eq. teh latter is deflected west producing NE trade winds at surface. and reverse. this process occurs in N and S hemi. closest to the eq. model is imperfect.

3 cell model; Ferrel cell

surface winds are moving poleward, Coriolis is greater since further from eq. air clashes with air from polar cell which creates the circulation. occurs between 30 and 60N

3 cell model; polar cell

air rises and continues poleward, air cools intensely at poles, becomes denser and sinks which results in a high P system and the polar easterlies (in N hemi). these move back towards eq.

(ICTZ) intertropical convergence zone

the meeting of the trade winds at the eq, forces warm, moist air upwards, which forms a low P zone (the equatorial low). large influence of tropical weather and monsoon patterns.

the doldrums

a mostly windless area very close to the eq that influences many tropical weather patterns  

subtropical highs

20 to 35^o, warm and dry weather, high pressure, brings dry conditions.

subpolar low

50 to 60^o result of the clash of the polar easterlies and westerlies that cassues low pressure convergent zone.

true model of presuure systems 

Subpolar low is only consistent in S hemisphere, there are semi-permanent cells in N hemi, sub tropical highs are maintained through seasons 

jet streams

high alt (upper troposhere) narrow bands of high speed winds

polar jet stream

formed were the polar easts meet the warmer wests, this causes jet streams to speed up, but the streams speed changes with seasons, N hemi, (60km/h)

roatation

the day and night cycle that takes 24hrs

revolution

the year long elliptical orbit (365 days)

how do seasons on earth occur

the tilt of the Earth relative to the sun changes therefore changing the amount of solar rad that the planet gets.

summer solstice 

the longest day of the year at which the sun is at its lowest angle, arctic circle has 24 hours of daylight at this time, june 21st 

winter solstice

The shortest day of the year at which the sun is at its highest angle, Arctic Circle in complete darkness for 24 hours

what occurs during an equinox

the sun is hitting vertically at the equator, which results in equal day and night (12-12)

factors that aid in global temp distribution

differentisl heating of land and water, alt, geographic position, cloud cover and albedo, ocean currents.

how does differential heating of land and water effect global temp distribution

land heats and cools quicker  and to a highter T than water, water can mix and distribute heat quickly, the energy used by water for evap is not available for heating.