Global Atmospheric Circulation

Atmosphere

Blanket of gas that surrounds the Earth.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of an object moving on or near the surface caused by the planet's spin

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells

Either side of the equator is the Hadley cell, with the Ferrell cell next and then the Polar cell at the top and bottom of the planet.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

A belt of low pressure near the equator where trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, causing uplift of warm, moist air and heavy rainfall.

Monsoon

A seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region.

The North Atlantic Drift

A warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows northeast towards Europe, influencing the climate by bringing warm water and air to the region.

Atmospheric Circulation

The movement of air around the planet

Global Circulation Model

A representation of the physical processes of the atmosphere and ocean to simulate response of global climate