lecture recording on 28 January 2025 at 17.45.29 PM

Introduction

• Importance of finance and its relationship with climate and weather.

• Impact of climate-related issues varies among individuals.

• UCR resources for mental health and emotional support.

Atmospheric Circulation Learning Outcomes

• Understand differential heating and Earth's shape.

• Know how and why air moves vertically or horizontally.

• Identify major climate zones and rainfall distribution.

• Understand the Coriolis effect's impact on circulation.

Differential Heating

• The sun as the main source of radiation.

• Direct impact around the equator leads to more effective heating.

• Oblique heating towards the poles results in differential heating.

• Energy Flux: Energy per unit area (e.g., m²).

• Air movement is driven by unequal heating and Earth's rotation.

Air Pressure and Movement

• Vertical Air Movement: Driven by density; warm air rises due to lower density.

  • Example: Hot air balloons heat air to rise.

• Density Understanding: Defined as mass per volume (mass/volume).

• Warm air is less dense, causing it to rise.

Horizontal Air Movement

• Caused by pressure differences in the atmosphere.

• Air moves from high-density (cool) to low-density (warm) regions.

• Pressure Gradient: The force pushing air from high to low pressure.

Convection Cells

• Warm, moist air rises near the equator, leading to low pressure.

• Cooler, denser air descends at higher latitudes, creating high pressure.

• Important for climate, precipitation, and temperature regulation.

Coriolis Effect

• Earth's rotation impacts air movement direction.

• Faster movement at the equator vs. slower at poles.

• Deflection of air movement: Moving north from equator = deflects east.

• Explanation of different air masses moving relative to the ground beneath them.

Atmospheric Circulation Patterns

• Convection cells exist between different latitudes (e.g., Hadley cells).

• Air masses converge or diverge: warm, moist air rises; cool, dry air falls.

• Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): Affects rainfall, marked by warm, rising air.

Precipitation and Climate Zones

• Precipitation occurs where warm air rises and cools, forming clouds.

• Orographic Effect: Rain shadow effect created by mountains, leading to varied precipitation levels.

• Areas of high precipitation: Near ITCZ, polar fronts; low precipitation in descending air zones.

Variability in Climate Patterns

• Geographic features (mountains, oceans) influence local climates.

• Examples: East Coast of the U.S. moisture due to ocean currents.

• Consistency of weather patterns related to latitude and pressure systems.

Bonus: Jupiter's Atmospheric Circulation

• Complex dynamics due to size and atmospheric conditions.

• Further exploration of exoplanetary atmospheric dynamics recommended.

Conclusion

• Awareness of atmospheric circulation and its implications on climate.

• Next steps: Access lab for practical learning.