atmospheric cells

Term 1: Atmospheric Cells
Definition 1: The Earth’s atmosphere is divided into three main cells in each hemisphere, forming a pattern known as the Global Atmospheric Circulation Model.
Term 2: Hadley Cell
Definition 2: Found 0°–30° latitude (Equator to Tropics). Warm air rises at the equator, causing low pressure and heavy rain. Air then cools and sinks at 30°, creating high pressure and dry conditions. Surface winds blow from 30° back to the Equator — these are called trade winds.
Term 3: Ferrel Cell
Definition 3: Found 30°–60° latitude (Temperate zones). Air movement is more complex — air is pulled towards the poles and rises again around 60°, creating low pressure. Surface winds here are called westerlies (blow from west to east).
Term 4: Polar Cell
Definition 4: Found 60°–90° latitude (Polar regions). Cold, dense air sinks at the poles, creating high pressure. This air flows towards 60°, where it meets warmer air, rises, and causes low pressure.
Term 5: Why Atmospheric Cells Matter
Definition 5: Creates high and low pressure belts around the world and explains global climate zones and helps us understand weather patterns, storm formation, and wind direction.