UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Physical Geography » Notes on Atmospheric Circulation

Notes on Atmospheric Circulation

Atmospheric circulation is the movement of air at different levels of the planet. This article deals with the basics of atmospheric circulation.

Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale circulation of air around the Earth. It is responsible for transporting heat and moisture from the equator to the poles and plays a major role in determining our weather system. In this article, we will discuss atmospheric circulation in detail, including the tricellular model of atmospheric circulation and how it affects our weather. We will also take a look at some of the factors that influence atmospheric circulation, such as temperature, pressure and wind speed. 

Meaning of Atmospheric Circulation

Atmospheric circulation is the flow of air on the large scale along with the ocean circulation that is used to transfer the thermal energy to the planet earth. The atmospheric circulation has a large structure and it depends accordingly on every year, however, the structure remains the same.

Significance of Atmospheric Circulation

Atmospheric circulation is a significant factor in determining the weather conditions of a place. It helps in exchanging heat and moisture between different parts of the atmosphere. It also affects the distribution of precipitation. Atmospheric circulation is caused by a number of different factors, including the temperature and pressure gradient, Coriolis force, and friction.

Three Model Cells for Atmospheric Circulation

Atmospheric circulation consists of three cells in each hemisphere. The Hadley cell, the Polar cell, and the Ferrel cell. Each circulation cell completes one full circuit around the Earth per year.

Hadley Cell: The Hadley cell is the large-scale atmospheric circulation that features air rising near the equator, flowing poleward at a high altitude, descending in the subtropics, and then flowing equatorward near the surface.

Ferrel Cell: The Ferrel cell is a mid-latitude atmospheric circulation that features air rising in the subtropics, flowing poleward at a high altitude, and descending in the mid-latitudes.

Polar Cell: The Polar cell is a low-latitude atmospheric circulation that features air rising near the poles, flowing poleward at a high altitude, and descending in the subpolar regions.

The three cells of atmospheric circulation are interconnected. The Hadley cell transports warm air and moisture from the equator to the mid-latitudes, where it helps to form precipitation. The Ferrel cell transports cold air from the mid-latitudes to the poles, where it helps to form sea ice. The Polar cell transports warm air from the poles to the mid-latitudes, where it helps to form precipitation.

Atmospheric Circulation and Weather System

Atmospheric circulation and weather systems are the key factor in the global climate. It helps to distribute heat and moisture around the planet and affects the formation of precipitation. The atmospheric circulation can be divided into three main cells: the Hadley cell, the Ferrel cell, and the Polar cell.

The Hadley cell is the largest and most dominant of the three cells. It extends from the equator to about 30° latitude in both hemispheres. The Hadley cell is characterized by rising air near the equator and sinking air at about 30° latitude. This cell is responsible for the global pattern of tropical trade winds.

The Ferrel cell is a smaller cell that exists between the Hadley cell and the Polar cell. It extends from 30° to 60° latitude in both hemispheres. The Ferrel cell is characterized by rising air near the 30° latitude and sinking air near the 60° latitude. This cell is responsible for the global pattern of westerly winds.

The Polar cell is the smallest and weakest of the three cells. It extends from 60° to 90° latitude in both hemispheres. The Polar cell is characterized by rising air near the 60° latitude and sinking air near the 90° latitude. This cell is responsible for the global pattern of easterly winds.

The atmospheric circulation plays a vital role in the global climate and weather system. It helps to distribute heat and moisture around the planet and affects the formation of precipitation. A better understanding of atmospheric circulation can help us to better predict and prepare for weather-related events.

Tricellular Model of Atmospheric Circulation

The tricellular model of atmospheric circulation is a model that was developed to explain the distribution of Atmospheric pressure and winds over the Earth. It is based on the fact that there are three cells in the atmosphere, each cell representing a different region of the atmospheric pressure. The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is the boundary between the Ferrel cell and the Hadley cell. The Tricellular model is important to understand because it helps to explain the Atmospheric circulation and weather system.

Conclusion

Overall, atmospheric circulation is a critical component of the Earth’s climate and weather system. Without it, we would not have the weather patterns we experience today. The tricellular model of atmospheric circulation is the most widely accepted model that explains how atmospheric circulation works. Atmospheric circulation is responsible for the transfer of heat and energy around the globe, which ultimately affects our weather patterns.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What is atmospheric circulation?

Ans. Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air through the troposphere and is driven by differentia...Read full

What are the main features of atmospheric circulation?

Ans. The main features of atmospheric circulation are the Hadley cell, the Polar cell, and the Ferrel cell. These ce...Read full

How does atmospheric circulation affect weather?

Ans. Atmospheric circulation is a major factor in determining the weather conditions experienced in different parts ...Read full