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Study Diagram Q5 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 5 - 2023
Question 5
Study Diagram Q5. Explain how atmospheric circulation cells and the associated surface winds assist in redistributing energy around the world.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Diagram Q5 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 5 - 2023
Step 1
Explain how atmospheric circulation cells assist in redistributing energy around the world.
Answer
Atmospheric circulation cells play a crucial role in distributing energy across the globe. They are driven by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface, resulting in various pressure zones. These cells, such as Hadley cells, Polar cells, and Ferrel cells, create a pattern of winds that significantly influence climate and weather patterns.
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Hadley Cells: Located between the equator and approximately 30°N/S, these cells aid in moving warm air from the equator towards the poles. At the equator, warm air rises due to intense solar heating, creating low-pressure zones. This air then cools as it ascends and moves towards the higher latitudes, condensing into clouds and precipitation along the way.
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Polar Cells: Found near the poles, these cells contribute by drawing cold air down towards the surface, creating areas of high pressure. The surface winds flow inward towards lower latitudes, contributing to colder weather in polar regions.
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Ferrel Cells: Positioned between the Hadley and Polar cells, they help redistribute warmer air from the tropics towards the poles. The cold air from the poles and warm air from the tropics meet, leading to varied weather systems in this zone.
Through these interactions, atmospheric circulation cells create a dynamic system that maintains the energy balance necessary for sustaining life on Earth.
Step 2
Explain how the associated surface winds assist in redistributing energy around the world.
Answer
The associated surface winds generated by atmospheric circulation cells are essential in the redistribution of energy. These winds are influenced by the Coriolis effect and move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, creating a continuous flow of air.
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Trade Winds: In the tropics, trade winds move from east to west, bringing warm air and moisture to different regions, contributing to tropical climates.
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Westerlies: Between 30° and 60° latitude, westerly winds carry warm air from the subtropics towards the poles, helping to moderate temperatures in these zones.
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Polar Easterlies: Near the poles, cold polar easterlies flow outward, reinforcing the polar climate and maintaining pressure gradients.
Overall, these surface winds not only stabilize climate across different regions but also facilitate the exchange of heat and moisture, essential for weather patterns and global climate stability.