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Examine how circulation patterns in the atmosphere and/or the oceans affect weather and climate at the earth’s surface. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 22 - 2013
Question 22
Examine how circulation patterns in the atmosphere and/or the oceans affect weather and climate at the earth’s surface.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine how circulation patterns in the atmosphere and/or the oceans affect weather and climate at the earth’s surface. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 22 - 2013
Step 1
Identifying Perspective
Answer
To effectively examine the correlation between circulation patterns and their impact on weather and climate, it is essential to first identify the different circulation patterns. Two major areas of focus will be the atmospheric circulation patterns, like the Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, and oceanic circulation patterns, including the global conveyor belt and thermohaline circulation.
Step 2
Discussing Atmospheric Circulation
Answer
Atmospheric circulation patterns play a crucial role in influencing weather and climate. The Hadley cell, for instance, causes warm, moist air to rise near the equator, leading to tropical rainforests, while descending air contributes to arid deserts around 30 degrees latitude. Similarly, the Ferrel and Polar cells help distribute cold air from the poles, affecting temperature and precipitation patterns in mid-latitudes.
Step 3
Discussing Oceanic Circulation
Answer
The oceans significantly impact climate through oceanic circulation patterns. The global conveyor belt, which moves warm, salty water from the tropics towards the poles, moderates temperatures and influences weather systems. For example, the Gulf Stream warms the North Atlantic, resulting in milder winters in Western Europe compared to regions at similar latitudes.