Photo AI
Question 24
Describe and account for the development of patterns of circulation in either the atmosphere or the oceans.
Step 1
Answer
Patterns of circulation in the atmosphere are primarily driven by the unequal heating of the Earth's surface due to the sun's radiation. This process creates temperature differences, particularly between the equator and the poles, leading to the formation of convection cells.
The development of convection cells, such as the Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, plays a significant role in atmospheric circulation. Warm air rises at the equator, creating low pressure, while cooler air descends at higher latitudes, resulting in high-pressure regions.
Additionally, the Coriolis effect influences wind patterns due to the Earth's rotation. This deflection causes winds to curve, leading to the trade winds in the tropics and westerlies in mid-latitudes.
Land and water distribution also impacts atmospheric circulation. For example, large bodies of water can moderate temperatures, while land heats up and cools down more quickly, resulting in varying pressure systems and localized wind patterns like sea breezes.
Finally, the development of storm systems, such as cyclones and anticyclones, further illustrates circulation patterns. These systems are influenced by the interaction between warm and cool air masses, contributing to weather variability around the globe.
Report Improved Results
Recommend to friends
Students Supported
Questions answered
Aerial Photos
Geography - Leaving Cert
Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - Developing Economies
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - Energy
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - European Union
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - Multinationals & Globalisation
Geography - Leaving Cert
ELECTIVE - Economic
Geography - Leaving Cert
ELECTIVE - Human
Geography - Leaving Cert
Glaciation
Geography - Leaving Cert
HUMAN - Urban Geography
Geography - Leaving Cert
Karst Regions
Geography - Leaving Cert
OPTION - Atmosphere & Ocean
Geography - Leaving Cert
OPTION - Culture & Identity
Geography - Leaving Cert
OPTION - Geoecology
Geography - Leaving Cert
OPTION - Global Interdependence
Geography - Leaving Cert
Tectonic Plates
Geography - Leaving Cert
REGIONS - Continental
Geography - Leaving Cert
Rivers
Geography - Leaving Cert
Tables/Graphs Questions
Geography - Leaving Cert
The Sea
Geography - Leaving Cert
Urban Land Uses
Geography - Leaving Cert
Weather & Climate
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - Environmental Impact
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - Developing Countries
Geography - Leaving Cert
ECONOMIC - Ireland & EU
Geography - Leaving Cert
Elective - Human
Geography - Leaving Cert
Graph/Table Questions
Geography - Leaving Cert