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Describe and explain the development of patterns of air circulation - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 22 - 2007
Question 22
Describe and explain the development of patterns of air circulation. In your answer you should refer to at least two of the following: - Global wind systems - Land ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe and explain the development of patterns of air circulation - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 22 - 2007
Step 1
Global wind systems
Answer
Global wind systems are primarily driven by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface due to solar radiation. Different regions absorb heat differently, leading to the formation of high and low-pressure areas.
As warm air rises in the equatorial region, it creates a low-pressure zone. Cooler, denser air from surrounding areas moves in to replace it, generating wind. These global wind patterns, such as the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies, are essential for redistributing heat around the planet.
In a simplified model, the Coriolis effect also influences wind direction, causing winds to curve. For instance, in the Northern Hemisphere, winds deflect to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, they deflect to the left.
Step 2
Land and sea breezes
Answer
Land and sea breezes are local winds that occur due to differential heating between land and water. During the day, land heats up faster than the sea, causing the air above the land to rise and create a low-pressure area. The cooler, denser air from the sea moves in to replace this rising air, resulting in a sea breeze.
Conversely, at night, the land cools down more rapidly than the sea, creating a high-pressure area over the land. The warmer air over the sea rises, and the cooler air from the land moves in, resulting in a land breeze. This cycle demonstrates the interaction of heat and pressure in local wind patterns.