Explain The Global Patterns Of Air Circulation

Global patterns of atmospheric heating and circulation:

Atmospheric circulation is large movements of air, and together with the flow from oceans means the thermal energy is redistributed on the surface of the Earth. These are based on the three-cell model; these three cells are between the earth's poles and the equator that regulates the process. The air that blankets the Earth isn't stagnant it's constantly circulating driven by rising and sinking air masses and by Earth's rotation on its axis. Warm air rises because it's less dense than cooler air above it. Air heated at the central region increases on the top of the troposphere creating low pressure down at the surface. Known as the Coriolis effect named after the 19th-century mathematician

With the variations in temperatures, lower temperatures have less moisture content. The fewer water droplets in the clouds, less likely it will rain. Warm air near the tropics have more heated air, since air rises. The hot air will have to interact with cooler air to force the cooler air to condensate rapidly.

Use what you know about atmospheric circulation and seasonal changes in the sun’s orientation to earth to explain the highly seasonal rainfall in the tropical dry forest and tropical savanna biomes: The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone receives more precipitation due to it's proximity to tropical forests that are humid and is also where biomes of the savanna are located. Sunlight near the Equator creates a focal point near the ITCZ. Sunlight causes air to rise, which causes a drop in atmospheric pressure, causing air to rise creating low pressure. The low-pressure air becomes cooler and condenses into clouds creating which creates water molecules. Condensating clouds that are moisture latent and buoyant bring high amounts of precipitation.

APA Sources:

Pedia, W. (2013, April 7). Atmospheric Circulation. Retrieved January 1, 2015, from