Atmospheric Circulation and Climate

Abstract

Earth's atmosphere, made up essentially of the gases that surround our planet, consists of circulation patterns that move air from one place to another and from the surface to higher elevations. There are lateral and vertical ways to force air to move and these are explained in this chapter. The Coriolis Effect, as well as its effect on atmospheric circulation, is explained. Trade winds, polar highs, westerlies, easterlies, doldrums, and horse latitudes are explained and illustrated. Air movement over the Western Hemisphere is illustrated. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and Horse Latitudes as well as Hadley, Polar, and Ferrel cells are explained and illustrated. The dangers of increased energy and uncertainty concerning future weather events are discussed. Some extreme weather events occurring during 2011–2012 are enumerated and explained in the context of changing climatic conditions (i.e., the ``new normal'').