9. ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION AND WEATHER SYSTEMS
The journey of atmospheric circulation and weather systems is driven by temperature differences causing atmospheric pressure variations, which lead to wind movement. This chapter elaborates on the principles of atmospheric pressure, horizontal and vertical distribution patterns, various wind forces, air masses, fronts, and the resulting weather phenomena such as cyclones. Furthermore, it explains the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean currents, and explores local wind systems, including seasonal effects like the monsoons.
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What we have learnt
- Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by weight of air and decreases with altitude.
- Wind is generated by the movement of air from high pressure to low pressure areas, influenced by the Coriolis effect, friction, and pressure gradients.
- Tropical cyclones and extra-tropical cyclones differ significantly in formation, structure, and impact.
- Local winds such as land-sea breezes and valley winds are influenced by uneven heating of the Earth's surface.
Key Concepts
- -- Atmospheric Pressure
- The weight of air above a certain area, expressed in millibars, and influencing weather patterns.
- -- Coriolis Force
- An effect caused by Earth's rotation that deflects wind direction to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
- -- Air Mass
- A large body of air that possesses uniform temperature and humidity characteristics, forming over specific source regions.
- -- Front
- The boundary between two different air masses, categorized as cold, warm, stationary, or occluded fronts.
- -- Tropical Cyclone
- A severe weather system characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, forming over warm ocean waters in tropical regions.
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