GAC

    Cards (13)

    • What happens to air at the equator as it warms?
      It becomes less dense and rises
    • What is insolation?
      How the sun’s rays hit the earth
    • Why is the equator hotter than the poles?
      Because the sun's rays are more concentrated at the equator
    • What are the steps of the global atmospheric circulation (GAC)?
      1. Air rises at the equator forming the Hadley cell.
      2. Air sinks at 30° North, creating deserts.
      3. Air sinks at the poles forming the Polar cell.
      4. Air rises at 60° North, leading to temperate grasslands.
      5. Air sinks again at 30° North, forming the Ferrel cell.
    • What characterizes the air at the poles?
      High pressure and cold temperatures
    • What do the global atmospheric circulation loops carry?
      Warm rising air and cool sinking air
    • What type of weather is associated with low pressure belts?
      Unstable weather with precipitation
    • What type of weather is associated with high pressure belts?
      Stable conditions with little clouds and precipitation
    • What causes the Coriolis Effect?
      The earth's tilt on its axis
    • What is the primary cause of winds in the atmosphere?
      Differences in pressure between high- and low-pressure belts
    • What creates a pressure gradient in the atmosphere?
      The difference in pressure between rising and sinking air
    • What is the effect of a greater pressure gradient on winds?
      The winds become stronger
    • Where is the UK located in relation to the global atmospheric circulation cells?
      In the Ferrel cell
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