Which phenomenon describes the large circuit of air driven by uneven solar heating and the Coriolis effect, with three circulation cells forming in each hemisphere?

Study for the IB Marine Science Standard Level Exam. Prepare with interactive quizzes and in-depth explanations. Use our resources to excel in your marine science knowledge!

Multiple Choice

Which phenomenon describes the large circuit of air driven by uneven solar heating and the Coriolis effect, with three circulation cells forming in each hemisphere?

Explanation:
Global atmospheric circulation is driven by uneven solar heating and the Coriolis effect, which organizes airflow into three large cells in each hemisphere: a Hadley cell near the equator, a Ferrel cell in the mid-latitudes, and a Polar cell toward the poles. This combination of heating differences and rotational deflection creates the broad, persistent circulation pattern that defines the winds and climate zones around the world. The other options refer to specific features or regional patterns (seasonal winds, a high-altitude jet of fast winds, or surface trade winds) that are part of the broader circulation but do not describe the entire three-cell system.

Global atmospheric circulation is driven by uneven solar heating and the Coriolis effect, which organizes airflow into three large cells in each hemisphere: a Hadley cell near the equator, a Ferrel cell in the mid-latitudes, and a Polar cell toward the poles. This combination of heating differences and rotational deflection creates the broad, persistent circulation pattern that defines the winds and climate zones around the world. The other options refer to specific features or regional patterns (seasonal winds, a high-altitude jet of fast winds, or surface trade winds) that are part of the broader circulation but do not describe the entire three-cell system.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy