Atmospheric circulation Flashcards
1
Q
What is the atmospheric general circulation?
A
Average winds around world at surface and atmospheric heights
2
Q
What does general circulation influence?
A
- unequal heating of earths surface (hotter at equator)
- forces in the atmosphere
3
Q
What is net radiation?
A
Net radiation = incoming shortwave - outgoing long wave
4
Q
What factors affect distribution of radiation?
A
- sun altitude
- day length
5
Q
Why is there more net radiation at the equator rather than the poles?
A
- At poles and there is more snow so. a higher albedo and clouds all year round
- No sunlight in polar winter
- At low latitudes, radiation passes through shorter length of atmosphere (less clouds and particles)
6
Q
What acts on pressure gradient force?
A
Coriolis force
