The global atmospheric circulation model

Question 1

explain the global atmospheric circulation model

Answer 1

1. concentrated rays from the sun at the equator means it’s hotter
2. hot air rises- as it rises it gets cooler- air contracts- forces water vapour to condense, forming clouds and rain
3. falling air- warms up- expands- no rain = hot deserts
4. temperate regions- same as equation but less hot
5. polar regions- higher pressure- no rain = cold deserts

Question 2

high pressure means

Answer 2

no space for hot air particles to rise, particles fall and heat up, becomes dry air = deserts

Question 3

low pressure means

Answer 3

space for hot air particles to rise = rain

Question 4

using the circulation model explain the distribution of rainforests (6 marks)

Answer 4

Rainforests are hot and wet. Rainforests are hot because they are on the equator which has the highest concentration of the suns rays. It’s a high concentration as there is lots of energy in a small area, this heats up air particles and makes them less dense. Rainforests are wet as they are found on the equator which is an area of low pressure. Low pressure gives space for the hot air particles to rise, as the hot air rises it cools and contracts which forces the water vapour to condense. This forms clouds that rain a lot.