OCS 1005 Chapter : Atmospheric Circulation
15 Mar 2019
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Inertial reference frame/inertial reference coordinates: rotating reference frame/rotating reference coordinates. Eventually, wind blows normal to the direction of pressure gradient. Its temperature rises as heat is added: ascending air cools as it expands; water vapor condenses into tiny droplets clouds; then. It rises and causes low pressure at the earth"s surface possible rains: when air is cooled: Its temperature drops as heat is taken away: descending air warms as it compresses; the droplets (clouds) evaporate; fair weather. Cooler air can hold less water vapor (saturation water vapor pressure is lower), so water vapor condenses into tiny droplets clouds. The air then flows north or south, cooling as it moves towards the poles. Cold air sinks near the poles and flows along earth"s surface, warming as it goes. This circulation forms a convection cell in the northern and southern hemispheres: coriolis effect creates easterly and westerly winds.
