Describe the pattern of global atmospheric circulation. Why don't convective cells extend from the equator to the pole?

To understand the pattern of global atmospheric circulation, we will describe the three-cell model, which consists of the Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, and Polar Cell. 1. Hadley Cell: A tropical atmospheric circulation cell located between the equator and around 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. The warm air at the equator rises (due to lower density) and moves poleward at high altitudes. As it reaches around 30 degrees latitude, the air cools down and descends back to the surface. Here, the air is pushed back towards the equator along the surface, resulting in the trade winds. 2. Ferrel Cell: A mid-latitude atmospheric circulation cell located between 30 and 60 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. The surface winds in this cell are primarily driven by the sinking air from the Hadley Cell and rising air from the Polar Cell. This results in westerly winds at the surface. 3. Polar Cell: A high-latitude atmospheric circulation cell located between 60 degrees latitude and the poles in both hemispheres. The cold air at the poles sinks (due to higher density) and moves equatorward along the surface. At around 60 degrees latitude, the air is pushed upwards by the warmer air from the Ferrel Cell, resulting in the polar easterlies at the surface.

The Coriolis effect is an important factor that influences the global atmospheric circulation. As the Earth rotates, moving air masses are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection causes air masses to curve, which contributes to the formation of the three-cell model and the circulation patterns in each cell.

Convective cells do not extend from the equator to the poles due to several factors: 1. The Coriolis effect: As mentioned earlier, the Coriolis effect causes air masses to curve as they move from the equator to the poles. This deflection breaks up the circulation pattern and forms the three distinct cells we observe. 2. Differences in solar energy: The distribution of solar energy is uneven across the Earth, as the equator receives more direct sunlight than the poles. This results in a temperature and pressure gradient from the equator to the poles, driving the formation of distinct circulation cells. 3. Landmass distribution: The continents and ocean basins interrupt and alter atmospheric circulation patterns, causing the three-cell model to be more complex and variable in reality. In summary, convective cells do not extend from the equator to the poles because of Earth's rotation, as well as differences in solar energy and the interference of landmasses. These factors lead to the formation of the three-cell model of atmospheric circulation, consisting of the Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells.