Chapter 6: Problem 14

Characterize the belt of subtropical high pressure on Earth: Name the specific cells. Describe the generation of westerlies and trade winds. Discuss sailing conditions.

Short Answer

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The subtropical high-pressure belt includes the Hadley and Ferrel cells. Trade winds, blowing from east to west, form due to high-pressure areas, generated by descending, cool air, part of the Hadley cells near the equator. Westerlies, blowing from west to east, result from the Coriolis effect and temperature and pressure differences between the equator and the poles, forming the Ferrel cells. These winds affect sailing conditions, with trade winds being favorable for east-west routes near the equator, while the westerlies aid in west to east travel in mid-latitudes. However, areas of calm, high pressure like the 'Doldrums' and the 'Horse Latitudes’ can pose challenges for sailing.

Step by step solution

Identifying the high-pressure cells

The high-pressure cells associated with the subtropical high-pressure belt are Hadley cells and Ferrel cells. These cells give rise to various wind patterns around the Earth and are a result of energy exchanges between the equator and the poles, leading to temperature and pressure differences.

Explanation of how westerlies and trade winds form

The Trade Winds are warm, steady winds that blow from east to west near the Earth's equator. They arise due to high-pressure areas formed at around 30 degrees latitude where the hot, rising air of the equator descends, forming the Hadley Cells. The Westerlies, in contrast, blow from west to east in the 30 to 60 degrees latitude. They are generated by the Coriolis effect and the difference in heat between the equator and the poles, forming the Ferrel cells.

Discussing the sailing conditions

The steady nature of trade winds and their direction make them favorable for sailing on east-west routes near the equator. In contrast, the westerlies can provide a helpful push for ships traveling from west to east in the mid-latitudes. However, the less predictable nature of the westerlies can make sailing more challenging in these regions. Moreover, the areas of calm, and high pressure, known as the 'Doldrums' at the equator and 'Horse Latitudes' at around 30 degrees latitude, are traditionally challenging for sailors relying on wind.

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Characterize the belt of subtropical high pressure on Earth: Name the specific cells. Describe the generation of westerlies and trade winds. Discuss sailing conditions.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying the high-pressure cells

Explanation of how westerlies and trade winds form

Discussing the sailing conditions

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