ERTH 20 Lecture 18: Erth 20 Notes 18
13 Oct 2020
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More total solar energy arrives in the tropics than at the poles basis for broad difference in temp observed between low and high latitudes. Circulation patterns in atmos. and in the oceans shift some of the warmth of low. Both the atmosphere and oceans act as enormous thermal engines, with their lats toward the high lats. latitudinal imbalance of energy driving the currents of air and water, which in turn transfer energy and somewhat modify the imbalance. Most important of two mechanisms of global energy transfer is: general circulation of atmosphere. 75-80% of all horizontal energy transfer is accomplished by atmospheric circulation. Current: wind can also propel the surface of the water to move forward in the form of a current. Surface ocean currents can flow at about 1-2% of wind speed. A close relationship exists between the general circulation patterns of the atmos and oceans.
