BIOL 122 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Coriolis Force, Thunderstorm, Wind Direction
Document Summary
Hadley cells and polar cells (hadley cells that occur between 90 and 60 degrees n latitudes) are important drivers of wind direction. Wind direction is also altered by earth"s rotation. Circumference of earth is much larger at the equator relative to the poles. The speed of earth"s rotation changes with latitude and affects the prevailing wind. The speed of rotation is faster at the equator direction= coriolis effect. Ocean currents and their effect on climate. Ocean currents also unequally distribute the heating of earth"s water. Upwelling: an upward movement of ocean water. Every 3-7 years the series of events changes. In an el nino year there is potential for unusual weather patterns. El nino= the baby =christmas (oct. mar. ) Smaller scale geographic features and their effect on climate. Oceans and lakes cover 61% of the n hemisphere and 82% of the s. Temperatures in n vary more than in s because high specific heat of water.
