GEOG 102 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Sea Surface Temperature, Diurnal Temperature Variation, Walker Circulation
Document Summary
The walker circulation, southern oscillation, and el nino. The walker circulation: easterly trade winds which move water and air warmed by the sun towards the west. Ascent of air in western pacific (region of indonesia) Descent of air in eastern pacific (coast of south america) Controlled by sea surface temperature variations in eastern and western pacific. Sea surface temperatures change, heat content from ocean transfers into the atmosphere (in the form of atmospheric pressure changes), then changes in the distribution of pressure across the pacific basin occur. Where air descends (south america): less cloud cover and greater pressure (cold air) Descends because of instability in the flow (cold air sinks) Trade winds pull warm water across the pacific water is replaced with colder water below (upwelling) cooler currents and land on coast of. Southern oscillation: east to west pressure variations across equatorial pacific.
