GGR100H1 Chapter 6: GGR100 Chapter 6 (Atmospheric Circulation) Textbook Notes Geosystems Now (PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY)
Document Summary
Circulation of wind is driven by imbalance between equatorial energy surpluses and polar energy deficits. Wind transfers energy and mass, determines weather patterns and the flow of ocean currents. Winds that move north and south and meridional flows. Winds that move east and west are zonal flows: air pressure and its measurement. Air pressure: pressure exerted on all surfaces in contact with air, created by the motion, size, and number of air molecules the factors that determine temperature and density of air. 1643, evangelista torricelli (galileo"s pupil) discovered method for measuring air pressure, using mercury in an inverted glass tube. Concluded that mass of surrounding air exerted pressure on mercury, causing it to rise in the tube. Also concluded that air pressure happened to change with weather. Normal sea-level air pressure is 1013. 2 mb. Aneroid barometers used now require no liquid. Record low air pressure on earth = hurricane gilbert (902 mb).
