Global Atmospheric Circulation and Climate Patterns

Because the equator receives more direct sunlight due to the angle of the sun's rays

Because the equator is closer to the sun

Because the poles have more clouds

Because the equator has less atmosphere

Hot air rises at the equator, rains, and sinks dry at 30°

Cold, dense air sinks at the poles, weak easterlies

Weaker, pushed by Hadley & Polar cells

Air circulates only at the poles

Trade Winds

Westerlies

Polar Easterlies

Monsoon Winds

People think deserts form at the equator because it is hot, but the equator is actually a wet rainforest.

People think deserts form at the equator because of sinking cold air.

People think deserts form at the equator due to high albedo.

People think deserts form at the equator because of the Coriolis effect.

It is weaker than the Hadley Cell

It is influenced by neighboring cells

It is responsible for the Trade Winds

It is found between 30° and 60° latitude