180 likes | 294 Views
Global Circulation and World Climates. Weather vs. Climate Climate Controls Idealized Global Circulation Model Seasonal Variations Global Climates For Next Class : Read Chapter 2 (pp. 56-61 ). Questions. What is the difference between weather and climate?
E N D
Global Circulation and World Climates • Weather vs. Climate • Climate Controls • Idealized Global Circulation Model • Seasonal Variations • Global Climates For Next Class: Read Chapter 2 (pp. 56-61)
Questions What is the difference between weather and climate? What are the major influences (or controls) on climate?
Climate Controls • Solar Energy • Latitude • Land and water contrasts • Maritime effect (proximity to major water bodies) • Continentality • Global wind and pressure systems • Idealized Global Circulation Model • Elevation*
General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean is driven by latitudinal heating imbalances (i.e. surplus in tropics and deficit in polar regions)
Idealized Global Circulation Model • ITCZ – Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone • STHP – Sub-Tropical High Pressure • Coriolis Effect – Caused by rotation of the Earth • Rightward deflection in Northern Hemisphere • Leftward deflection in Southern Hemisphere • SPLP – Sub-Polar Low Pressure • PHP – Polar High Pressure
Idealized Global Circulation Model • Land and water contrasts • Maritime effect (proximity to major water bodies) • Continentality • Elevation • Latitude (solar energy) • Global wind and pressure systems (Idealized Global Circulation Model)
Global Pressure Systems and Wind Patterns Figure 2.12
General Circulation Figure 5-14
Rossby Waves and Sub-Polar Low Pressure • Exact latitudinal position of the SPLP is highly variable and depends on the upper-level Polar Front Jet Stream.
Blizzard of 1993 • Developed in association with an extremely amplified Rossby Wave. Note the strong cold front in Honduras!
Seasonal Variations in Latitude Figure 5-36
Modified Köppen System Figure 8-4
Global Climate Regions Figure 2.13 Climograph
Climographs Figure 8-6