Global Circulation and World Climates

Weather vs. Climate Climate Controls Idealized Global Circulation Model Seasonal Variations Global ClimatesFor Next Class: Read Chapter 2 (pp. 61-65)

Questions

What is the difference between weather and climate?

What are the major influences (or controls) on climate?

Weather vs. 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

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)

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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

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Global Climate Regions

Figure 2.13Climograph

Climographs

Figure 8-6