Discussion 7- The 3-Cell Model of Earth ESS 17

ESS 17- Discussion 7 Crook NAME: Jamie Bao Tran Vuong Student ID: Discussion 7- The 3-Cell Model of Earth The 3-cell conceptual model is a remarkably simple model which explains most of the major features of our atmospheric circulation, surface ocean circulation and even vegetation patterns. This week you will have a chance to think through how the 3-cell conceptual model relates to the real world. 1. On the map on the next page draw and label the 3 cells in both hemispheres. Why does air rise at the Equator? The air rises at the equator because the equator receives the highest amount of daylight solar radiation than any other latitude, causing the air to become less dense and expand and at last rise into the atmosphere due to less density. 2. Why does air sink at 30°N? Where else does air sink? Because of the low pressure at the equator, the air will rise up to the tropopause. The air at tropopause will diverge towards the poles (North pole and south pole). As air rises and diverges to around 30° latitude, it starts to cool down and subsides towards the land. This is why air sink at 30° latitude. Air also sinks at 30-35 deg N/S