Global Wind and Water Circulation

Climate The long term prevailing weather conditions in an area – Temperature – precipitation – Sunlight – Wind Macroclimates– global or regional patterns Microclimates - very fine, small-scale patterns

Climate Global climate patterns are determined by solar energy and the Earth’s movement in space The warming effect of the sun causes temperature variations which in turn cause circulation of both air and water These circulations patterns cause variations in climates at different latitudes

Variations in Climate The intensity of sunlight is strongest in the tropics (between 23.5 o N and 23.5 o S of the equator) The intensity of the heat warms the surface air and water.

Variations cause Flow Water evaporates from the tropics and the warm, wet air masses flow from the tropic toward the poles As the air rises, the water condenses and falls as precipitation (rainy regions)

Variations cause Flow As the air cools, it sinks and holds more moisture causing arid regions around 30 o latitude.

Global Circulation of Winds

Ocean Circulation Patterns The wind patterns also affect the surface of the oceans, causing prevailing currents called gyres

Ocean Circulation