PLANETARY SCALE CIRCULATION of the
EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE

PART I - OBSERVATION & THEORY

Summer 2004

To locate on a map the principal prevailing wind regimes associated with the planetary-scale circulation.
To locate on a map the semi-permanent surface pressure systems or "centers of action" that influence the planetary-scale circulation.
To relate the named prevailing wind fields to the global air pressure distribution.
To describe and explain the distribution of precipitation at representative locations.
To sketch and label a cross-section diagram showing the idealized three - cell model of global atmospheric circulation.
To describe the results of the "dishpan experiments" and how they simulate the global scale atmospheric circulation.
To describe the seasonal changes in the major features of the planetary-scale circulation regime.
To discuss the influence of ocean - continent distribution on global pressure distribution.
To describe the seasonal variations in the monsoon wind regime, focusing upon the monsoon system of south Asia.
To describe the relationship between the Southern Oscillation and a major El Niño event.

Locating and naming the semi-permanent Surface Pressure "Centers of Action"
Relationships between Prevailing winds and Major Pressure Patterns
Relationships between Prevailing winds, "Centers of Action" and Major Ocean Currents
Relationships between "Centers of Action" and Major Biome Patterns

The Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) has a current composite satellite image that shows the cloud field around the globe. These clouds are imbedded in the planetary scale circulation regime. A two-week global montage movie is also available. (Note: This movie has many frames and may take some time to load.)
Descriptions of World Biomes

Latest revision: 30 July 2004 (2300 UTC)

Produced by Edward J. Hopkins, Ph.D.

Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 53706

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