Polar cell

Definition

A polar cell is a type of atmospheric circulation pattern that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth, characterized by cold air sinking at the poles and flowing toward the equator at higher altitudes. This circulation is part of a larger global atmospheric system and plays a crucial role in shaping weather patterns and climate in these regions, contributing to the formation of the polar front where warm and cold air masses meet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polar cells are found in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with their characteristics being consistent across both regions.
2. In polar cells, cold air sinks at the poles, creating areas of high pressure that lead to generally dry conditions.
3. The surface winds in polar cells are typically easterly, known as polar easterlies, which influence weather patterns in surrounding areas.
4. The interaction between polar cells and other circulation patterns, such as the Ferrel and Hadley cells, contributes to the complex behavior of global wind patterns.
5. Polar cells help transport heat away from the equator towards the poles, playing a vital role in Earth's energy balance.

Review Questions

• How do polar cells interact with other atmospheric circulation systems like Ferrel and Hadley cells?
  • Polar cells interact with Ferrel and Hadley cells through the exchange of air masses and energy. The rising warm air from the Hadley cell meets the sinking cold air from the polar cell at around 60 degrees latitude, leading to low-pressure systems that are often associated with stormy weather. Meanwhile, the Ferrel cell acts as a transitional zone between these two, with its westerly winds aiding in the movement of air between them. This interaction helps to maintain balance in global circulation patterns.
• What are some key characteristics of polar cells that distinguish them from other atmospheric circulation cells?
  • Polar cells are characterized by their location at high latitudes, where cold air sinks at the poles and creates areas of high pressure. Unlike Hadley cells, which feature rising warm air near the equator, polar cells primarily consist of sinking cold air. Additionally, winds associated with polar cells are typically easterly due to the Coriolis effect. These characteristics lead to generally dry conditions and limited precipitation in polar regions.
• Evaluate the role of polar cells in influencing global climate patterns and weather systems.
  • Polar cells play a crucial role in influencing global climate patterns by regulating heat distribution across the planet. They transport cold air away from the poles toward lower latitudes, helping to moderate temperatures. This movement can affect weather systems significantly; for example, when polar air meets warmer air from lower latitudes at the polar front, it can lead to storm formation. Understanding these interactions is vital for predicting weather patterns and assessing climate change impacts on polar regions.

Related terms

Ferrel Cell: The Ferrel cell is an atmospheric circulation cell that exists between the polar cells and the Hadley cells, characterized by westerly winds in the mid-latitudes.

Hadley Cell: The Hadley cell is a tropical atmospheric circulation pattern that occurs between the equator and about 30 degrees latitude, characterized by rising warm air at the equator and sinking cooler air in the subtropics.

Polar Front: The polar front is a boundary zone between cold polar air and warmer air from lower latitudes, playing a significant role in storm formation and weather changes.