Polar easterlies

Definition

Polar easterlies are cold, dry winds that blow from east to west near the poles, specifically in the polar regions. These winds form as cold air descends and spreads out from the high-pressure areas at the poles, creating a consistent pattern in global atmospheric circulation that influences weather patterns in surrounding areas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polar easterlies are typically weaker than the trade winds or westerlies but play a crucial role in transporting cold air from the poles toward lower latitudes.
2. These winds can lead to significant temperature drops in regions they affect, contributing to colder climates in coastal areas near the poles.
3. Polar easterlies influence ocean currents and sea ice distribution, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
4. They are also associated with the formation of polar high-pressure systems, which can lead to stable and clear weather conditions.
5. The presence of polar easterlies helps define the climate of polar regions, influencing ecosystems and weather patterns significantly.

Review Questions

• How do polar easterlies contribute to global atmospheric circulation patterns?
  • Polar easterlies are essential components of global atmospheric circulation because they help maintain the balance of air movement between different latitudes. These winds originate from high-pressure systems at the poles, blowing cold air toward lower latitudes. This movement interacts with other circulation patterns, such as the Hadley and Ferrel Cells, thereby influencing temperature distributions and weather systems across the globe.
• Discuss the impact of polar easterlies on local weather conditions in coastal areas near the poles.
  • Polar easterlies significantly affect local weather conditions in coastal regions by bringing cold air that leads to lower temperatures. This cold air can contribute to stable weather patterns with clear skies but may also cause rapid temperature drops when it moves into warmer areas. The interaction between these easterly winds and ocean currents can create unique climatic zones, influencing both marine ecosystems and human activities in these regions.
• Evaluate how polar easterlies interact with other atmospheric circulation patterns and their broader implications on climate change.
  • Polar easterlies interact with various atmospheric circulation patterns, including the Hadley and Ferrel Cells, creating complex climate dynamics. As climate change alters temperature gradients between the poles and equator, these winds may strengthen or weaken, impacting precipitation patterns and storm activity globally. The changing behavior of polar easterlies could lead to shifts in sea ice extent and ocean circulation, thereby affecting global climate systems and highlighting their role as indicators of climatic shifts.

Related terms

Hadley Cell: A large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern that forms between the equator and about 30 degrees latitude, characterized by rising warm air near the equator and descending cooler air.

Ferrel Cell: An atmospheric circulation pattern found between the Hadley Cell and the Polar Cell, characterized by prevailing westerly winds in the mid-latitudes.

Polar Front: The boundary between cold polar air and warmer air from the mid-latitudes, which is a significant area for storm formation and weather changes.