Polar cells

Definition

Polar cells are atmospheric circulation patterns found in the polar regions, characterized by the sinking of cold air and the formation of high-pressure areas. These cells play a crucial role in influencing global climate patterns, particularly by impacting temperature and precipitation distribution in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polar cells extend from about 60 degrees latitude to the poles, where cold air descends, creating high-pressure systems that affect local weather patterns.
2. The sinking air in polar cells leads to dry conditions, contributing to the formation of deserts and ice caps in polar regions.
3. Polar cells are part of the larger global atmospheric circulation system, working in conjunction with Hadley and Ferrel cells to regulate climate and weather patterns.
4. These cells influence ocean currents and sea ice formation, which are critical for maintaining the Earth's climate balance.
5. Changes in polar cell dynamics can significantly affect global weather patterns, including shifts in storm tracks and temperature anomalies.

Review Questions

• How do polar cells interact with other atmospheric circulation patterns to influence global climate?
  • Polar cells interact with Hadley and Ferrel cells, creating a comprehensive system of atmospheric circulation that helps distribute heat and moisture around the planet. The rising air in Hadley cells at lower latitudes and sinking air in polar cells contribute to distinct weather patterns. This interaction leads to varying climates across different regions, such as arid conditions near 30 degrees latitude and cold, dry conditions at the poles.
• Evaluate the impact of polar cells on local weather patterns and ecosystems in polar regions.
  • Polar cells significantly impact local weather by creating high-pressure systems that lead to dry conditions and limited precipitation. These conditions contribute to the formation of ice caps and tundra ecosystems, which have adapted to extreme cold. The stability of these ecosystems is directly influenced by the consistent climatic conditions associated with polar cell dynamics, making them sensitive to changes caused by global warming.
• Assess how changes in polar cell behavior due to climate change might affect global weather systems.
  • Changes in polar cell behavior caused by climate change could have profound effects on global weather systems. For example, if warming leads to weakened polar cells, it could disrupt established weather patterns, causing unpredictable shifts in storm tracks and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Such changes would not only impact the polar regions but also create cascading effects worldwide, altering rainfall distribution and potentially affecting agricultural practices across multiple continents.

Related terms

Hadley cells: Hadley cells are large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns that occur between the equator and about 30 degrees latitude, where warm air rises and cools, resulting in the trade winds.

Ferrel cells: Ferrel cells are atmospheric circulation systems located between the Hadley and polar cells, responsible for the prevailing westerlies in mid-latitude regions.

Jet streams: Jet streams are fast-flowing air currents found in the upper atmosphere, influenced by temperature differences between polar and tropical regions.