The Atmosphere's circulation---Chapter 9

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter the student should be able to:

list the principal components of the earth's planetary scale circulation

describe the linkages between subtropical anticyclones and the trade winds

describe the linkages between subtropical anticyclones and the westerlies

compare and contrast the planetary winds at the surface with those in the mid and high atmosphere

describe the seasonal changes in the planetary scale circulation

contrast weather patterns associated with zonal and meridional flow in the westerlies

explain the association between blocking circulation patterns and weather extremes

describe the linkage between the polar front and the midlatitude jet stream

explain the role of the jet stream and upper air troughs in the development of synoptic scale cyclones

describe the connection between sea surface temperature anomalies and changes in the planetary circulation

list the changes that take place in the tropical Pacific ocean and atmosphere during El Niño