Question

Describe how you could use a globe and your hand to model the path of a global convection current in the atmosphere.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

The process of transmission of heat due to the movement of molecules in the fluid is called convection. Convection also takes place on a global scale. At the equator, warm and less dense air tends to flow and rise towards the poles. Then denser, cooler air sinks and flow back towards the poles. Due to the rotation of earth rising warm air from the poles does not make it all the mode towards the pole. The combination of the earth’s rotation and global convection makes a series of wind patterns known as convection cells. The earth's rotation also alters the airflow pathway, which causes the wind’s path to be curved as it travels between the equator and poles. In the southern hemisphere, winds turn to the left and move anticlockwise around a high-pressure centre, while in the northern hemisphere, winds turn to the right and move clockwise around a high-pressure centre. The twisting of air currents, due to the rotation of the earth is termed as Coriolis effect. Due to this effect, winds turn to the left in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, winds turn to the right.