Atmosphere Contents

5. General Circulation

The general circulation of the atmosphere refers to the average of wind patterns on a global scale

General circulation

The general circulation of the atmosphere is driven by an unequal heating at the Earth's surface. Tropical (0-30°) and subtropical (30-40°) latitudes, both land and ocean areas, receive more energy from the sun than is given off by outgoing terrestrial radiation. There is consequently a year-round energy transfer from low to high latitudes, by both air and ocean currents. The general circulation of the atmosphere can strongly influence the precipitation of many areas as seen by the global cloud coverage.

What is meant by the general circulation of the atmosphere?