Polar cell

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Planetary circulation

The polar cell , together with the Hadley cell and the Ferrel cell, form a system of planetary circulation in the troposphere .

Schematically, the origin of the polar cell lies in the downward flow of cold, dry air masses over the polar regions , which increases the air pressure . Close to the ground, these air masses then flow towards the equator , being deflected obliquely to the west by the Coriolis force . At around 60  degrees latitude they warmed up enough to be able to ascend again and return to the polar regions along the tropopause .

The polar cell is separated from the Ferrel cell in the direction of the equator by unstable Rossby waves with polar fronts.

See also

Web links

  • Global atmospheric circulation ( PDF )
  • Meteorology II Dynamics and Circulation ( PDF )