Atmospheric and Ocean Circulation
 Outline

Air Pressure

• Pressure Variations across the Earth
• Analyzing Pressure Patterns

Controls over wind direction and speed

• Pressure Gradient
• Coriolis Effect
• Friction
  • Digging Deeper: Measuring, Visualizing, and Analyzing Wind Direction and Speed
• Surface Circulation Around Highs and Lows

Cyclones and Anticyclones

Local Scale Wind

• Land-Sea Breeze
• Mountain-Valley Wind
• Chinook
• Santa Ana Winds

Regional Scale Wind

• Monsoon

Global Scale Circulation

• Surface Pressure and Wind
• Global Pressure Patterns, Precipitation and Climate
  • Digging Deeper: Air Quality and Pressure Systems

Wind and Pressure Aloft

Ocean Circulation and Atmospheric Circulation

• Ocean Currents
• El Niño and La Niña

Future Geographies: Air Pressure and Winds

Review and Additional Online Resources

• Important Terms and Concepts
• Review Questions
• Self-Assessment Quiz

Previous