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Circulation in both the atmosphere and the oceans gives rise to different weather patterns - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 23 - 2020
Question 23
Circulation in both the atmosphere and the oceans gives rise to different weather patterns. Discuss.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Circulation in both the atmosphere and the oceans gives rise to different weather patterns - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 23 - 2020
Step 1
Identifying Aspect: Atmospheric Circulation
Answer
The circulation of the atmosphere is governed primarily by temperature differences driven by solar radiation. Warm air rises at the equator, creating low-pressure zones, while cool air descends at the poles, resulting in high-pressure systems. This difference creates wind patterns which can lead to various weather phenomena, such as tropical storms and jet streams. Additionally, the Coriolis effect causes winds to turn, influencing weather patterns across different regions.
Step 2
Identifying Aspect: Oceanic Circulation
Answer
Ocean circulation is predominantly controlled by surface winds, water density, and the earth's rotation. The movement of warm and cold water masses is critical in regulating climate and weather patterns. For example, the Gulf Stream carries warm water across the Atlantic, moderating temperatures in Western Europe, while cold currents like the California Current bring cooler temperatures to coastal regions, affecting local weather conditions.
Step 3
Discussion: Interaction of Air and Sea
Answer
The interaction between atmospheric and oceanic circulation is essential in shaping global weather patterns. For instance, the El Niño phenomenon, characterized by warmer ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific, can disrupt normal weather patterns, leading to increased rainfall in some areas and droughts in others. Furthermore, hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters, where the heat can energize the storms, demonstrating the direct relationship between ocean temperature and severe weather events. This interplay illustrates how changes in one ecosystem can significantly impact the other, resulting in differing weather conditions across the globe.