AP Environmental Science · Earth Systems & Resources
Insolation Driving Weather
The Equator receives the most direct sunlight. Hot air expands, becomes less dense, and rises, creating a zone of low pressure and heavy rainfall.
The Three Cells
Hadley Cell (0-30°): Hot rising air at equator, cooling and sinking at 30°, creating deserts.
Ferrel Cell (30-60°): Driven by the other two cells. Warmer air pushed poleward.
Polar Cell (60-90°): Cold, dense air sinks at the poles and moves toward 60°.
The Coriolis Effect
Because the Earth rotates beneath the flowing air masses, winds do not travel in perfect straight lines north/south. They are deflected (to the right in Northern Hemisphere).
Tags
APESEarth SystemsWeatherCoriolis
Global Wind Patterns
This visualizer shows the Northern Hemisphere cross-section. The colored loops demonstrate the vertical convection currents, while the surface arrows show global winds.
Interactivity
🌍 Enable Coriolis Effect
Surface Biomes
0° Equator (Low Pressure): Air rises, cools, and drops abundant rain. ➔ 🌲 Tropical Rainforests
30° N (High Pressure): Dry, dense air sinks, evaporating moisture on the surface. ➔ 🐪 Major Deserts (Sahara, Mojave)