Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE, WIND, AND
GLOBAL CIRCULATION
C H A P T E R S I X
This chapter investigates the way that air flows through the process of atmospheric circulation. The circulatory
processes described in this chapter have dramatic effects that will be seen in later chapters, including daily
weather (Chapter 8) and global climate patterns (Chapter 9). Flowing air also has significant impact on the circula-
tion of ocean currents, coastal erosion by waves (Chapter 19), and the formation of sand dunes (Chapter 18). Many
factors influence the direction and speed of airflow, including pressure and temperature differences, the Earth's
rotation, and surface friction. After these variables are discussed, the focus will turn to the geographic patterns of
airflow around the globe. Toward the end of the chapter, we turn to how winds affect oceanic circulation.
