Atmospheric Circulation
Global weather emerges from interactions between Earth's atmospheric circulation cells, jet streams, and surface conditions. Air masses with different temperature and humidity characteristics move across regions, creating weather fronts where they meet. The polar, ferrel, and hadley cells create consistent patterns of air movement, while jet streams steer weather systems across continents.
Weather Pattern Formation
Weather systems develop through the interaction of temperature, pressure, and moisture. Low-pressure systems typically bring clouds and precipitation, while high-pressure systems often result in clear conditions. Frontal systems form where different air masses meet, creating characteristic weather patterns. Maritime and continental air masses influence local weather conditions based on their source regions.
Extreme Weather Events
Global weather patterns can produce extreme events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. These develop under specific atmospheric conditions, including temperature contrasts and moisture availability. Climate change affects the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events by altering atmospheric energy distribution and moisture patterns. Shutdown123