Author Question: Why do different regions receive different amounts of precipitation? What will be an ideal ... (Read 49 times)

jc611

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 552
Why do different regions receive different amounts of precipitation?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe how a Hadley cell works, and explain how Earth's rotation creates the trade winds.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



jasonq

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 335
Answer to Question 1

Different amounts of precipitation in different regions are caused by the Hadley cellswet in the tropics and dry in the subtropics and by mountains. Air is deflected upward, causing cooling and high precipitation on the windward side of the range. As the air crosses the range and descends on the other side, it becomes warmer and increases its capacity to pick up moisture. Hence, deserts occur on the leeward sides of mountain ranges.

Answer to Question 2

Hadley cell: Dry air absorbs moisture as it descends. Moist air releases moisture as it ascends. Global convection currents occur because the Sun heats Earth most intensely over and near the equator, where rays of sunlight are almost perpendicular to Earth's surface. As the air at the equator is heated, it expands, rises, and cools; condensation and precipitation occur. Rising air over the equator is just half of the convection current, however. The air must come down again, too. Pushed from beneath by more rising air, it literally spills over' to the north and south of the equator and descends over subtropical regions, resulting in subtropical deserts. . . . Earth's rotation deflects the vertical and horizontal path created by the Hadley cell, thus creating trade winds.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

If all the neurons in the human body were lined up, they would stretch more than 600 miles.

Did you know?

A headache when you wake up in the morning is indicative of sinusitis. Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and a runny nose or nasal congestion.

Did you know?

According to research, pregnant women tend to eat more if carrying a baby boy. Male fetuses may secrete a chemical that stimulates their mothers to step up her energy intake.

Did you know?

Human neurons are so small that they require a microscope in order to be seen. However, some neurons can be up to 3 feet long, such as those that extend from the spinal cord to the toes.

Did you know?

Thyroid conditions may make getting pregnant impossible.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library