Question

What is meant by general circulation?

Answer 1

General circulation:

1. The consistent manner in which the air in the atmosphere circulates the Earth is termed atmospheric circulation.
2. The factors affecting general circulation are the solar radiation hitting the surface of air and water bodies, uneven heating of the Earth's surface, seasonal changes in temperature, pressure, and precipitation, and Earth’s rotation.
3. Due to solar radiation, the tropics are heated the most.
4. As a result, hot air rises, however it is deflected in its path due to the Earth’s rotation.
5. The westerlies and trade winds deflect this rising hot air that creates air circulation over the entire planet.
6. This general circulation of air gives rise to a range of climatic conditions, and weather systems, and thus creates distinctive region-specific geography.