GLOBAL WIND PATTERNS

PRERNA FOR IAS

GLOBAL WIND PATTERNS

1. Hadley Cell

The Hadley Cell is the tropical atmospheric circulation system located between the Equator and 30° latitude in both hemispheres. Strong solar heating at the Equator causes warm, moist air to rise, creating a low-pressure zone known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). As the air rises, it cools and moves toward higher latitudes. Around 30°, the air descends, forming subtropical high-pressure belts. The descending air then returns toward the Equator as Trade Winds. The Hadley Cell is responsible for tropical rainfall, monsoon development, and the formation of many desert regions. It is the strongest atmospheric circulation cell.

 Ferrel Cell

The Ferrel Cell is the middle atmospheric circulation cell located between 30° and 60° latitudes in both hemispheres. It acts as a transition zone between the Hadley Cell and the Polar Cell. Surface winds move from subtropical high-pressure belts toward subpolar low-pressure zones and are deflected by the Coriolis Effect, creating the Westerlies. Warm air from lower latitudes and cold air from polar regions interact in this zone, producing frequent weather disturbances and storms. The Ferrel Cell plays a major role in the climate of temperate regions and helps transfer heat from the tropics toward the poles.

3. Polar Cell

The Polar Cell extends from 60° latitude to the poles in both hemispheres. In the polar region