PLANETARY WIND SYSTEM

PRERNA FOR IAS

PLANETARY WIND SYSTEM

1. Polar High Pressure (90° North and South)

Polar High Pressure zones are located near the North and South Poles at 90° latitude. These regions experience extremely cold temperatures, causing air to become dense and sink toward the Earth's surface. The sinking air creates high-pressure conditions and generally clear, dry weather. Winds flow outward from these regions toward lower latitudes. Polar High Pressure belts are the source of Polar Easterlies, which move toward the subpolar low-pressure zones. These areas receive little precipitation and are often referred to as polar deserts. They play an important role in regulating global atmospheric circulation and Earth's climate system.

2. Subpolar Low Pressure (60° North and South)

Subpolar Low Pressure belts occur around 60° latitude in both hemispheres. Here, cold air from the polar regions meets warmer air moving from the mid-latitudes. This collision causes warm air to rise, creating a low-pressure zone. These regions are characterized by cloudy skies, frequent storms, and significant rainfall or snowfall. Many temperate cyclones originate in these zones. The subpolar low-pressure belts are important for transferring heat from lower latitudes toward the poles. They help maintain global climate balance and are responsible for much of the changing weather experienced in northern Europe, Canada, and similar regions.