The important features of the atmospheric circulation
Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ).
The east-west-oriented band of intense convection located over the warmest
regions of the
tropics.
Sub-tropics. The large
areas of sinking, typically located at about 20° latitude, that compensate for
the rising motion of the ITCZ. Little precipitation falls in
these regions.
Monsoon. A tropical
seasonal phenomenon driven by contrasts in land-sea temperature. When the land is warm relative to the ocean, air rises over the land,
drawing in moist air from the ocean. Intense precipitation typically
follows on land.
Mid-latitude jet stream.
An intense air current that moves to the east in both hemispheres. The jet stream is turbulent, particularly in wintertime. The eddies it generates are wintertime
storms.