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.