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.