Science 123
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Spring 2026
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General Circulation
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One Cell Model
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no earth rotation
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uniform surface makeup
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no axis tilt (no seasons)
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Three Cell Model
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Jet Streams
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polar jet
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convergence at the surface creates a steep thermal gradient
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steep thermal gradient creates a steep height gradient
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steep height gradient increases the wind speed, either geostrophic or gradient
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jet stream often has a meandering path
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a may have a "split" flow with two streams: northern and southern
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energetic flow provides an energy source for developing low-pressure cyclones
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subtropical jet
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convergence aloft where the Hadley and Ferrel cells meet
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creates a high-level subtropical front that does not extend to the surface
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thermal gradient creates a height gradient that creates a region of faster geostrophic or gradient winds
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conservation of angular momentum enhances the jet speed
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Wikipedia Page on angular momentum
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low-level jet (LLJ)
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nocturnal LLJ
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cyclone induced LLJ
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Atmospheric-Oceanic Interactions
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ocean surface currents are driven by the planetary scale wind patterns
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mostly by high pressure systems
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result in clock-wise gyres in the NH, counter clock-wise gyres in the SH
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the "double Coriolis" effect explains the closed, circular pattern
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ocean currents transport masses of warm water (energy) poleward - decreases the latitudinal radiation imbalance by as much as 40%
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currents flowing in different directions create ocean frontal boundaries
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Energy Imbalance and Mitigation
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Ekman spiral
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El Ni$\tilde{n}$o and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO)