The Three Cell Model

Question 1

Generic Statement

Answer 1

• Winds are deflected to the right due to the Coriolis Effect which is caused by the spinning of the Earth
• Warm air is distributed to higher / cooler latitudes and cold air is distributed to lower/warmer latitudes
• The Hadley/Polar Cells are thermally direct and the Ferrel Cell is thermally indirect.

Question 2

Hadley Cell

Answer 2

• Warm air rises at the Equator creating low pressure.
• The air splits in the atmosphere and moves towards the poles creating the Hadley cell

Question 3

Polar Cell

Answer 3

The polar cell is caused by cold air sinking at the poles creating a high pressure area

Question 4

Ferrel Cell

Answer 4

The Ferrel Cell transfers air between the Hadley and Polar cells creating the Westerlies