Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Atmospheric circulation refers to the large-scale movement of air around the Earth and is primarily driven by differences in temperature and pressure. These global air currents play a crucial role in determining weather patterns, distributing heat and moisture, and transporting pollutants and other particles through the atmosphere. The study of atmospheric circulation involves understanding the mechanisms behind the formation of wind patterns, such as the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies. Researchers also investigate the influence of factors like the Coriolis effect, the Earth's rotation, and the distribution of land and water on atmospheric circulation. By analyzing and modeling atmospheric circulation patterns, scientists can improve weather forecasting, study climate variability and change, and assess the impact of human activities on the environment. This research area is interdisciplinary, drawing on principles from meteorology, climatology, physics, and fluid dynamics to better understand the complex interactions within the Earth's atmosphere.