View and include a printout of a \"Global Infrared Satellite Image” from either

Question

View and include a printout of a "Global Infrared Satellite Image” from either the: a) Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Monterey (Satellite Division) website: - http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat_products.html --> ‘Global Imagery --> ‘Stitched Global IR’, or b) Intellicast website: - http://www.intellicast.com/Global/Satellite/Infrared.aspx?animate=true --> scroll down to the ‘global infrared satellite image animation’ Surface low pressure regions tend to have converging surface winds, while surface high pressure regions tend to have diverging surface winds. Regions of surface high pressure are generally clear, and regions of surface low pressure are generally cloudy. Noting those general characteristics, discuss the similarities and differences of the atmospheric features found between the ideal 3-Cell Global Circulation Model and the stitched Global Infrared image. Explain what could be responsible for differences you observe between the ideal model and the global infrared satellite image.

Explanation / Answer

A few observations that can be noted by a comparison of both the models are:

1. The equatorial region of low pressure as seen in the 3-Cell Global Circualtion Model and hence cloudy. However one can note that continental areas show more cloud cover than oceans. This may be explained by the difference in thermal conductivity between the two.

2. The intertropical convergence zone between Northeast and Southeast trade winds is prominently seen in the Stiched Global IR image (Intellicast) and shows erratic cloud fornation. This appears to have shifted north in the NRL image probably suggesting a warmer climate in the northern hemisphere.

3. Similarly the polar front where the cold polar easterlies meet the warmer subtropical westerlies shows heavy cloud formation and erratic weather patterns.

4. The horse region around 30o latitude (NRL image) appears to have minimal cloud cover and appears calm.

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