Hadley Cell Atmospheric Circulation

Earth's large-scale atmospheric circulation. Hover over regions for explanations. The Coriolis effect deflects winds, creating distinct circulation cells.

Warm rising
Cold sinking
Trade winds
Jet streams
3 cell model per hemisphere:
Hadley cell (0–30°): thermally direct, strongest
Ferrel cell (30–60°): thermally indirect, westerlies
Polar cell (60–90°): cold, polar easterlies

ITCZ: Intertropical Convergence Zone — belt of thunderstorms at equator, migrates seasonally.