The Atmosphere-Ocean System: Motion and Energy in the Atmosphere

Section Objectives Icon Section Objectives

After you have completed this section, you will be able to:

  1. Discuss how solar radiation and Earth’s heat balance vary with season and location.
  2. Discuss global circulation of the atmosphere, including the Coriolis effect.
  3. Describe heat transfer between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere.
  4. Explain the causes of wind.
  5. Identify major global wind belts and patterns.