Ferrel Cell

Definition

The Ferrel Cell is a part of the Earth's atmospheric circulation system, situated between the Hadley Cell and the Polar Cell, typically located between 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres. This cell plays a critical role in influencing weather patterns and ocean currents, as it is characterized by prevailing westerlies that transport warm air toward the poles and cold air toward the equator.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ferrel Cell operates in a mid-latitude region and is driven largely by the temperature differences between the equator and the poles.
2. The prevailing westerlies in the Ferrel Cell are crucial for steering weather systems and creating various climatic conditions.
3. Ferrel Cells are associated with the formation of extratropical cyclones, which can lead to stormy weather in mid-latitudes.
4. This cell contributes to the global circulation patterns that affect ocean currents, impacting marine ecosystems and climate.
5. The strength of the Ferrel Cell can vary seasonally, leading to changes in weather patterns throughout the year.

Review Questions

• How does the Ferrel Cell interact with the Hadley and Polar Cells to influence global weather patterns?
  • The Ferrel Cell serves as a transition zone between the warmer Hadley Cell to its south and the colder Polar Cell to its north. This interaction results in a complex interplay of air masses that significantly influences global weather patterns. The westerly winds in the Ferrel Cell help to transport warm air poleward while also bringing cooler air back toward the equator, which can lead to changes in precipitation and temperature patterns across mid-latitudes.
• Discuss the role of prevailing westerlies within the Ferrel Cell and their impact on storm systems in mid-latitude regions.
  • Prevailing westerlies are a defining feature of the Ferrel Cell, blowing from west to east across mid-latitude regions. These winds play a crucial role in steering extratropical cyclones, which often develop along these latitudes. As these storms move along with the westerlies, they can bring significant weather changes such as rain, snow, and shifts in temperature, greatly impacting local climates and ecosystems.
• Evaluate how changes in the Ferrel Cell's strength might affect global climate patterns and oceanic systems.
  • Changes in the strength of the Ferrel Cell can have profound effects on global climate patterns by altering wind trajectories, which can shift precipitation zones and influence temperature distribution. For example, a stronger Ferrel Cell may lead to enhanced westerly winds that could increase storm intensity and frequency in mid-latitudes. Additionally, these shifts can affect ocean currents, leading to changes in sea surface temperatures and potentially disrupting marine ecosystems and fisheries around the globe.

Related terms

Hadley Cell:

A tropical atmospheric circulation pattern that dominates the tropics, characterized by rising warm air near the equator and sinking cool air at about 30° latitude.

Polar Cell: An atmospheric circulation system that occurs in polar regions, characterized by cold air sinking at the poles and flowing toward lower latitudes.

Prevailing Westerlies: Winds that blow from west to east in the Ferrel Cell region, typically found between 30° and 60° latitude.