Self-study Notes
Created by Chantelle B.
Subtropical Anticyclones HPC (high pressure cell)
- “Subtropical” refers to area BETWEEN tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn
- 40oN and 40oS
- Kalahari, South Atlantic & South Indian anticyclones affect South Africa
Characteristics of HPC’s:
- Bring descending, dry, warm air
- Results in clear skies & sunshine
Southern Hemisphere = Anticlockwise
Anticyclonic influences on climate in winter:
- Sunshine causes heat distribution and pressure belts to shift north
- South Indian and South Atlantic move closer to coasts
- Winds blowing out of 2 anticyclones have shorter distance to travel ---> less water vapour is
carried
Weather in interior of anticyclone:
- Clear skies, sunny, no rain
- Dry, warm air
Inversion Layer: layer of air where temperature increases with increasing altitude
During Summer:
- Hot air rises, causing LP at the surface
- Inversion layer rises, allowing moist air to penetrate ---> this is why rain can occur
- Sun is directly overhead, causing heat distribution and pressure belts to shift south
Created by Chantelle B.
Subtropical Anticyclones HPC (high pressure cell)
- “Subtropical” refers to area BETWEEN tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn
- 40oN and 40oS
- Kalahari, South Atlantic & South Indian anticyclones affect South Africa
Characteristics of HPC’s:
- Bring descending, dry, warm air
- Results in clear skies & sunshine
Southern Hemisphere = Anticlockwise
Anticyclonic influences on climate in winter:
- Sunshine causes heat distribution and pressure belts to shift north
- South Indian and South Atlantic move closer to coasts
- Winds blowing out of 2 anticyclones have shorter distance to travel ---> less water vapour is
carried
Weather in interior of anticyclone:
- Clear skies, sunny, no rain
- Dry, warm air
Inversion Layer: layer of air where temperature increases with increasing altitude
During Summer:
- Hot air rises, causing LP at the surface
- Inversion layer rises, allowing moist air to penetrate ---> this is why rain can occur
- Sun is directly overhead, causing heat distribution and pressure belts to shift south
