OCR B GCSE Geography Revision

Revision materials to support you in preparing for your GCSE Geography exams.

GCSE | OCR B GCSE Geography Revision | Global Hazards | Atmospheric Cells

Revision Notes

Global Circulation System

Atmospheric Cells

High and Low Pressure

Climate Zones

Interactive Revision

Flashcards

Quiz

Atmospheric Cells

Each hemisphere of the Earth contains three major air circulation patterns known as ‘cells.’ These cells are responsible for moving air from the Equator toward the poles and play a crucial role in shaping the Earth’s climate zones. The interconnected movement of air within these cells helps distribute heat and moisture across the globe, influencing regional weather patterns and climatic conditions.

Atmospheric Cell	Where is it?	What happens?
Hadley Cell	Extends from the Equator to approximately 30° north and south latitude.	Warm air rises at the Equator, creating a low-pressure zone. As it ascends, it cools and spreads towards the poles. At around 30° latitude, the cool air sinks, creating high-pressure zones, and then returns to the Equator at the surface.
Ferrel Cell	Located between 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres.	This cell acts as a transition zone between the Hadley and Polar cells. Air moves poleward at the surface, warmed air rises at around 60° latitude, and then moves equatorward at higher altitudes.
Polar Cell	Extends from 60° latitude to the poles in both hemispheres.	Cold air sinks at the poles, creating high-pressure zones. This air moves towards the Equator at the surface. At around 60° latitude, the air warms and rises, then moves poleward at higher altitudes, completing the cycle.