Understanding Hadley Cells

Hadley cells are large-scale atmospheric convection patterns between the equator and 30°N and 30°S. They significantly influence global climate and weather patterns by redistributing heat.

Named after George Hadley, an English lawyer and amateur meteorologist, who first described this phenomenon in 1735 to explain trade winds.

Air warms and rises at the equator, then cools and sinks at subtropical latitudes, creating a cycle. This process drives tropical rain belts and subtropical deserts.

Shifts in Hadley cell positions contribute to changes in droughts and floods patterns. They can expand due to global warming, potentially altering global climates.

Pilots use the understanding of Hadley cells for planning flights. The cells affect jet streams, influencing flight times and fuel consumption.

Jupiter’s atmosphere has Hadley cells over 15,000 km wide, dwarfing Earth’s by over 50 times!