The polar vortex is a constant feature of global weather. Because sunlight is stronger where it is more direct, the polar regions are much cooler. This lack of thermal energy at the poles means that the warming elsewhere, and the increase in pressure it creates, forces air to move toward the areas of lower pressure. The motion of air along the curving surface of the Earth causes it to have an apparent increase in speed. In fact, it is retaining the angular momentum it had in its previous position, of course, and only seems to be moving faster as the circumference of the rotational band beneath it is reduced by curvature. The apparent increase in speed of air masses moving away from the equator is responsible for the prevailing westerly winds, the jet stream and the constant cyclonic motion of polar air that is known as the polar vortex. Part of the function of the polar vortex is to return cold air along the surface as condensation forces upper atmosphere air toward the ground. This cold air can flow out and into surrounding areas, spreading cold polar air over the surrounding surface. If the world warms very much, especially the seas, then the increase in atmospheric water vapor will accelerate this exchange and create massive and incessant polar snows that build up and extrude as ice sheets that expand toward the equator and establish local microclimates dominated by ice.If you look at the polar vortex on Saturn, you will see it forming a hexagon pattern. This is because the depth of the atmosphere on Saturn allows for a more homogenous warming and distribution of energy, and thus a more regular vortex. Motions of the atmosphere on Earth are disrupted greatly by surface features, although this will be less evident should the world actually warm and support a greater volume of gaseous volatiles.But I can’t fit that on a bumper sticker.
Brass Orchid Premium Member almost 9 years ago
The polar vortex is a constant feature of global weather. Because sunlight is stronger where it is more direct, the polar regions are much cooler. This lack of thermal energy at the poles means that the warming elsewhere, and the increase in pressure it creates, forces air to move toward the areas of lower pressure. The motion of air along the curving surface of the Earth causes it to have an apparent increase in speed. In fact, it is retaining the angular momentum it had in its previous position, of course, and only seems to be moving faster as the circumference of the rotational band beneath it is reduced by curvature. The apparent increase in speed of air masses moving away from the equator is responsible for the prevailing westerly winds, the jet stream and the constant cyclonic motion of polar air that is known as the polar vortex. Part of the function of the polar vortex is to return cold air along the surface as condensation forces upper atmosphere air toward the ground. This cold air can flow out and into surrounding areas, spreading cold polar air over the surrounding surface. If the world warms very much, especially the seas, then the increase in atmospheric water vapor will accelerate this exchange and create massive and incessant polar snows that build up and extrude as ice sheets that expand toward the equator and establish local microclimates dominated by ice.If you look at the polar vortex on Saturn, you will see it forming a hexagon pattern. This is because the depth of the atmosphere on Saturn allows for a more homogenous warming and distribution of energy, and thus a more regular vortex. Motions of the atmosphere on Earth are disrupted greatly by surface features, although this will be less evident should the world actually warm and support a greater volume of gaseous volatiles.But I can’t fit that on a bumper sticker.
glenn_harper almost 9 years ago
So, a cold wind from the North then…
mourdac Premium Member almost 9 years ago
Blue whistling northers, as my buddy is Texas calls ’em.
jtviper7 almost 9 years ago
I’ve seen some beauties in upstate N.Y,
wbtthefrog almost 9 years ago
It depends where that tourist industry is.
whiteaj almost 9 years ago
… for no good reason known to mankind.
neverenoughgold almost 9 years ago
I’m more interested in the Winter Solstice…
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace almost 9 years ago
Brass, so, if the planet gets much warmer, we can expect another ice age? Groovy.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace almost 9 years ago
Brass, so, if the planet gets much warmer, we can expect another ice age? Groovy.