What is atmospheric circulation?

Atmospheric circulation refers to the large-scale movement of air across the Earth's surface, which plays a vital role in determining weather patterns and climate. This movement is driven by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun, leading to differences in air pressure. These pressure differences create wind patterns that are responsible for the distribution of heat and moisture across the globe.

The concept encompasses phenomena like the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies, as well as the larger-scale patterns like Hadley cells and jet streams. By facilitating the transport of air masses with varying temperatures and humidity levels, atmospheric circulation helps regulate temperatures and precipitation in different regions, shaping local and global climates.

It's important to note that while other options touch on aspects of atmospheric processes—like the transport of heat and moisture or the movement of water vapor—they do not encapsulate the comprehensive scope of atmospheric circulation as a whole. Atmospheric circulation specifically highlights the large-scale dynamics of air movement that underpins these other processes.