Heat from the equator is transferred around the globe in three cells that connect with each other, known as the tri-circular model. This creates a global pattern of atmospheric pressure and winds.
Heat from the tropics can be transferred to the cold polar regions, by large-scale water movement within the oceans. Each ocean has its own circular pattern of currents. Heat is transferred by warm ocean currents, such as the North Atlantic Drift in the Atlantic Ocean, from low latitudes to high latitudes. Ocean currents are set in motion by the prevailing surface winds associated with the general atmospheric circulation. The direction of water movement is also deflected by the Coriolis forceApparent force, due to the spinning of the Earth, which deflects movement of particles and wind..
High pressure and low pressure
Pressure is measured in millibars. Standard pressure at sea level is 1013 millibars, but large areas of either high or low pressure can occur. Areas of high and low pressure are caused by rising and sinking air. As air warms, it rises, leading to low pressure at the surface. As air cools, it sinks leading to high pressure at the surface.
On a weather chart, lines joining places with equal sea-level pressures are called isobars. Charts showing isobars are useful because they identify features such as anticycloneHigh-pressure systems, giving clear skies and gentle wind. (areas of high pressure) and depressionIn meteorological terms, a depression is an area of low air pressure. (areas of low pressure).