atmospheric cell

(meteorology) An air parcel that exhibits a specific type of motion within its boundaries, such as the vertical circular motion of the Hadley cell.

Air may move, with a circular motion, northwards or southwards in a vertical cell, such as the Hadley cell which extends roughly from the equator to 30° N. This cell was thought to be the result of convection, and is hence known as a thermally direct cell, but its origin may be more complex.

The Ferris cell is an indirect cell, driven by the Hadley and Polar cells.

Atmospheric cells are major components in the transfer of heat and momentum in the atmosphere from the equator to the poles. In the 1950s, the existence of horizontal cells, also fulfilling this role, was established.

Atmospheric cell