Because cold air is denser than warm air.
Atmospheric pressure is generally highest at sea level in areas where the air is cooler and denser, such as over the poles. Additionally, high-pressure systems, often associated with clear, calm weather, can lead to increased atmospheric pressure. Regions with descending air, like subtropical high-pressure belts, also experience elevated atmospheric pressure. Therefore, coastal areas in high-pressure systems, particularly in colder climates, would typically have the highest atmospheric pressure.
The cold dense air at the poles sinks, so the air from the upper level of atmosphere flows in on the top of the increasing weight while creating an area of high pressure at the poles. Now, the air that rises at the equator does not flow directly to the poles.
A high pressure center of dry air is called an anticyclone
Air masses move from the polar regions towards the equator due to the temperature difference between the two areas. Warmer air at the equator rises, creating a low-pressure area, while cooler air at the poles sinks, creating a high-pressure area. This pressure difference causes air to move from high to low pressure, resulting in the general movement of air masses towards the equator.
Air pressure falls of as one gains altitude. At high altitude the air pressure is very low but it does not "falls drastically", which implies a sudden change.
low pressure and high pressure
High pressure tends to form at the poles due to the cooling of air at the surface, causing it to sink and create a high-pressure system. These regions receive less direct sunlight and have colder temperatures, leading to the air being denser and heavier, resulting in high pressure. Additionally, the Coriolis effect plays a role in the formation of high-pressure systems at the poles.
you would expect it to have high pressure
it is because air sinks at the poles
After high-pressure areas are formed around the poles, cold polar air flows towards lower pressure regions. This movement of air is known as advection, and it helps to balance out the pressure differences between the poles and lower latitudes.
Air falls at the poles due to the cooling of air, which increases its density causing it to sink. In addition, high pressure systems tend to form at the poles, leading to the downward motion of air.
The convection cells radiate heat.
Air moves from high pressure at the poles towards low pressure at the equator due to the pressure difference. This movement of air creates global wind patterns such as the trade winds near the equator.
The convection cells radiate heat.
Air flows from the poles to the equator due to the temperature difference between the two regions. Warm air rises at the equator, creating a low-pressure system, while cold air sinks at the poles, creating a high-pressure system. This pressure difference causes air to flow from the poles towards the equator to balance out the pressure.
Air flows from the poles to the equator primarily due to the differences in temperature and pressure between these regions. The poles are colder, causing high-pressure systems, while the equator is warmer, leading to low-pressure areas. This difference drives the movement of air, creating a circulation pattern known as the Hadley Cell, where warm air rises at the equator and cool air sinks at the poles, facilitating the flow from high to low pressure. Additionally, the Earth's rotation influences this movement through the Coriolis effect, altering wind direction.
sinks towards the surface, creating dense air masses. These high-pressure areas are also influenced by the rotation of the Earth, known as the Coriolis effect, which causes air to circulate in a clockwise direction around the poles.