| Term: | Polar cell |
| Definition: |
Direct, weak, meridional circulation approximately between the pole and 60˚ latitude. There is a sinking motion near the poles, weak easterlies at low levels, a rising motion near latitude 60˚ and a poleward flow aloft. WMOMeteoterm
A weak meridional circulation in the high-latitude troposphere characterized by ascending motion in the subpolar latitudes (50-70), descending motion over the pole, poleward motion aloft, and equatorward motion near the surface. As a residual of many transient weather systems, the polar cell is barely detectable in means with respect to time of latitude-height cross sections. AMSglossary Three-dimensional atmospheric circulation cell located at roughly 60 to 90 North and South of the equator. Vertical air flow in the Polar cell consists of rising air at the polar font and descending air at the polar vortex. PhysicalGeography GCW |