Global Precipitation Pattern Produced by the General Circulation

  • Zonal distribution of precipitation around the globe (roughly speaking)
    • 0°N - low pressure - cloudy
    • 30°N - high pressure - sunny
    • 45°N-60°N - low pressure - cloudy
    • polar latitudes - high pressure - clear
  • Global Satellite images often reveal cloud patterns consistent with the above general circulation- check it out with current imagery
  • Zones shift 10-15 degrees N-S annually.... Why? ANSWER