The subtropical jet is part of which circulation cells?

• A. Hadley and Ferrel cells
• B. Ferrel and Polar cells
• C. Hadley and Polar cells
• D. Equatorial and Ferrel cells

Answer: (A)

The subtropical jet is associated with the Hadley and Ferrel circulation cells.

In the context of atmospheric circulation, the Hadley cell extends from the equator to about 30 degrees latitude, where warm air rises and moves poleward at high altitudes. As this air cools, it begins to sink around 30 degrees latitude, creating a belt of high pressure known as the subtropical high. The flow of air in this region contributes to the formation of the subtropical jet stream, which is a fast-flowing ribbon of air found at the edges of the Hadley cell and is influenced by the Coriolis effect.

The Ferrel cell, located between approximately 30 and 60 degrees latitude, serves to connect the warm tropical air of the Hadley cell with the colder polar air. It includes the subtropical jet as part of its circulation, where the dynamics between these two cells help define the behavior and intensity of the jet stream.

In summary, the subtropical jet is formed due to the dynamics at the interface of the Hadley and Ferrel cells, making the association with these two cells crucial to understanding its characteristics and behavior in relation to global weather patterns.