The Walker circulation, also known as the Walker cell, is a conceptual model of the air flow in the tropics in the lower atmosphere (troposphere). According to this model parcels of air follow a closed circulation in the zonal and vertical directions. This circulation, which is roughly consistent with observations, is caused by differences in heat distribution between ocean and land. It was discovered by Gilbert Walker. In addition to motions in the zonal and vertical direction the tropical atmosphere also has considerable motion in the meridional direction as part of, for example, the Hadley Circulation.
Read more about Walker Circulation: Walker's Methodology, Mathematical Basis, Oceanic Effects, El Niño
Famous quotes containing the words walker and/or circulation:
“croppers rotting shacks
with famine, terror, flood, and plague near by;
where sentiment and hatred still held sway
and only bitter land was washed away.”
—Margaret Abigail Walker (b. 1915)
“The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.”
—James Madison (1751–1836)