Subsidence (atmosphere)
Encyclopedia
Subsidence in the Earth's atmosphere
is most commonly caused by low temperatures: as air cools, it becomes denser and moves towards the ground, just as warm air becomes less dense and moves upwards. Subsidence generally causes high barometric pressure as more air moves into the same space: the polar high
s are areas of almost constant subsidence, as are the horse latitudes
, and these areas of subsidence are the sources of much of the world's prevailing wind. Subsidence also causes many smaller-scale weather
phenomena, such as morning fog. An extreme form of subsidence is a downburst
, which can result in damage similar to that produced by a tornado. A milder form of subsidence is referred to as downdraft.
Earth's atmosphere
The atmosphere of Earth is a layer of gases surrounding the planet Earth that is retained by Earth's gravity. The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention , and reducing temperature extremes between day and night...
is most commonly caused by low temperatures: as air cools, it becomes denser and moves towards the ground, just as warm air becomes less dense and moves upwards. Subsidence generally causes high barometric pressure as more air moves into the same space: the polar high
Polar high
The polar highs are areas of high atmospheric pressure around the north and south poles, south polar high being the stronger one because land gains and loses heat more effectively than sea...
s are areas of almost constant subsidence, as are the horse latitudes
Horse latitudes
Horse Latitudes or Subtropical High are subtropical latitudes between 30 and 35 degrees both north and south. This region, under a ridge of high pressure called the subtropical high, is an area which receives little precipitation and has variable winds mixed with calm.The consistently warm, dry...
, and these areas of subsidence are the sources of much of the world's prevailing wind. Subsidence also causes many smaller-scale weather
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate...
phenomena, such as morning fog. An extreme form of subsidence is a downburst
Downburst
A downburst is created by an area of significantly rain-cooled air that, after reaching ground level, spreads out in all directions producing strong winds. Unlike winds in a tornado, winds in a downburst are directed outwards from the point where it hits land or water...
, which can result in damage similar to that produced by a tornado. A milder form of subsidence is referred to as downdraft.