Which term correctly completes: The Ferrel cell is thermally ____ as it is powered by the other two cells?

Which term correctly completes: The Ferrel cell is thermally ____ as it is powered by the other two cells?

• A. Direct
• B. Primary
• C. Secondary
• D. Indirect

Answer: (D)

Thermal classifications of atmospheric circulation cells show that some cells are driven directly by local heating, while others are driven by energy transported from other regions. The Ferrel cell is thermally indirect, meaning it isn’t powered by heating in the mid-latitudes itself. Instead, it arises from the poleward transport of heat by the warm Hadley cell and the cooling influence of the Polar cell. This dynamic transfer of energy between the neighboring cells sets up the mid-latitude circulation, so the Ferrel cell exists as a response to the activity of the other two cells rather than from local heating.

Thermal classifications of atmospheric circulation cells show that some cells are driven directly by local heating, while others are driven by energy transported from other regions. The Ferrel cell is thermally indirect, meaning it isn’t powered by heating in the mid-latitudes itself. Instead, it arises from the poleward transport of heat by the warm Hadley cell and the cooling influence of the Polar cell. This dynamic transfer of energy between the neighboring cells sets up the mid-latitude circulation, so the Ferrel cell exists as a response to the activity of the other two cells rather than from local heating.