Question

Although the idealized version of Earth features continuous pressure belts that continue zonally around the planet, the real Earth has broken-up pressure cells that vary seasonally. What explains this?

a. The intensity of incoming solar radiation varies radically along the same line of latitude.
b. The effects of the Coriolis force vary seasonally.
c. Large landmasses heat differently than oceans and interrupt the pressure pattern.
d. The oceans experience drastic temperature changes from season to season.

Answer 1

Broken-up pressure cells on Earth vary seasonally mainly due to the different heating properties of large landmasses versus oceans and the influence of Earth's axial tilt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The real Earth has broken-up pressure cells that vary seasonally instead of continuous pressure belts because large landmasses heat differently than oceans and interrupt the pressure pattern. This variation in heating affects the atmospheric pressure, disrupting the idealized continuous zonal pattern.

The tilt of Earth's axis at 23.5° is also a critical factor, leading to differential heating of the planet's surface, creating seasonal variations which further influence atmospheric pressure patterns. Contrasting with large landmasses, the oceans have a moderating effect, absorbing heat and releasing it more slowly, thereby exerting a less disruptive influence on pressure belts compared to the rapid heating and cooling of large landmasses. Additionally, factors such as the Coriolis effect play a role; however, it is the differential heating by the Sun due to Earth's axial tilt and the distinct heating properties of land and sea that primarily explain the broken-up pressure cells and their seasonal variability.