Longitudinal Circulation

While the Hadley, Farrell and Polar Cells move air from North to South, air can also be moved from East to West. These longitudinal movements are caused by the uneven heating of water and land and help distribute heat and energy around the globe. Land and sea breezes are examples of Longitudinal Circulation as well as larger scale winds, like the Walker Circulation, that involve the entire Pacific Ocean Basin.

Hadley Walker Circulation

Source: Winds of Change | Earth Observatory | NASA

Learn more about the Walker Circulation on the NASA Winds of Change page .