Chapter 2: Atmospheric Circulation, Channel Experiments

Laboratory demonstrations show basic process of atmospheric overturn in a non-rotating square tank. Heavier dye sinks at one side of the channel, whereas less dense dye rises at the other end. The two dye patches coat the top and bottom of the tank. Next we rotate the entire set up on our rotary table. Now the spreading dye patches are deflected off to the right of their respective pathways. This deflection, for example, explains the formation of low latitude surface easterlies.