LABORATORY ACTIVITY 4: EXPLORING HEAT, TEMPERATURE, AND

ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION
GROUP 4:
Agulto, Ayumi Mariane I.
Garcia, Ace Louie D.
Quijano, Desieree Joy G.
Santoyo, Mae Aubrey B.

INTRODUCTION
Exploring the concepts of heat and temperature is essential for understanding atmospheric
science, as these elements are fundamental drivers of weather and climate. The Earth's surface absorbs
solar radiation, which is then re-radiated as heat, warming the atmosphere through various processes such
as conduction, convection, and radiation. This uneven heating creates temperature gradients that lead to
differences in air pressure, ultimately driving atmospheric circulation patterns. For instance, warm air
near the equator rises and travels toward the poles, while cooler air descends, establishing a complex
system of air movement that distributes heat and moisture globally (Global Atmospheric Circulations.
(2024). noaa.gov).
Atmospheric circulation not only influences daily weather patterns but also plays a critical role in
shaping long-term climate systems. The interaction between the Earth's rotation, the uneven distribution
of land and water, and solar heating creates distinct circulation cells, such as the Hadley, Ferrel, and polar
cells, which govern wind patterns and precipitation distributions around the planet. These circulation
systems are further modified by features such as mountain ranges and ocean currents, which contribute to
regional climatic differences. Understanding these dynamics is vital for predicting changes in climate and
addressing the impacts of climate change, including shifts in temperature and weather patterns influenced
by human activities (Future Weather. (2017). umich.edu).
Convection currents occurs when there has uneven heating. Convection currents help caused
some of our weather create some of winds and help create ocean currents. In experiment, the heat source
in a container begins to rise upward and the cold source sink downward. The Circular Motion, as the
warm air rises it cools and become denser eventually sinking back down and it happened to the
experiment and real state of atmosphere. The Sun acts as the primary heat source for the atmosphere and
sunlight warms the earth’s surface, which in turn heats the air above it. This warm air is less dense than
the cooler air above, causing it to rise. The Convection Currents in containers are typically on a much
smaller scale than the atmosphere as the atmosphere is much more complex system with factors like wind
patterns, rotation of the Earth, and varying terrain influencing convection currents.

UNDERSTANDING HEAT, TEMPERATURE, AND ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION

This response will explore the fundamental concepts of heat and temperature, their relationship to
each other, and how they drive the intricate patterns of atmospheric circulation.
Heat: The Transfer of Energy
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy between objects or systems due to a difference in
temperature. Thermal energy, in turn, refers to the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules within a
substance, which manifests as vibrations and collisions [1]. Heat always flows from a region of higher
temperature to a region of lower temperature, seeking to reach thermal equilibrium.
Temperature: A Measure of Thermal Energy
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles within a substance. It
reflects the degree of hotness or coldness of an object and is measured using a thermometer. While heat is
a form of energy transfer, temperature is a property of a substance that indicates its internal energy level.
The Interplay of Heat and Temperature
Heat transfer can lead to changes in temperature. When heat is added to a substance, its particles
gain kinetic energy, causing them to move faster and resulting in a higher temperature. Conversely,
removing heat causes particles to slow down, leading to a decrease in temperature. However, it's
important to note that a substance can absorb heat without experiencing a change in temperature during a
phase change, such as melting or boiling.
Atmospheric Circulation: Driven by Heat Transfer
Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air masses driven by uneven heating of
the Earth's surface. The Sun's energy warms the Earth's surface, but this warming is not uniform. The
equator receives more direct sunlight than the poles, leading to significant temperature differences.
The Hadley Cell: A Key Circulation Pattern
The Hadley cell is a major atmospheric circulation pattern that drives weather patterns in the
tropics. Warm, moist air rises at the equator, creating a low-pressure zone. As this air moves poleward, it
cools and descends at around 30 degrees latitude, forming a high-pressure zone. This descending air
creates the dry conditions often found in subtropical deserts.
Ferrel and Polar Cells: Completing the Circulation
The Ferrel cell and polar cell are additional circulation patterns that contribute to global
atmospheric circulation. The Ferrel cell is driven by the interaction between the Hadley cell and the polar
cell, while the polar cell is characterized by cold, dense air descending at the poles and flowing towards
the equator. These cells, along with the Hadley cell, create a complex system of wind patterns that
redistribute heat across the globe.
The Coriolis Effect: Influencing Wind Direction
Preparation of Needed Materials:
 Heat Source (lamp, small heater)
 Containers (plastic or glass boxes) filled with water
 Ice cubes or cold packs
 Food Coloring (to visualize water movement)
 Thermometer (measuring water temperature at different locations)
 Fan or Blow Dryer (optional: to simulate wind)
 Excel app (data analysis)
 SET UP:
Heat Source: Place the Heat Source (e.g., a lamp or small heater) at one end of the container to stimulate
the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the Sun.
Cold Source: At the opposite end, place ice cubes or cold packs to create a temperature gradient
within the container.

DOCUMENTATION OF EXPERIMENT:
Thermometers: Insert thermometers at different points in the water (e.g., near the heat source, in the
middle, and near the cold source) to measure temperature changes over time.
Food Coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring near the heat source to help visualize the movement of
water (which stimulates air movement in the atmosphere)
OBSERVATION: Before the food color, turn on the heat source and observe how the water begins to
circulate. Students should record the temperature at different points in the container every 5 minutes for
30 minutes (6 times interval) Then, note the movement of the food color after it as a proxy for fluid (or
air) movement.

23ndrdREADING:
1st TEMP 9:36am-9:41am
9:24am-9:29am
TEMP READING: 9:30am-9:35am
 th
465ththTEMP
TEMPREADING:
TEMP READING:9:42am-9:47am
READING: 9:48am-9:53am
9:54am-9:59am

TIME (5 min. SIDE W/ HEAT MIDDLE SIDE W/ COLD

interval)
1ST READING 35°C 32°C 25°C
2ND READING 36°C 33°C 22°C
3RD READING 36°C 33°C 21°C
4TH READING 38°C 34°C 23°C
5TH READING 36°C 33°C 22°C
6TH READING 36°C 34°C 23°C
Part 2: Simulating Atmospheric Circulation
1. Temperature and Circulation Analysis:
 Discuss how the water circulates within the container, with warmer water rising
near the heat source and cooler water sinking near the cold source. Relate this to the
process of convection in the atmosphere:
The circulation of water within a container, with warmer water rising near the heat source and cooler
water sinking near the cold source is a classic example of Convection.
Convection – is heat transfer by a moving fluid exposed to a heat source warm, it becomes less dense and
moves upward in the system. Cooler fluid replaces the warmer fluid, which is then heated as well and will
rise. As warmer fluid rises, its movement makes room for more fluid to be warmed.
In the experiment of a container, with heat source and cold source on its sides are example of
convection works where the hot side is less dense part of a fluid rises, and the cooler side is more dense
part of a fluid sinks.

Convection plays an important role in heat transfer to other parts of the container. The hotter water
expands, decrease in density, and rises to transfer heat to other regions of the water, sinks to the bottom
and this process is keeps repeating.

Detailed Breakdown of Convection in the Atmosphere:

Uneven Heating: The sun’s energy is unevenly
distributed across the Earth’s surface. The
tropics receive more direct sunlight, leading to
higher surface temperature.
Density Differences: Warmer air expands,
becoming less dense than cooler air. This
difference in density drives the convection
process.
Rising Warm Air: The less dense, warmer air
rises, creating areas of low pressure. This rising air often forms cumulus clouds as water vapor condenses.
Sinking Cool Air: Cooler, denser air from higher altitudes sinks, creating areas of high pressure. This
sinking air often results in clear skies.
Wind Formation: The movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas creates winds.
These winds are essentially convection currents in the atmosphere.
Global Weather Patterns: Convection currents in the atmosphere are responsible for global weather
patterns, including the formation of storms, the movement of air masses, and the distribution of heat and
moisture

 Ask Students to draw parallels between this small-scale demonstration and large-
scale atmospheric circulation patterns, such as: Hadley cells, Polar cells, and the
Coriolis Effect.
 Warm air/water temperature rise, as
cooler air/ water temperature sink in
container and Atmospheric
circulation in the atmosphere

2. Extension Activity (Optional)

Use a fan/blow Dryer to stimulate wind and observe how this affects the circulation within the
container. Discuss the impact of wind on heat distribution and atmospheric circulation

In this experiment, we used fan instead of blow dryer

Fan create Wind and Affect Circulation:
Fans and blow Dryers work by creating forced convection, a process where a fluid (air in this case) is
moved by an external force, such as fan. This movement creates wind which affects the circulation of air
within the container, especially when there are heat and cold sources present.
Fans: use rotating blades to push air, the blades are designed to create a low-pressure area behind them,
which draws air in and pushes it forward.
Wind’s Impact on Heat Distribution and Atmospheric Circulation
Winds: plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth’s climate by influencing both heat distribution and
atmospheric circulation. It acts as a powerful agent, transporting heat from warmer regions to colder ones,
creating dynamic atmospheric patterns that govern weather and climate across the globe.
Wind as a Heat Transporter
The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun is the primary driver of wind. The equator receives
more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures and lower air pressure. Conversely, the poles
receive less direct sunlight, resulting in colder temperatures and higher air pressure. This pressure
difference creates a natural flow of air from high-pressure areas (poles) to low-pressure areas (equator),
generating wind.
Wind acts as a heat transporter by moving warm air from the tropics towards the poles and cold air from
the poles towards the tropics. This process helps to regulate global temperatures, preventing extreme
temperature differences between the equator and the poles.
Atmospheric Circulation Cells
The Earth's rotation further complicates this process, creating atmospheric circulation cells - large-
scale patterns of air movement that influence weather and climate. The three main cells are:
1. Hadley Cells: Located near the equator, Hadley cells are driven by the rising of warm, moist air at the
equator and the sinking of cool, dry air at around 30 degrees latitude. This creates a circulation pattern
that transports heat from the equator towards the poles.
2. Ferrel Cells: Situated between the Hadley and Polar cells, Ferrel cells are characterized by a
circulation pattern that moves air from the poles towards the equator at the surface and from the equator
towards the poles at higher altitudes.
3. Polar Cells: Located at the poles, Polar cells are driven by the sinking of cold, dry air at the poles and
the rising of warm, moist air at around 60 degrees latitude.
These cells are interconnected, forming a complex global circulation system that distributes heat and
moisture around the globe.
Wind's Influence on Weather Patterns
Wind plays a critical role in shaping weather patterns. It influences:
- Temperature: Wind can moderate temperatures by transporting heat from warmer to colder regions.
- Precipitation: Wind carries moisture, which can lead to rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.
- Storm Formation: Wind is a key ingredient in the formation of storms, such as hurricanes and
tornadoes.
- Cloud Formation: Wind can transport moisture, which condenses to form clouds.
Impact of Climate Change on Wind Patterns
Climate change is altering wind patterns in several ways:
- Jet Stream Shifts: The jet stream, a high-altitude wind current that influences weather patterns, is
becoming erratic and wavy due to warming in the Arctic. This can lead to extreme weather events, such
as heat waves, droughts, and floods.
- Changes in Circulation Cells: Climate change is altering the strength and position of atmospheric
circulation cells, leading to changes in precipitation patterns and temperature extremes.
- Increased Wind Speeds: Some regions are experiencing increased wind speeds due to climate change,
which can exacerbate extreme weather events.
Part 3: Data Analysis and Interpretation
1. Data Compilation:
(Data Analysis via Excel) …
GRAPH:
RESULT AND DISCUSSION FROM GRAPH:

2. Conceptual Discussion:
 Discuss the relationship between heat, temperature gradients and fluid movement,
emphasizing how these principles apply to atmospheric circulation:
The Interplay of Heat, Temperature Gradients, and Fluid Movement
Heat: The Driving Force
Heat is a form of energy that flows from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower
temperature. This flow is driven by the tendency of systems to reach thermal equilibrium, where
temperature is uniform throughout. Heat transfer can occur through three primary mechanisms:
- Conduction: Direct transfer of heat through molecular collisions within a material. This is
most efficient in solids, where molecules are tightly packed.
- Convection: Heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). This occurs when
warmer, less dense fluid rises, while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circular current.
- Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum.
This is how the Earth receives heat from the Sun.
Temperature Gradients: The Direction of Flow
A temperature gradient is the rate of change of temperature over a specific distance. It
essentially measures how quickly temperature changes from one point to another. The steeper the
gradient, the faster the rate of heat transfer.
Temperature gradients are crucial because they dictate the direction of heat flow. Heat always
moves from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature, following the temperature
gradient.
Fluid Movement: The Medium of Transfer
Fluids such as air and water, play a vital role in heat transfer, particularly through convection.
The movement of fluids is driven by differences in density, which are often caused by
temperature gradients.
When a fluid is heated, it expands and becomes less dense. This warmer fluid rises, while cooler,
denser fluid sinks, creating a convection current. These currents distribute heat more evenly
throughout the fluid.
Atmospheric Circulation: A Global Convection System
Atmospheric circulation is a large-scale global convection system driven by the unequal
heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun. This unequal heating creates temperature gradients,
which in turn drive the movement of air masses.
The Earth's rotation also plays a crucial role, creating the Coriolis effect, which deflects
moving objects (including air masses) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in
the Southern Hemisphere.
Here's how these concepts apply to atmospheric circulation:
- Unequal Heating: The equator receives more solar radiation than the poles, creating a
temperature gradient.
- Rising Air: Warm, less dense air at the equator rises, creating a low-pressure zone. [6]
- Sinking Air: As the rising air cools and becomes denser, it sinks at higher latitudes, creating
high-pressure zones.
- Coriolis Effect: The Earth's rotation deflects these air currents, creating prevailing wind
patterns like the trade winds and westerlies.
- Convection Cells: These processes create three distinct convection cells in each hemisphere:
Hadley cells, Ferrel cells, and Polar cells.
The interaction of these factors creates a complex and dynamic system of atmospheric
circulation, responsible for distributing heat and moisture around the globe, influencing weather
patterns, and shaping global climates.
Heat, temperature gradients, and fluid movement are fundamentally interconnected concepts
that drive atmospheric circulation.
Unequal heating of the Earth's surface creates temperature gradients, which drive air movement.
The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, deflects air currents, influencing wind
patterns.
Atmospheric circulation is a complex global convection system that distributes heat and
moisture, shaping weather and climate.
 Connect the observed data and circulation patterns to the concepts of the Earth’s
energy balance, global wind patterns, and the influence of the Sun on atmospheric
dynamics
(Answer this after creating graph and then connect the data result to circulation patterns)
…

 Explore how differential heating between the equator and poles drives the global
circulation system:
The Engine of Global Circulation: Differential Heating and the Earth’s Atmospheric
Symphony
The Earth’s atmosphere is a dynamic system, constantly in motion, driven by the uneven
distribution of solar energy. This differential heating between the equator and the poles is the
fundamental force behind the global circulation system, a complex network of air currents that
redistributes heat and moisture around the globe.
The Sun’s Uneven Embrace: A Temperature Gradient
The Earth’s spherical shape dictates that the equator receives more direct sunlight than the
poles. This results in a temperature gradient, with the equator experiencing significantly higher
temperatures than the poles.
This unequal heating creates a fundamental imbalance in the Earth’s energy budget. The tropics
experience a net gain of energy, while the poles experience a net loss. The global circulation
system acts to redistribute this energy, striving to achieve a more balanced state.
From Heat to Pressure: The Driving Force
The temperature gradient leads to variations in air pressure. Warm air at the equator expands
and becomes less dense, creating a low-pressure zone. Conversely, cold air at the poles contracts,
becoming denser and creating a high-pressure zone.
This pressure difference creates a pressure gradient force, driving air to move from areas of high
pressure to areas of low pressure. This is the fundamental force that sets the global circulation
system in motion.
The Earth’s Rotation: A Twist in the Wind
The Earth’s rotation introduces the Coriolis effect, a force that deflects moving objects
(including air masses) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern
Hemisphere.
The Coriolis effect, combined with the pressure gradient force, shapes the direction of the major
wind systems within the global circulation. It creates the prevailing westerlies in the mid-
latitudes, the trade winds in the tropics, and the polar easterlies near the poles.
The Three-Cell Model: A Simplified Picture
The global circulation system is often represented by a simplified model called the three-cell
model. This model depicts three distinct convection cells in each hemisphere:
- Hadley Cell: This cell extends from the equator to approximately 30° latitude. Warm, moist air
rises at the equator, cools, and releases precipitation. This sinking air creates a high-pressure
zone at 30° latitude, leading to dry conditions and deserts. The trade winds flow towards the
equator from this high-pressure zone.
- Ferrel Cell: This cell operates between 30° and 60° latitude. It is driven by the interaction with
the Hadley and Polar cells. Warm air rises at 60° latitude, creating a low-pressure zone, and sinks
at 30° latitude. This cell creates the prevailing westerlies in the mid-latitudes.
- Polar Cell: This cell extends from 60° latitude to the poles. Cold air sinks at the poles, creating
a high-pressure zone, and rises at 60° latitude. This cell creates the polar easterlies, which flow
towards the equator.
A Complex and Dynamic System
While the three-cell model provides a simplified framework, the actual global circulation
system is much more complex and dynamic. It is influenced by a multitude of factors,
including:
- Land-Sea Interactions: The distribution of land and water masses creates regional variations
in temperature and pressure, influencing wind patterns and precipitation.
- Topography: Mountains and other landforms can disrupt air flow, creating localized weather
patterns.
- Seasonal Variations: The Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the Sun cause seasonal shifts in solar
radiation, leading to variations in temperature gradients and wind patterns.
The Importance of Global Circulation
The global circulation system plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate.
- Redistributes Heat: It transports heat from the tropics to the poles, moderating temperatures
across the globe.
- Influences Precipitation: It determines the distribution of precipitation patterns, creating
rainforests in the tropics and deserts at 30° latitude.
- Drives Weather Patterns: It creates the large-scale weather systems that bring storms, winds,
and temperature changes to different regions.
CONCLUSION:

The differential heating between the equator and the poles is the fundamental driver of
the Earth’s global circulation system. This complex and dynamic system, shaped by the Earth’s
rotation and a multitude of other factors, plays a critical role in regulating our planet’s climate.
Understanding this system is essential for navigating the challenges of a changing climate.
Understanding the global circulation system is crucial for predicting and mitigating climate
change. As global temperatures rise, changes in atmospheric circulation patterns can lead to
shifts in weather patterns, precipitation regimes, and extreme weather events. Further research is
needed to understand how these changes will impact different regions and how we can adapt to
them.
The interplay of heat, temperature, and atmospheric circulation creates a complex and dynamic
system that governs our planet's climate. Understanding these fundamental concepts is crucial for
comprehending the intricate processes that drive weather patterns, influence regional climates, and shape
the distribution of life on Earth.
Convection currents, driven by temperature differences and density variations, are a fundamental
process in both container and the atmosphere. While they operate similarly, the scale and complexity of
these currents differ significantly. Understanding convection currents is crucial for comprehending the
dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere and the complex interplay of weather and climate systems.
Fan is used in experiment to represent as wind and this wind is a fundamental force in the Earth's climate
system. It plays a vital role in heat distribution, atmospheric circulation, and weather patterns.
Understanding the impact of wind on these processes is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of
climate change. As the climate continues to change, we can expect to see further alterations in wind
patterns, which will have significant consequences for weather and climate around the globe.
(Add paragraph for the result and discussion of graph data) …