FERREL Meaning and
Definition
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Ferrel, also spelled Ferrel's or Ferrel's law, refers to an atmospheric phenomenon related to the motion of air in Earth's mid-latitudes. It is named after American meteorologist William Ferrel, who first formulated this law in the 19th century. The Ferrel cell is an important component of Earth's circulation system, situated between the polar cell and the Hadley cell.
The Ferrel cell describes the general airflow occurring between 30 and 60 degrees latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This cell is characterized by the movement of air that is opposite to that of the polar cell and Hadley cell, flowing from west to east. Unlike these other cells, which represent predominantly vertical circulation, the Ferrel cell is horizontally oriented.
As warm tropical air rises from the Equator and moves poleward within the Hadley cell, it encounters the cold, sinking air from the polar cell at the Ferrel cell boundary. This collision generates atmospheric disturbances, such as storm systems and prevailing westerlies. The Ferrel cell's deflection of air creates the westward-moving wind patterns, including the prevailing westerlies, observed in the middle latitudes.
The Ferrel cell is an integral part of Earth's climate system and its disruptions can have significant effects, including changes in weather patterns and storm activity. Understanding the dynamics of the Ferrel cell is crucial for studying mid-latitude climatology and predicting meteorological conditions in regions influenced by this atmospheric phenomenon.
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A ring of metal put about the end of a staff, &c., to keep it from splitting.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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