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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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    • icons-what-is-gcUnderstanding Global Change 101
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Home → Glossary → atmospheric circulation

atmospheric circulation

The continuous, large-scale movement of air. Coupled with ocean circulation, it is the main way heat is distributed across the entire surface of the Earth. Atmospheric circulation generates global wind patterns and brings us our local winds and weather.

Learn more about atmospheric circulation.

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