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These constraints are explored in three other tank experiments described on this wiki: Balanced Motion, Fronts and Convection. Bringing these concepts together into a general circulation model explains the existence of some persistent features of the atmosphere, including the subtropical and polar jet streams, the trade winds, and the midlatitude bands in which rotating weather systems can be observed.
Theory
Balanced Motion
The Balanced Motion experiment develops three kinds of force balance: hydrostatic balance in the vertical, and geostrophic and cyclostrophic balance in the horizontal. It also introduces the Rossby number as a tool to determine whether geostrophic or cyclostrophic balance dominates in a given system.
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Tank Experiment
Two rotating tank experiments were set up. Tank rotation speed was the important parameter varied: one tank rotated at a speed of 1
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