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GCSE Geography · key term
The high-latitude circulation cell, approximately between 60° and 90° north or south, with descending air over the poles.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 3.1.1.3 · Paper 1
Revise: Global Atmospheric CirculationThe Polar cell extends approximately from 60° to 90°. Very cold air sinks over the poles, producing high pressure. Surface air flows towards 60°, where it meets warmer air and rises, before returning towards the poles at altitude.
Specification 2.1 · Paper 1
An atmospheric circulation cell between approximately 60° latitude and the pole in each hemisphere.
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In the simplified model, air returns towards 30° at high altitude. This cell works like a gear between the neighbouring Hadley and Polar cells, rather than being driven simply by heating at its own centre.