Which cell is located from the equator to about 30 degrees, with trade winds toward the equator?

• A. Hadley Cell
• B. Ferrel Cell
• C. Polar Cell
• D. Monsoon Cell

Answer: (A)

Global atmospheric circulation organizes heat from the equator into cells that span specific latitude bands. The Hadley cell runs from the equator to about 30° latitude in each hemisphere. Here, intense solar heating causes air to rise near the equator, creating a low-pressure, convective zone. The air moves poleward aloft, cools, and sinks around 30°, forming subtropical highs. At the surface, air flows back toward the equator from these highs, producing the trade winds that blow toward the equator (northeast trades in the north, southeast trades in the south). This combination—rising at the equator, poleward flow aloft, sinking near 30°, and surface winds toward the equator—defines the Hadley cell and its association with the trade winds. The other options describe circulation at different latitudes or seasonal patterns that don’t match this single meridional cell.