How do flows form and organize themselves?
The gases in the atmospheres of planets such as Earth and Jupiter flow as a result of uneven heating. A steady flow of heat from the planet’s interior is carried to the surface by convection (see Convection Cells). In addition, the Sun’s radiation heats the atmosphere unevenly depending upon the angle of its exposure to the Sun, and to the time of day. This uneven heating creates basic flow patterns that occur either vertically or horizontally. Coriolis force (see Cyclone) also affects flow patterns in the atmospheres of planets. Flow toward the equator is deflected in the direction opposite to rotation. Flow away from the equator is deflected in the same direction as the rotation. Imagine fluid flowing up from the interior, driven by convection, until it is forced to spread at the surface. The fluid that spreads north will turn in the direction of rotation (east). Flow heading south turns west. This occurs in the northern hemisphere. The opposite occurs in the southern hemisphere. Flo
