What causes atmospheric circulation?

Atmospheric circulation is primarily driven by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which creates temperature differences that ultimately lead to variations in pressure. This process generates wind as the atmosphere seeks to equalize those pressure differences. In this context, wind moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

The fundamental principle behind this is that air moves in response to pressure gradients. When air warms, it becomes less dense and rises, creating a low-pressure area. Conversely, cooler air is denser and sinks, resulting in a high-pressure region. As air moves from high pressure toward low pressure, it creates wind and contributes to larger patterns of atmospheric circulation, including trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.

In short, the movement of air from high to low pressure is a central mechanism of atmospheric circulation, forming the basis of weather patterns and climate systems around the globe.