Polar cells

The Polar cell, a key component of Earth's global atmospheric circulation, operates in the polar regions, roughly between 60° latitude and the poles themselves. These cells primarily circulate cold air, playing a significant role in shaping the extremely cold climates of the polar regions. 

Similar to other circulation cells, polar cells are driven by the planet's uneven heating, but their behavior is especially influenced by the dynamics of the adjacent Ferrel cell, which in turn is affected by the Hadley cell close to the equator. In essence, pressure differences created by the interaction of these cells set the Polar cell in motion.

The Movement of Air Within Polar Cells

The journey of air in the Polar cell begins at the poles, where intensely cold, dense air sinks, creating a high-pressure zone. This air then flows outward toward lower latitudes, particularly toward the subpolar low-pressure areas around 60° latitude. As the air moves, the Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, deflects the air, producing the polar easterlies—winds that blow from east to west in the polar regions.

At around 60° latitude, this cold air meets warmer air circulating in the Ferrel cell. The contrasting temperatures force the warm air to rise, forming a low-pressure zone. This rising air contributes to precipitation in the subpolar regions, often resulting in stormy weather.

Once the air has risen and cooled, it eventually descends back toward the poles, completing the circulation loop. This descending air strengthens the high-pressure system at the poles, perpetuating the process.

The Impact of Polar Cells on Climate

Polar cells are crucial for maintaining the extreme cold of the polar regions. By circulating frigid air from the poles toward lower latitudes, they help regulate the temperature gradient between the poles and the mid-latitudes, contributing to the global temperature balance. The circulation within the Polar cell is also responsible for the dry, cold conditions that define polar climates.

In summary, Polar cells play a vital role in shaping the weather and climate of the polar regions. They drive the movement of cold air, create the polar easterlies, and contribute to the formation of high-pressure systems at the poles. 

These cells are integral to the global atmospheric circulation system, influencing everything from temperature extremes to the formation and maintenance of polar ice caps.