What is meant by "The General Circulation" in meteorology?

"The General Circulation" in meteorology refers to the large-scale pattern of pressure systems and winds that persist throughout the year. This concept encapsulates the overarching atmospheric circulation patterns that dictate the movement of air and the distribution of weather systems across the globe.

Understanding that these large-scale patterns are not confined to short-term changes helps clarify its significance in weather forecasting and climate behavior. The general circulation is largely driven by factors such as the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, the rotation of the Earth, and the presence of mountains and oceans, which collectively create a complex interaction between various wind patterns (like the trade winds and the westerlies) and pressure systems (such as high and low pressure areas).

In contrast, temporary patterns of weather changes would refer to shorter-term weather events and phenomena, while local climate variations focus more on specific regional characteristics rather than global patterns. Furthermore, general circulation is not exclusive to the tropics; it encompasses global behaviors affecting all latitudes. This broad relevance across different regions and timescales is central to understanding long-term climate and weather patterns.