The combination of the basics we have been discussing leads to this generalized pattern of Global Circulation. I want to concentrate on only two aspects of this drawing.
First the front activity represents the boundary between the Polar Easterlies and Prevailing Westerlies. This is the boundary where our weather in North America occurs. This drawing shows a summer configuration with the boundary occurring way to the north. In the real world this boundary snakes across the continent with large undulations. These undulations are caused by the day to day movement of the Jet Stream and reinforce the creation of high and low pressure systems.
Also note the 3 dimensional aspect of the Subtropical High. This is a region where the high level circulation settles to the surfaces. In North America two relatively stable High pressure systems form in the summer; One near Bermuda and one off the Pacific Coast. The one off the Pacific coast will play a crucial role in our weather.