Chapter 10, Review Questions

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1. The average temperature contrast between winter and summer is greater for continental polar air than for maritime tropical air. Explain why.

2. Identify the various processes that could be involved in the modification of air masses.

3. Over the Great Plains and Midwest, Pacific air is relatively mild and dry. How does Pacific air acquire these characteristics if it originated over the Pacific Ocean?

4. The cloud and precipitation pattern associated with a cold front is usually narrower than the cloud and precipitation pattern associated with a warm front. Explain why.

5. Under what conditions in the upper troposphere is cyclogenesis most likely to take place?

6. Describe the general weather conditions in the southeast sector of a typical mature extratropical cyclone.

7. Along the path of a mature extratropical cyclone, where is snowfall most likely?

8. What is the relationship between an arctic high and an arctic air mass?

9. Why is a Chinook wind both warm and dry?

10. What is the principal force that drives a katabatic wind?

Chapter 10, Critical Thinking Questions

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1. In winter, continental polar air modifies more rapidly when traveling over bare ground than snow-covered ground. Explain why.

2. How does air mass stability affect the type of weather that occurs along or ahead or a front?

3. Describe the changes that take place in cloud cover as a warm front approaches your locality.

4. In winter, Colorado-track lows typically bring heavier snowfall to the Great Lakes than do Alberta-track lows. Explain why.

5. The leading edge of a sea breeze resembles a miniature cold front. What type of weather might develop along a sea breeze front?

6. Colder weather usually follows in the wake of an intense winter cyclone. Explain why.

7. Why is a surface temperature inversion associated with an arctic high?

8. What is the significance of a triple point located along the coast of North Carolina?

9. Why is a dry slot dry?

10. What are some of the differences between a cold-core cyclone and a warm-core cyclone?