This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe or illustrate the various phases in the life cycle of a middle latitude storm according to ... (Read 149 times)

Wadzanai

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 528
Describe or illustrate the various phases in the life cycle of a middle latitude storm according to the polar front theory.
  What will be the ideal response?

Question 2

In general, at the 500-mb level, the vorticity maximum and the shortwave move along at about ___________________ _ the speed of the wind.
   
  Fill in the blank with correct word.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

komodo7

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 322
Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: The development of a mid-latitude cyclone begins along the polar front, a semicontinuous global boundary separating cold polar air from warm subtropical air. Because the mid- latitude cyclonic storm forms and moves along the polar front in a wavelike manner, the developing storm is called a wave cyclone. A wavelike kink forms on the front, known as a frontal wave or an incipient cyclone. Watching the formation of a frontal wave on a weather map is like watching a water wave from its side as it approaches a beach: It first builds, then breaks, and finally dissipates, which is why a mid-latitude cyclonic storm system is known as a wave cyclone. The newly formed wave has a cold front pushing southward and a warm front moving northward. The region of lowest pressure (called the central pressure) is at the junction of the two fronts. As the cold air displaces the warm air upward along the cold front, and as overrunning occurs ahead of the warm front, a narrow band of precipitation forms. Steered by the winds aloft, the system typically moves east or northeastward and gradually becomes a fully developed open wave in 12 to 24 hours. The central pressure of the wave cyclone is now much lower, and several isobars encircle the waves apex. These more tightly packed isobars create a stronger cyclonic flow, as the winds swirl counterclockwise and inward toward the lows center. Precipitation forms in a wide band ahead of the warm front and along a narrow band of the cold front. The region of warm air between the cold and warm fronts is known as the warm sector. Here, the weather tends to be partly cloudy, although scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop if the air is conditionally unstable. As the open wave moves eastward, its central pressure continues to decrease, and the winds blow more vigorously as the wave quickly develops into a mature cyclone. The faster-moving cold front constantly inches closer to the warm front, squeezing the warm sector into a smaller area. The cold front eventually overtakes the warm front and the system becomes occluded. At this point, the storm is usually most intense, with clouds and precipitation covering a large area. The area of most intense weather is normally found to the northwest of the storms center. Here, strong winds and blowing and drifting snow can create blizzard conditions in winter. The point of occlusion where the cold front, warm front, and occluded front all come together is referred to as the triple point. In this region the cold and warm fronts appear similar to the open-wave cyclone. It is here where a new wave (called a secondary low) will occasionally form, move eastward or northeastward, and intensify into a cyclonic storm. The center of the intense storm system gradually dissipates, because cold air now lies on both sides of the occluded front. The warm sector is still present, but is far removed from the center of the storm. Without the supply of energy provided by the rising warm, moist air, the old storm system dies out and gradually disappears. We can think of the sequence of a developing wave cyclone as a whirling eddy in a stream of water that forms behind an obstacle, moves with the flow, and gradually vanishes downstream. The entire life cycle of a wave cyclone can last from a few days to more than a week.

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: half




Wadzanai

  • Member
  • Posts: 528
Reply 2 on: Jul 13, 2018
Great answer, keep it coming :)


pangili4

  • Member
  • Posts: 346
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
YES! Correct, THANKS for helping me on my review

 

Did you know?

The word drug comes from the Dutch word droog (meaning "dry"). For centuries, most drugs came from dried plants, hence the name.

Did you know?

The modern decimal position system was the invention of the Hindus (around 800 AD), involving the placing of numerals to indicate their value (units, tens, hundreds, and so on).

Did you know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was originally known as the Communicable Disease Center, which was formed to fight malaria. It was originally headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since the Southern states faced the worst threat from malaria.

Did you know?

An identified risk factor for osteoporosis is the intake of excessive amounts of vitamin A. Dietary intake of approximately double the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, by women, has been shown to reduce bone mineral density and increase the chances for hip fractures compared with women who consumed the recommended daily amount (or less) of vitamin A.

Did you know?

Looking at the sun may not only cause headache and distort your vision temporarily, but it can also cause permanent eye damage. Any exposure to sunlight adds to the cumulative effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on your eyes. UV exposure has been linked to eye disorders such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal dystrophies.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library