Author Question: How do meridional and zonal patterns of upper-air flow affect large-scale weather? What will be ... (Read 77 times)

strangeaffliction · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

How do meridional and zonal patterns of upper-air flow affect large-scale weather?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

A mid-winter, mid-latitude cyclone that reaches the West Coast is least likely to

A) have formed near Japan.
B) bring rain to coastal Oregon.
C) bring snow to the mountains of Washington.
D) head north when reaching the Rocky Mountains.

Carissamariew · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Upper-level patterns with strong north-south components (meridional flow) cause the formation of midlatitude cyclones downwind of trough axes (where vorticity decreases). Because they have no pronounced vorticity changes, zonal patterns hamper the development of intense cyclones and anticyclones. They are therefore more often associated with a large-scale pattern of light winds, calm conditions, and no areas of widespread precipitation.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D