Author Question: Compare and contrast the formation of high pressure and low pressure atmospheric systems on ... (Read 86 times)

maegan_martin · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

Compare and contrast the formation of high pressure and low pressure atmospheric systems on precipitation and temperature in the areas where they form.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Briefly describe the factors that produce the world's largest tidal range in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, in northeastern Canada.

What will be an ideal response?

laurnthompson · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air. Warm air is less dense, so it rises. Cool air is more dense, so it sinks. Warm rising air results in low atmospheric pressure. As it rises and expands it cools. This results in it being unable to hold as much moisture resulting in clouds and precipitation. Cool sinking air results in higher atmospheric pressure. This sinking air compresses and warms up, enabling it to hold more moisture resulting in clear skies.

Answer to Question 2

The Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia has the largest tidal range in the world (56 feet). The bay is 258 km (160 miles) long with a wide opening into the Atlantic. However, at its northern end it splits into two narrow basins. Because of this, the period of free oscillation in the bay nearly matches the tidal period, resulting in constructive interference. Together with a narrowing and shoaling of the bay towards its northern end, and the Coriolis effect, the tidal range is greatly amplified from the mouth of the bay (2 m or 6.6 feet) towards the northern end (17 m or 56 feet).