Chapter 7 Questions
Give an example of each scale of atmospheric motion; Micro, Meso and Macro. An example of a “Microscale” atmospheric motion would be a small, turbulent breeze blowing through the trees. A F3 tornado flowing across a Kansas corn field would be an example of a “Mesoscale” motion, and Super Storm Sandy would be a great example of a “Macroscale” motion.
What causes an "eddy" to form? An “eddy” is formed when wind encounters a solid object, a whirl of air is formed on the object’s downward side. The size and shape of the eddy depends on the speed of the wind, and the size/shape of the obstacle.
Explain what causes the "sea breeze" and "land Breeze". A “sea breeze” forms during the day as the land heats more quickly than the near by water which creates a shallow thermal low (warm air rising over land). The air remains cool over the water, which creates a shallow thermal high. (cool air sinking). The high pressure moves toward the low pressure and creates a wind that blows from the water to the land.
The opposite occurs during land breeze. At night, the land cools faster than the water that has absorbed heat from the sun all day. The shallow thermal high forms over land while the shallow thermal low forms over the water. Again, the high pressure flows toward the low which results in a land breeze flowing from land out to sea.
Explain what causes the "monsoon rain season". The summer season in southeast Asia experiences “monsoon rain seasons”. This occurs when a shallow thermal low develops over Asia’s continental interior, and the air within the low rises and begins to flow counter-clockwise. This motion results in moisture-bearing winds sweeping into land from the ocean. The humid air converges with dryer air from the continent, which has an additional lifting effect and brings the air to its saturation point. Heavy rains and thunderstorms result.
Explain what causes "valley breezes" and "Mountain breezes". During the day, sunlight warms the valley walls, which
What causes an "eddy" to form? An “eddy” is formed when wind encounters a solid object, a whirl of air is formed on the object’s downward side. The size and shape of the eddy depends on the speed of the wind, and the size/shape of the obstacle.
Explain what causes the "sea breeze" and "land Breeze". A “sea breeze” forms during the day as the land heats more quickly than the near by water which creates a shallow thermal low (warm air rising over land). The air remains cool over the water, which creates a shallow thermal high. (cool air sinking). The high pressure moves toward the low pressure and creates a wind that blows from the water to the land.
The opposite occurs during land breeze. At night, the land cools faster than the water that has absorbed heat from the sun all day. The shallow thermal high forms over land while the shallow thermal low forms over the water. Again, the high pressure flows toward the low which results in a land breeze flowing from land out to sea.
Explain what causes the "monsoon rain season". The summer season in southeast Asia experiences “monsoon rain seasons”. This occurs when a shallow thermal low develops over Asia’s continental interior, and the air within the low rises and begins to flow counter-clockwise. This motion results in moisture-bearing winds sweeping into land from the ocean. The humid air converges with dryer air from the continent, which has an additional lifting effect and brings the air to its saturation point. Heavy rains and thunderstorms result.
Explain what causes "valley breezes" and "Mountain breezes". During the day, sunlight warms the valley walls, which