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Chapter 8: Problem 9

How does a midlatitude cyclone act as a catalyst for conflict between air masses?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Midlatitude cyclones act as a catalyst for conflict between air masses by causing warmer, moist air to rise and the colder air to take its place, creating a low-pressure system. This intensified interaction between warm and cold air masses, often results in the development of clouds, precipitation, and cyclonic weather conditions.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Midlatitude Cyclones

A mid-latitude cyclone starts to become evident when a cold air mass encounters a warm, moist air mass. As these two meet, the warmer air rises since it is lighter, and the colder air takes its place. This causes a low-pressure system and a counterclockwise rotation of air around the system center.
02

The Conflict between Air Masses

A mid-latitude cyclone exacerbates the natural conflict between warm and cold air masses. As the system matures further, conflict amplifies between these two air masses. As the warm air mass rises, it cools and condensation occurs causing cloud formation and usually precipitation. This eventually leads to a typical weather we associate with cyclones.
03

The Resultant Weather

As the system further evolves, the warm moist air continues to cool and condense forming more clouds and precipitation. This process carries on until the energy from the temperature gradient between the two clashing air masses is depleted, causing the cyclone to dissipate. Therefore, mid-latitude cyclones can be seen as a catalyst for the conflict between air masses as they cause the warm and moist air to clash with cold air.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How does a source region influence the type of air mass that forms over it? Give specific examples of each basic classification.

Of all the air masses, which are of greatest significance to the United States and Canada? What happens to them as they migrate to locations different from their source regions? Give an example of air mass modification.

What are the different classifications for tropical cyclones? List the various names used worldwide for hurricanes. Have any hurricanes ever occurred in the south Atlantic?

When an air mass passes across a mountain range, many things happen to it. Describe each aspect of a moist air mass crossing a mountain. What is the pattern of precipitation that results?

Explain why it is necessary for an air mass to be lifted if there is to be saturation, condensation, and precipitation.
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