Chapter 31, Problem 16TE

To determine

The reason for cause of clouds and precipitation by fronts.

Answer to Problem 16TE

Cold fronts cause the warm air to lift vertically upward. As the air rises, it cools and its moisture condenses to produce clouds and precipitation.

Explanation of Solution

The lifting mechanisms cause the warm air and cold air to lift up against the gravity effect, the temperature and pressure of the air decrease as it rises, so in case of a cold front, a colder, denser air mass lifts the warm moist air. As the air rises, it cools and moisture condenses to produce clouds and precipitation.

The warm front moves up above the cold air front, less dense air rises up and starts cooling. The moisture content of air starts condensing and produce big-sized water molecules from clouds and cause precipitation to occur.

Conclusion:

Therefore, cold fronts cause the warm air to lift vertically upward. As the air rises, it cools and its moisture condenses to produce clouds and precipitation.