Chapter U3.55, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The effect of weather fronts on the weather of a place needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction : Weather is a very complicated phenomenon. It refers to clouds, winds, temperature and precipitation in a region at a given time. Meteorologists have identified large masses of air that have a consistent temperature and water content. These air masses have great influence on the weather.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

When a cold air mass and a warm air mass meet, the warm air rises and forms layers on top of the cold air. This is because warm air is less dense than cold air. A cold front occurs when a cold air mass overtakes a warm air mass, and a warm front occurs when a cold air is overtake by a warm air mass. Clouds and precipitation occur with warm as well as cold fronts. Warm fronts produce steady, light rain and cold fronts produce sudden heavy showers.

Explanation of Solution

Weather of a place is affected by weather fronts. Weather fronts are formed at the boundaries of warm and cold air masses. When a cold air mass and a warm air mass meet, two weather situations arise.

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass overtakes a warm air mass. The warm air is pushed up as the advancing cold air forces its way underneath it. The warm air cools at higher altitudes and forms clouds. The clouds associated with cold fronts are seen directly in the area of advancing front. They are formed quickly and produce sudden heavy rains. Cold fronts are responsible for squalls, tornadoes and strong winds.

Awarm front occurs when a warm air mass overtakes a cold air mass. The warm air gradually flows up and over the cold air because the warm air is less dense. The cooling of warm air takes place at higher altitudes and condensation of water vapor takes place to form clouds. The clouds associated with warm fronts are formed ahead of the place where the air masses meet. Steady light rain over a large area is associated with warm fronts.

Conclusion

When air masses form over the Earth they get their properties from the area beneath them. If an air mass is formed over water, it will be full of moisture and if it forms over land, it will be dry.