CLIMATE AND WEATHER 2

Question 1

Describe the characteristics of mid-latitude cyclones.

Answer 1

Mid-latitude cyclones are characterized by cold and warm fronts, circular isobars, low pressure, and clockwise wind circulation.

Question 2

Explain the stages of mid-latitude cyclone development.

Answer 2

The stages of mid-latitude cyclone development include the initial stage, development stage, mature stage, and occlusion.

Question 3

Define warm and cold fronts in the context of mid-latitude cyclones.

Answer 3

A warm front is where warm air is behind the front, while a cold front is where cold air is behind the front.

Question 4

How does temperature change during the passage of a cold front?

Answer 4

During the passage of a cold front, the temperature drops suddenly.

Question 5

What happens to air pressure during the mature stage of a mid-latitude cyclone?

Answer 5

Air pressure reaches its lowest point during the mature stage of a mid-latitude cyclone.

Question 6

Describe the weather changes associated with the passing of a warm front.

Answer 6

As a warm front passes, temperature rises to a maximum, air pressure drops to a minimum, and cloud cover decreases, leading to the cessation of rainfall.

Question 7

Explain the conditions necessary for the formation of tropical cyclones.

Answer 7

Conditions for tropical cyclone formation include sea temperatures of at least 26ºC, high humidity, the Coriolis force, unstable air, little surface friction, light variable winds, air pressure below 950 hPa, and divergence in upper air levels.

Question 8

How do wind patterns change during the passage of a cold front?

Answer 8

Wind changes from northwest to southwest during the passage of a cold front.

Question 9

What is the significance of isobars in understanding mid-latitude cyclones?

Answer 9

Isobars indicate areas of equal pressure; in mid-latitude cyclones, circular isobars signify low pressure and help in understanding wind patterns.

Question 10

Describe the weather patterns typically associated with tropical cyclones.

Answer 10

Tropical cyclones are associated with high winds, heavy rainfall, and can lead to severe weather conditions.

Question 11

How does cloud cover change during the development of a mid-latitude cyclone?

Answer 11

Cloud cover typically increases as the cyclone develops, with thick cloud cover during the mature stage and a decrease as the system occludes.

Question 12

What role does the Coriolis force play in the formation of tropical cyclones?

Answer 12

The Coriolis force is essential for the rotation and development of tropical cyclones, influencing their movement and structure.

Question 13

Explain the impact of a cold front on precipitation levels.

Answer 13

A cold front typically leads to increased precipitation, often resulting in heavy rainfall before the front passes.

Question 14

Describe the typical location where mid-latitude cyclones form.

Answer 14

Mid-latitude cyclones typically form in mid-latitude regions, between 30°N and 60°N and 30°S and 60°S.

Question 15

What happens to wind direction as a warm front passes?

Answer 15

Wind direction changes from northeast to north/northwest as a warm front passes.

Question 16

How does the weather change in the cold sector of a mid-latitude cyclone?

Answer 16

In the cold sector, temperatures are lower, cloud cover is high, and precipitation is likely.

Question 17

What is the relationship between air pressure and temperature during the occlusion stage of a mid-latitude cyclone?

Answer 17

During the occlusion stage, air pressure begins to rise while temperatures may vary depending on the specific conditions.

Question 18

Describe the characteristics of a tropical cyclone during its mature stage.

Answer 18

In the mature stage, a tropical cyclone has a pressure well below 1000 hPa, indicating a strong storm system.

Question 19

Explain the weather patterns associated with the eye of a tropical cyclone.

Answer 19

In the eye of a tropical cyclone, there is no wind or rain, and the clouds dissipate, resulting in the lowest air pressure and an increase in temperature.

Question 20

Define the term ‘dissipation’ in the context of tropical cyclones.

Answer 20

Dissipation refers to the stage when the pressure in a tropical cyclone rises, leading to a decrease in storm intensity and eventual weakening.

Question 21

How do storm winds affect coastal areas during a tropical cyclone?

Answer 21

Storm winds can create great swells and waves, leading to flooding in coastal areas.

Question 22

Do tropical cyclones rotate in a specific direction?

Answer 22

Yes, tropical cyclones rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 23

Explain the influence of oceans on the climate of South Africa.

Answer 23

The oceans, including the South Atlantic High Pressure and South Indian High Pressure, significantly influence South Africa’s climate by affecting temperature and moisture levels.

Question 24

Describe the role of subtropical anticyclones in South Africa’s climate.

Answer 24

Subtropical anticyclones contribute to high temperatures and dry, cloudless conditions in the region.

Question 25

What is the effect of the Kalahari High Pressure on weather patterns?

Answer 25

The Kalahari High Pressure leads to descending air that can block warm, moist air, resulting in dry and cloudless conditions.

Question 26

How does the inversion layer affect weather conditions in South Africa?

Answer 26

The inversion layer can trap warm, moist air below, leading to dry conditions and potential thunderstorms above the escarpment.

Question 27

Explain the phenomenon of bergwind in South Africa.

Answer 27

Bergwind is a warm, dry wind that occurs when high pressure in the interior leads to descending air, creating a risk of veldfires.

Question 28

Describe the impact of valley climates on temperature variations.

Answer 28

Valley climates can experience temperature inversions, leading to frost pockets and smog due to cold air settling in lower areas.

Question 29

What are the typical weather conditions before the eye of a tropical cyclone?

Answer 29

Before the eye, conditions include strong winds from the south, decreasing air pressure, and very heavy rainfall.

Question 30

How does the weather change after passing through the eye of a tropical cyclone?

Answer 30

After the eye, winds shift to the north, air pressure increases, and heavy rainfall resumes as the storm begins to dissipate.

Question 31

Define the term 'inversion' in meteorological terms.

Answer 31

An inversion occurs when warm air traps cooler air below it, often leading to stable weather conditions and reduced cloud formation.

Question 32

What are the characteristics of the weather associated with saline thunderstorms?

Answer 32

Saline thunderstorms are influenced by high pressure systems and can lead to localized heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Question 33

Explain the significance of the aspect in valley climates.

Answer 33

The aspect, or slope direction, affects temperature and moisture levels, influencing the microclimate of valleys.

Question 34

Describe the phenomenon of katabatic winds.

Answer 34

Katabatic winds are cold winds that flow down from high elevations to lower areas, often resulting in temperature inversions where warmer air traps cooler air at the valley bottom.

Question 35

Explain the concept of urban heat islands.

Answer 35

Urban heat islands refer to urban areas that experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities, artificial surfaces, and heat generated by buildings and vehicles.

Question 36

Define the causes of urban heat islands.

Answer 36

Causes of urban heat islands include artificial surfaces, high buildings, industrial activities, and a high number of vehicles, which contribute to the trapping of heat and pollution.

Question 37

How do pollution domes affect urban areas?

Answer 37

Pollution domes are masses of polluted air trapped by an inversion layer, preventing it from rising, which leads to increased air pollution and health issues in urban areas.

Question 38

Explain the effects of urban heat islands on human health.

Answer 38

Effects of urban heat islands on human health include increased discomfort, heat stroke, respiratory issues like asthma, and higher energy use due to increased demand for air conditioning.

Question 39

Describe the differences between city and rural areas in terms of climate.

Answer 39

City areas typically have artificial surfaces, high buildings, and more vehicles, leading to higher temperatures and pollution, while rural areas tend to be cooler and less polluted.

Question 40

How does temperature change with altitude in temperature inversions?

Answer 40

In temperature inversions, temperature increases with altitude, contrary to the normal decrease in temperature with height, leading to warmer air trapping cooler air below.

Question 41

What are the features of a weather station model?

Answer 41

A weather station model typically includes data such as temperature, dew point temperature, wind direction, and wind speed, often represented in a standardized format.

Question 42

Explain how to interpret satellite images in weather analysis.

Answer 42

Satellite images can be interpreted by identifying features such as low-pressure cells, cold fronts, solid cloud cover, and areas of clear skies, which provide insights into weather patterns.

Question 43

Describe the movement of air around low-pressure systems.

Answer 43

Air around low-pressure systems moves in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to rising air and often stormy weather.

Question 44

What is the significance of isobar intervals on weather maps?

Answer 44

Isobar intervals on weather maps indicate the pressure differences in the atmosphere, with closer isobars representing stronger winds and weather changes.

Question 45

How does urbanization contribute to increased greenhouse gases?

Answer 45

Urbanization contributes to increased greenhouse gases through higher energy consumption, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities, exacerbating climate change.

Question 46

Explain the role of satellite images in monitoring weather patterns.

Answer 46

Satellite images play a crucial role in monitoring weather patterns by providing real-time visuals of cloud cover, storm systems, and temperature variations across regions.