Atsc2000: Homework 8 – mid latitude cyclones. Due March 29, 2011
1) How are longwaves in the atmosphere different from shortwaves?
2) Would a wave cyclone intensify or dissipate if the upper level trough were east of
the surface cyclone? Explain.
3) Upper level clouds are moving southwest to northeast. Based on this, sketch an
upper level pressure pattern for the area. Will the weather be improving or getting
worse. Explain.
4) How are mid latitude cyclones related to cold and warm pool ocean gyres
observed near the gulf stream in the mid latitude north Atlantic? How are both the
cyclones and gyres important in the global heat balance?
5) In winter cold weather and precipitation lasts a few days and is followed by
relatively nicer weather prior to the next storm. What causes this periodicity?
6) The upper level pressure pattern can be described as a sine wave with ridges at
high latitudes troughs at lower latitudes. Explain how this happens and how it is
related to vorticity.
7) Draw a picture showing the relationship between an upper level trough and low
level cyclone that is favorable for cyclone development.
a. What has to happen at the upper levels for this cyclone to intensify.
b. What upper level features indicate that this is happening.
c. Include frontal boundaries on the low level cyclone and indicate where
weather may be expected.
8) Draw a life cycle of a mid latitude cyclone, indicating the frontal boundaries,
regions of clouds and where precipitation is expected.