Chapter U3.55, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Difference between a warm front and a cold front has to be written.

Concept Introduction : Weather 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.Weather of a place is affected by weather fronts. Weather fronts are formed at the boundaries of warm and cold air masses.

Answer to Problem 2E

A cold front occurs when a warm air mass is overtaking by a cold air mass, and a warm front occurs when a cold air mass is overtaking by a warm air mass. The clouds associated with cold fronts are seen directly in the area of advancing front. They are formed quickly and are thick puffy clouds.The clouds associated with warm fronts are formed ahead of the place where the air masses meet. The clouds seen are high, wispy clouds. Warm fronts produce steady, light rain and cold fronts produce sudden heavy showers.

Explanation of Solution

A cold front occurs when a warm air mass is overtaking by a cold 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 cold air mass is overtaking by a cold air mass. The warm air gradually flows up and over the cold air because the warm air is less dense. The warm air cools at higher altitudes and water vapor condenses 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

Weather fronts occur at the boundaries between warm and cold air masses.