Chapter U3.55, Problem 6E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Type of front that develops when a continental polar air mass overtakes a maritime tropical air mass has to be identified.

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

Answer to Problem 6E

Whena continental polar air mass overtakes a maritime tropical air mass, a cold front develops.

Explanation of Solution

The continental polar air mass is cold dry air mass as it comes from land in temperate region. It is denser and heavier. On the other hand, the maritime tropical air mass is warm and less dense. It has lot of moisture as it is formed over the sea. Since continental polar air mass overtakes a maritime tropical air massacold frontis formed. 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.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Consequences of meeting of air masses are to be determined.

Concept Introduction : Weather fronts are formed at the boundaries of warm and cold air masses.

Answer to Problem 6E

When the air masses meet, the warm tropical maritime air is pushed up as it is less dense and the advancing cold air of continental polar region forces its way underneath it. The warm air cools at higher altitudes and water vapors condense to form clouds.

Explanation of Solution

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 can be seen directly in the area of advancing front. They are formed quickly and produce sudden heavy rains.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Type of weather that is expected and place where it is expected are to be discussed.

Concept Introduction : Weather refers to clouds, winds, temperature and precipitation in a region at a given time. The 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 6E

Cold fronts cause abrupt weather changes. Thick, puffy clouds are seen over the land in tropical region and soon there are sudden heavy showers. There may be thunderstorms, squalls and tornadoes which may cause heavy destruction.

Explanation of Solution

In case of cold fronts, the clouds are formed quickly and thick puffy clouds are seen like the ones associated with thunderstorms. Since the warm air is full of moisture it will produce sudden heavy rains. They are responsible for squalls, tornadoes and strong winds.