Physical Geography Chapter 14: Post Lab

The density of mercury is 13.5 times greater than the density of water. If you were to build a barometer that used water instead of mercury to record the standard pressure at sea level, what would be the height of that barometer? Assume that the mercury barometer is 76 centimeters, or 29.92 inches, long (this is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level).

1026 centimeters (403.92 inches)

Why does air spiral parallel to Earth's surface during initial stages of tornado formation?

Because of friction, surface winds move more slowly than winds higher in the air column.

When a ball is thrown in a stationary position, there is very little deflection in its path due to Coriolis effect, far too small for you to notice. But if the ball is thrown in motion, it will be deflected. You will relate the concept of the Coriolis force to a game of catch. The two-dimensional figure shows a game of catch played on a merry-go-round by nine children (the image is viewed from the South Pole). The alphabet A-H indicates the positions of eight children on the merry-go-round with the nineth child in the center. The arrows show the direction of rotation of the merry-go-round, which moves with a constant speed, moves with a constant speed causing a shift of 45∘∘. Assuming a child sitting in the center attempts to throw the ball directly to child D, which child will likely catch the ball?

C

How are mesocyclones and tornadoes related?

Mesocyclones can turn into funnel clouds. A funnel cloud that touches the ground is called a tornado.

Where are cyclones and anticyclones found in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres? In this activity, you will identify whether low- and high-pressure systems in the two hemispheres are associated with cyclonic or anticyclonic winds and how those winds will act. Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets. Each label may be used only once.

See Picture.

What is shown by this wind map?

Surface winds blowing counterclockwise and in towards an anticyclone.

A jet stream generally diverges above a low-pressure (warm) center. However, at Earth's surface, air converges at a low-pressure center. If the divergence of the jet stream is greater than the convergence of air at the surface low-pressure center below it, what will happen to the surface winds?

The surface winds will likely get stronger.

Which statement describes geostrophic winds?

They move parallel to the isobars.

What can cause the horizontally rotating air spiral to become the vertical spiral of a tornado?

Updrafts associated with thunderstorm clouds can tilt the horizontal column of spinning air.

What is a Hadley cell?

a large convection cell of air that rises near the equator due to heating of air

Which of the following options describe the features of the ideal location to erect wind turbines in order to generate the most electricity?

a strong pressure gradient flat, elevated land

What older household item is used in this video to demonstrate the Coriolis effect?

a turntable (record player)

Which statement describes winds associated with a surface high in the Northern Hemisphere?

clockwise and out

What type of weather would you expect to encounter along the polar front?

cloudy conditions and abundant precipitation

What type of weather would you expect to encounter along the intertropical convergence zone?

cloudy conditions and high rainfall Submit

Which of the following are influenced by Coriolis effect.

helicopter, on a flight ocean currents

What features are found near the subtropical high-pressure systems?

large desert systems

What are Rossby waves?

major undulations in the path of a jet stream Submit

Which of the following forces works to create cyclonic and anticyclonic wind circulation patterns?

pressure gradient Coriolis effect surface friction

Even though it's on the same spinning planet, the Coriolis effect influences moving objects and diverts them to the _____ of their intended direction in the Northern Hemisphere and to the _____ of their intended direction in the Southern Hemisphere.

right; left

Review the accompanying map. It shows the air pressure distribution across the United States on May 24, 2010, at 4:00 PM CDT. Use this information to rank the wind speeds in the following states from highest to lowest. Before ranking, calculate the change in air pressure in each state by finding the difference between the minimum and maximum isobar line in each state. If there is not an isobar line in a state, find the nearest lines on either side of it. Rank from highest to lowest wind speed.

see image

What is the intertropical convergence zone?

the region of rising air and low pressure near the equator

How can the jet stream return to normal zonal flow after Rossby waves build?

through separation of a mass of cold air from the jet stream

What other natural hazards are associated with tornado formation?

thunderstorms

The Coriolis effect is _____ at the equator and is _____ at the poles.

zero; strongest