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Describe the formation of each of the following and discuss its impact on weather patterns: - Mid-latitude depressions - Anticyclones - Land and sea breezes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 22 - 2018
Question 22
Describe the formation of each of the following and discuss its impact on weather patterns: - Mid-latitude depressions - Anticyclones - Land and sea breezes.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the formation of each of the following and discuss its impact on weather patterns: - Mid-latitude depressions - Anticyclones - Land and sea breezes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 22 - 2018
Step 1
Mid-latitude depressions
Answer
Mid-latitude depressions, also known as extratropical cyclones, form primarily in the temperate regions of the Earth. They occur when warm, moist air from the tropics meets colder, dry air from polar regions. This convergence of air masses leads to the development of a low-pressure area.
As the warm air rises, it cools, resulting in condensation and cloud formation, which can lead to precipitation. These depressions are characterized by strong wind systems and can influence significant weather patterns such as storms and rainfall. The impact on weather patterns includes cloudy conditions, increased precipitation, and variable weather, with wind direction often shifting as the depression moves.
Step 2
Anticyclones
Answer
Anticyclones, or high-pressure systems, form when cold, dense air descends and spreads outwards in the atmosphere. This process typically occurs in the subtropics, where high-pressure systems are prevalent.
The descending air inhibits cloud formation, leading to clear skies and stable weather conditions. Anticyclones can result in prolonged periods of dry, sunny weather and can contribute to temperature inversion scenarios, where cooler air is trapped near the surface. Their presence tends to lead to stable weather patterns and can influence regional climates significantly by promoting drought in areas affected by prolonged anticyclonic conditions.
Step 3
Land and sea breezes
Answer
Land and sea breezes are local winds that occur due to the differential heating of land and water surfaces. During the day, land heats up faster than the sea, causing warm air over the land to rise and creating an area of low pressure. Cooler air from the sea then moves in to replace it, resulting in a sea breeze.
At night, the process reverses; the land cools more quickly than the sea, creating a high-pressure area over the land and a low-pressure area over the warmer sea. This results in a land breeze flowing from land to sea. These breezes can moderate temperature and influence local weather patterns significantly, often bringing cooler air during the day and warm air during the night, thus affecting humidity and temperature variations.