Geoscience Reference
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(c) In your opinion, why do ocean currents tend to behave this way?
(d) Discuss the statement, 'The geographical distribution of land masses
influences the effect of ocean circulation on tropical Sea Surface
Temperature' in the context of the Atlantic Ocean, and give your opinion
on any consequences on the relative frequency of tropical storms in Cuba
and in northeast Brazil.
(e) A student said, 'The hydroclimatic mechanism which most influences the
food supply of half the world's population is related to difference in the way
surface radiation is shared for continents and oceans.' In your opinion,
what did she mean?
(f ) For clouds to occur in the atmosphere a mechanism which gives rising air
and therefore cooling air is required. In your opinion, what are two other
requirements and which of them is most likely to be the limiting
requirement?
(g) If a parcel of air is moister than its surroundings but it has the same
temperature and pressure, in your opinion will it tend to rise or will it tend
to fall? Briefly explain why.
(h) In convective conditions parcels of air are heated and start to rise because
they are warmer and lighter. As soon as a parcel rises the air cools. In your
opinion why does this cooling not necessarily stop the air parcel rising to
the cloud condensation level?
(i) Once the cloud condensation level is reached, cloud formation begins. Give
your opinion on what effect the condensation process will have on the
buoyancy of the parcel of air and its further ascent in the cloud.
(j) In a particular mid-latitude cloud, the air temperature is -25°C. In your
opinion, which phases of water (solid, liquid or vapor) are likely to be
present in the cloud, and what is likely to be the most important physical
mechanism giving ice particle growth in the cloud.
Question 7
(Uses understanding from Chapters 12, 13 and 14.)
(a) Draw a diagram of what in your opinion is the ideal site and mounting for
a rain gauge. It should show its relation to surrounding objects and to the
ground. Give a brief explanation of why you consider your design to be
good. Discuss this design with your instructor.
(b) Obtain values of mean monthly precipitation for a site that interests you
(e.g., your home town, state, or country). Compute the Seasonality Index
from these data using the formulae given in your class notes (or an
alternative measure of seasonality if you prefer; there are alternative
measures.) Comment on what this index implies about the seasonality of
the precipitation climate that you choose.
(c) Using the same data you used in question 7(b), draw a 'pie' diagram to
illustrate the seasonal behavior of the rainfall showing the percentage
contributions to the annual rainfall in each month.
