Thickness and Height Pattern
Exercises
Exercise 1
Examine the diagnostics for the geostrophic wind Vg where the relative vorticity gradient is strong. Then consider the dot product Vg·∇(ζg) that appears in RHS Term 1. Does Vg·∇(ζg)>0 correspond to Cyclonic Vorticity Advection (CVA) or Anti-cyclonic Vorticity Advection (ACVA)? Select the correct answer from the following:
The correct answer is c).
How are the contributions to relative vorticity tendency (∂ζg/∂t) from relative and planetary vorticity advection generally related? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is a) for wavelengths generally observed with synoptic-scale systems. Note that the planetary vorticity advection effect increases as wavelength increases.
Overlay the 500 hPa height field on the wind field. Then compare the relative vorticity, relative vorticity advection, planetary vorticity advection, and vorticity tendency fields.
Which of the following statements are true. (Choose ALL that apply.)
The correct answers are a) and d).
Which of the following is a true statement?
The correct answer is b).
Exercise 2
Complete the statement
Consider the ∂ω/∂p term and answer the following questions. (Use the selection box to choose the answer that best completes the statement.)
In the absence of vorticity advection (i.e., RHS Term 1 = 0), stretching of an air parcel would result in which of the following?
The correct answer is a).
Exercise 3
For the preceding MSLP graphic in the Southern Hemisphere, which of the following thickness patterns would generate: (Use the selection box to choose the answer that best completes the statement.)
With respect to the 1000 hPa systems, which of these configurations corresponds to:
For answer d) above, explain why that phase shift would cause a system of maximum intensity.
(Type your answer in the box, then click Done.)
The case where the surface and upper systems are in phase corresponds to the systems having reached maximum development. This case has the strongest vertical motion, and as there is no quasi-geostrophic vertical motion over the centre of the surface systems, they are no longer intensifying.
Exercise 4
Consider the following MSLP/Precipitation patterns, focusing on the region south of 30°S and between 140°E to 170°E:
Which scenario below best represents the position of the QG Vorticity Tendency field with respect to the 1000hPa field?
Continue to the next question to find the answer.
For the QG Vorticity Tendency distribution you have selected, compare the position of the corresponding thickness field to the 1000hPa height. Does this configuration match the relative positions of the MSLP trough and Thickness trough in the graphic?
If in the previous question, you selected -π/2, then "Yes" they should match.
If in the previous question, you selected something other than -π/2, then "No" they shouldn't match.
This is a map of MSLP/1000-500hPa Thickness from the case above. This situation corresponds to:
The correct answer is c).