Anticyclones In The UK

Question 1

What do high pressure weather systems bring in the UK?

Answer 1

• Sinking dry air

- Due to cold origins of PM/PC

Question 2

Outline temperatures in the UK summer

Answer 2

• 25-30°C
• Lack of cloud cover to reflect and absorb insolation
• Longer days = More heating
• Sun high in sky = Max heating

Question 3

Outline low wind speeds in the UK summer

Answer 3

• No pressure gradient due to large area of high pressure

- Air moves slowly clockwise results in PC air moving towards UK

Question 4

Outline precipitation in the UK summer

Answer 4

• Convectional rainfall driven by hot land surface

Question 5

Outline temperatures in the UK winter

Answer 5

• -5-5°C
• Long nights = More heat escaping due to lack of insulating cloud cover
• Sun low in sky and short days = Limited heating

Question 6

Outline radiation fog in the UK winter

Answer 6

1) Heat escapes during nights
2) Air cools and reaches dew point, causing condensation
3) Fog trapped by temperature inversion (Warm air above cold)
4) Fog persists due to lack of evaporation and wind

Question 7

Outline advection fog in the UK winter

Answer 7

1) Air cooled to dew point by cold sea
2) Fog blown inland by sea breeze
3) Fog quickly disperses as warmer land causes it to evaporate

Question 8

Why does it snow in the east of the UK?

Answer 8

• PC remains stable/dry over Europe

- Picks up warmth and moisture over N. Sea = Snow showers