Chapter 2 Case Study

Question 1

It has been recognized that central Mediterranean and northern African cyclogenesis is usually forced by

Answer 1

a variety of upper–level tropospheric features

Question 2

It has been recognized that central Mediterranean and northern African cyclogenesis is usually forced by a variety of upper–level tropospheric features, while the lower tropospheric physical and dynamic processes follow

Answer 2

baroclinic instability.

Question 3

The upper air circulation features originating in

Answer 3

northwest Europe

Question 4

The upper air circulation features originating in northwest Europe that have been recognized as precursors of

Answer 4

central and eastern Mediterranean cyclogenesis

Question 5

The upper air circulation features originating in northwest Europe that have been recognized as precursors of central and eastern Mediterranean cyclogenesis are as follow:

Answer 5

a) Strong and rapid cold advection towards the central Mediterranean in the upper troposphere, associated with the mobile jet streaks appearing upon the flanks of an omega shaped blocking anticyclone centered on the British Isles,
b) The formation of a dynamically unstable ridge on the eastern flank of the above mentioned blocking high,
c) The evolution of an upper diffluent trough, due to the asymmetrical flow between its western and eastern sides, and
d) The upper tropospheric cold dome in connection with its contribution to surface cyclogenesis.

Question 6

Therefore, the identification and investigation of the………………. that led to surface cyclogenesis on 20, 21 and 22 January is of major importance for forecasting the event.

Answer 6

upper tropospheric features