Mid Term

Question 1

Relative Vorticity is associated with:

Answer 1

curvature and shear in horizontal winds

Question 2

The full vorticity equation:

Answer 2

is exactly true for all atmospheric motion

Question 3

Vorticity is derived from:

Answer 3

momentum equation

Question 4

The only way vorticity can change is:

Answer 4

advection

Question 5

Why are we looking at vorticity equation instead of staying with momentum equation?

Answer 5

Rotation perspective makes it easier to understand the atmosphere

Question 6

Term in vorticity equation relevant to synoptic scale flow:

Answer 6

Divergence

Question 7

Physical principle in vorticity equation is based on:

Answer 7

F = ma

Question 8

Which terms are important for synoptic-scale flow?

Answer 8

change in time of absolute vorticity, for a parcel (a) and stretching (divergence) (b)

Question 9

Equation C from Hw 2

Answer 9

Twisting/Tilting

Question 10

Equation D from Hw 2

Answer 10

Solenoidal

Question 11

Changes to planetary vorticity, f, occur with:

Answer 11

Change in latitude

Question 12

If potential vorticity is conserved:

Answer 12

Increases in the height of the column must be accompanied by increases in absolute vorticity

Question 13

True statement for trough and ridges in westerly flows:

Answer 13

Advection of relative vorticity acts to move them eastward, while advection of planetary vorticity acts to move them westward.

Question 14

TRUE OR FALSE: For troughs and ridges in westerly flow, momentum is conserved following a parcel

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What are Rosby waves?

Answer 15

Waves that are created due to the conservation of potential vorticity