Question

On average, one would expect temperatures at similar latitudes to be similar. Zonal wind patterns, as in Figure 3, would exhibit this relationship. However, given the wind pattern of Figure 4, at 12Z on 21 OCT 2016, surface air temperatures in the central plains states of Missouri and Illinois are likely to be ________ than surface temperatures over California and Nevada.

a) Higher
b) Lower
c) Equal
d) Variable

Answer 1

Given the specified wind pattern, surface temperatures in Missouri and Illinois are likely to be higher than in California and Nevada due to reasons such as stronger insolation, local weather patterns, and geographical influences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The surface air temperatures in the central plains states of Missouri and Illinois are likely to be higher than surface temperatures over California and Nevada, given the wind pattern at 12Z on 21 OCT 2016. While latitudes may provide a basic understanding of expected temperatures, specific wind patterns and geographic factors, such as proximity to seas and elevation differences, greatly influence actual temperatures experienced in those locations.

Factors such as insolation, oceanic influence, local weather patterns, and geographic topology all play roles in creating these temperature differences. For example, the central plains may receive stronger insolation and be more susceptible to winds that bring warmer air from the south, while California and Nevada may be influenced by the Pacific Ocean, leading to cooler temperatures.