Question

Comparing the wind speeds in a general west-east band across the middle of the country for the 500-mb level with the surface winds at those same locations at 00Z 26 OCT 2016, shows that, as altitude in the atmosphere increases, wind speeds generally ________. This relationship results in part from the absence of friction in the middle and upper atmosphere.

a) Increase
b) Decrease
c) Remain constant
d) Fluctuate

Answer 1

Option A: Wind speeds generally increase with altitude due to the absence of friction in the middle and upper atmosphere. The 500-mb level experiences faster winds than the surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing wind speeds at different altitudes, as altitude increases, wind speeds generally increase. This is because, at higher altitudes like the 500-mb level, winds are not subject to the frictional effects that they experience near the Earth's surface. The surface winds experience friction with the ground, which slows them down. In contrast, the middle and upper atmosphere conditions, where the 500-mb level is located, offer less resistance, allowing the winds to move faster. The reduced friction at higher altitudes contributes to the typically greater wind speeds found there.

Comparing the wind speeds in a general west-east band across the middle of the country for the 500-mb level with the surface winds at those same locations at 00Z 26 OCT 2016, shows that, as altitude in the atmosphere increases, wind speeds generally decrease. This relationship results in part from the absence of friction in the middle and upper atmosphere.