Question

Compare the heights of the 500-mb pressure surface across the southern portion of the U.S. to those along the northern portion on the map. As latitude increases (one moves poleward), the height of the 500-mb surface generally ________.

a) Increases
b) Decreases
c) Stays constant
d) Fluctuates

Answer 1

The height of the 500-mb surface generally decreases as latitude increases and one moves poleward, due to the thickness of the atmosphere varying with latitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

The height of the 500-mb pressure surface generally decreases as latitude increases (one moves poleward) across the southern portion of the U.S compared to the northern portion.

As latitude increases, the distance from the equator increases. This means that in the northern portion of the U.S, closer to the poles, the 500-mb height will be lower compared to the southern portion. This is because colder air at higher latitudes is denser and exerts more pressure, leading to lower heights.

Overall, the height of the 500-mb pressure surface decreases as latitude increases, resulting in lower heights in the northern portion of the U.S.