Final answer:
The life cycle of a mid-latitude depression consists of four stages: Birth, Maturity, Occlusion, and Dissipation, with each stage representing a specific phase in the development and eventual decline of the cyclone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four stages of a mid-latitude cyclone, often referred to as a mid-latitude depression, are typically described as:
- Birth (Cyclogenesis) - The stage where the cyclone begins to form, usually at the boundary of two contrasting air masses.
- Maturity - The stage where the cyclone is fully developed with a clear frontal system, bringing about the most intense weather conditions like strong winds and heavy precipitation.
- Occlusion - When the cold front catches up with the warm front and begins to 'occlude,' leading to a decline in the cyclone's intensity.
- Dissipation - The final stage where the cyclone loses energy and the weather system breaks down and dissipates.
Therefore, the correct order of stages in the life cycle of a mid-latitude depression would be a. Birth, Maturity, Occlusion, Dissipation.