Question

The pattern of contour lines on the map shows that as latitude increases, the height of the 500 mb surface generally ______?

1) increases
2) decreases
3) remains constant
4) cannot be determined

Answer 1

As latitude increases, the height of the 500 mb surface generally decreases due to the colder air found at higher latitudes, resulting in denser air and lower altitudes for this pressure level.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the height of the 500 mb surface as latitude increases, which is a concept in meteorology and geography. On a topographic or meteorological map, contour lines represent areas of equal atmospheric pressure. The 500 millibar (mb) level is a pressure surface in the mid-troposphere, which is approximately halfway up in the atmosphere's mass. Typically, as you move towards the poles (increase in latitude), the height of this 500 mb surface decreases. Therefore, the correct answer is (2) decreases.

As latitude increases, the average temperature generally drops, which leads to denser air and hence the 500 mb surface being found at a lower altitude. Looking at a weather map with contour lines of constant pressure, one can observe these patterns: closer to the equator the contour lines for 500 mb are at higher altitudes, and as you move towards the poles, these contour lines represent lower altitudes.