Question

Mesoscale convective complexes:

A. Tend to dissipate as soon as the sun goes down.

B. Occur along dry lines.

C. Do not provide any benefit to agriculture.

D. Begin as air mass thunderstorms that form in the afternoon.

Answer 1

Mesoscale convective complexes typically start as air mass thunderstorms in the afternoon, driven by convection and phase changes, and can persist through the night, often providing beneficial rainfall for agriculture.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mesoscale convective complexes (MCCs) are large organized systems of thunderstorms. They can provide significant amounts of rainfall, which can be beneficial for agriculture. Unlike the statement in option A, MCCs do not necessarily dissipate after the sun goes down, as they can last from several hours to more than a day, often persisting through the night. The correct answer to the question is that they begin as air mass thunderstorms that form in the afternoon (option D). These storms are driven by the positive feedback mechanism of convection and phase change, where the heat from the ocean evaporates water, and its subsequent condensation in the atmosphere releases energy, driving the thunderclouds higher into the atmosphere.

MCCs do not occur specifically along dry lines, which are more associated with the formation of severe thunderstorms. While MCCs can begin as air mass thunderstorms in the afternoon, they tend to evolve and grow into larger and more organized systems.