4. Synoptic Meteorology

Midlatitude Cyclones — Quiz

Test your understanding of midlatitude cyclones with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

What does baroclinic instability in the midlatitude atmosphere refer to?

Question 2

Given a horizontal pressure difference of 10 hPa over 500 km at 60° N (f=1.2×10^{-4} s^{-1}, ρ=1.2 kg m^{-3}), what is the approximate geostrophic wind speed?

Question 3

A midlatitude cyclone at 45° N deepens from 1005 hPa to 982 hPa in 24 hours. Does it meet the criterion for explosive cyclogenesis ('bomb')?

Question 4

Which airflow feature in a midlatitude cyclone is characterized by warm, moist air ascending ahead of the cold front and feeding precipitation northward?

Question 5

During the occlusion process of a midlatitude cyclone, which air mass is typically lifted off the surface?