Given the wind patterns, what is the thermal advection in the 850 to 700 mb layer if the 850 mb wind is 320/20?

Given the wind patterns, what is the thermal advection in the 850 to 700 mb layer if the 850 mb wind is 320/20?

• A. Warm
• B. Cold
• C. Neutral
• D. Variable

Answer: (B)

To determine the thermal advection within the 850 to 700 mb layer based on the wind patterns, one must assess both the direction and nature of the wind. The wind direction given as 320 degrees indicates that the wind is coming from the northwest, and the speed of 20 knots suggests a moderate intensity. In meteorology, when wind flows from a cooler area towards a warmer area, it is referred to as warm advection. Conversely, when wind flows from a warmer area to a cooler area, it is classified as cold advection. Since the wind at 850 mb is from the northwest (320 degrees) and is generally moving toward the southeast, this directional change can indicate the movement of cooler air over warmer ground or air masses in the vicinity. Given this information, if the air at 850 mb is cooler than the air below at 700 mb due to the wind flow originating from a cooler environment, it implies the presence of cold thermal advection in the 850 to 700 mb layer. This colder air being transported downwards toward the surface leads to a phenomenon where the warmer air mass at lower altitudes is effectively being "chased" by the cooler air, thus creating cold advection. Recognizing these principles allows

To determine the thermal advection within the 850 to 700 mb layer based on the wind patterns, one must assess both the direction and nature of the wind. The wind direction given as 320 degrees indicates that the wind is coming from the northwest, and the speed of 20 knots suggests a moderate intensity.

In meteorology, when wind flows from a cooler area towards a warmer area, it is referred to as warm advection. Conversely, when wind flows from a warmer area to a cooler area, it is classified as cold advection. Since the wind at 850 mb is from the northwest (320 degrees) and is generally moving toward the southeast, this directional change can indicate the movement of cooler air over warmer ground or air masses in the vicinity.

Given this information, if the air at 850 mb is cooler than the air below at 700 mb due to the wind flow originating from a cooler environment, it implies the presence of cold thermal advection in the 850 to 700 mb layer. This colder air being transported downwards toward the surface leads to a phenomenon where the warmer air mass at lower altitudes is effectively being "chased" by the cooler air, thus creating cold advection.

Recognizing these principles allows