Arctic ClimateQuestions

Question 1

Which of the following are features of the winter MSLP field in the Arctic? (Choose all that apply.)

The correct answers are a) "Aleutian Low" and c) "Icelandic Low."

The Aleutian and Icelandic Lows result from the frequent occurrence of cyclones in these areas, fueled by warm currents and high temperature gradients. The Asian Low is a thermal low that occurs in the summer. In the winter it is replaced by the Asian High. The Polar Vortex is a feature that occurs aloft, typically at levels above 500 mb.

Question 2

Which of the following are characteristics of the Polar Vortex? (Choose all that apply.)

The correct answers are a) "Cyclonic circulation" and b) "middle and upper troposphere."

Due to extreme cooling near the surface, the Polar Vortex is stronger in winter, not summer.

Question 3

How high is the winter Arctic Tropopause? (Choose the best answer.)

The correct answer is b) "5000-10,000 m."

This is much lower than the height of the Tropopause in the tropics, which is frequently higher than 15,000 m.

Question 4

In winter, which of the following contribute to low surface temperature in the Arctic? (Choose all that apply.)

The correct answers are a) "clear skies" and c) "strong inversions."

Question 5

Where is the greatest average annual precipitation in the Arctic? (Choose the best answer.)

The correct answer is c) "Norwegian and Barents Seas."

The warm North Atlantic Drift flows into the Arctic through the Norwegian and Barents Seas. This current provides warmth and moisture to the atmosphere, which results in greater precipitation.

Question 6

When are suface winds generally stronger? (Choose the best answer.)

The correct answer is a) "summer."

In the winter, the strong surface inversion decouples surface winds from stronger winds aloft. Typically resulting in light winds at the surface. Also, temperature gradients increase in the summer as land warms, resulting in stronger winds, particularly near the coast.