Chapter 13, Problem 1GST

To determine

Whether the surface winds likely get stronger or weaker when divergence in the jet stream above a surface low-pressure center exceeds convergence at the surface.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The surface winds get weaker when divergence in the jet stream above a surface low-pressure center exceeds convergence at the surface.

Explanation of Solution

When the divergence aloft exceeds the surface convergence, it results in sudden deepening of the low-pressure center, thereby causing a higher surface convergence, and moves more amount of air upwards. After some time, the low-pressure center will fill up because the surface convergence will continue to increase without the increase in upper air divergence. The continuous increase in surface convergence will eventually lead to greater air pressure and dissipation.