Chapter 30, Problem 5TE

To determine

The relation of the circulation pattern to airline schedules from New York to San Francisco and the return trip to New York.

Answer to Problem 5TE

The movement of the plane from New York to San Francisco is easier and faster because jet stream flows from west to east direction with high speed. So the plane takes less time and fuel when it travels from New York to San Francisco. But in return trip, it will take large fuel consumption and time because the plane has to overcome the effect of jet stream or to neglect the effect of the jet stream.

Explanation of Solution

The high-speed winds in the upper troposphere of rapidly moving air that meander around the Earth at an altitude of $9\text{ km}$ to $\text{14 km}$ is called jet streams. When the plane travels from New York to San Francisco, the journey of the plane becomes easier, and fuel consumption is also less because the jet stream tens to push the plane from west to east direction. The effect of stream speed up the plane, and due to this, the plane will take less time.

But on the other hand, during the return trip when plane travel form San Francisco, the effect of jet stream tends to reduce the speed of the plane, and it will cause high fuel consumption and more time. So due to neglect of the effect of the jet stream, the plane was forced to fly either above or below the jet stream. Otherwise, the plane must use more power to overcome the wind compared to those flying in the opposite direction.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the movement of the plane from New York to San Francisco is easier and faster because jet stream flows from west to east direction with high speed. So the plane takes less time and fuel when it travels from New York to San Francisco. But in return trip, it will take large fuel consumption and time because the plane has to overcome the effect of jet stream or to neglect the effect of the jet stream.