Question

1. read a map in which direction do the prevailing westerlies blow? 6. describe in general, how does elevation affect temperature? 7. explain why ice clouds form as air moves over a mountain? 8. explain why arent sudden temperature changes common near large bodies of water? 9. describe processes cool surface currents can cause the air above them to become cooler. explain how this happens. 10. identify what kind of surface current is found off the east coast of the united states?

Explanation:

1. The Prevailing Westerlies blow from the west to the east. They are winds in the middle - latitudes (30 - 60 degrees latitude) that are driven by the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis effect.
2. Generally, as elevation increases, temperature decreases. This is because the air is less dense at higher altitudes and has less ability to hold heat. The lapse rate is approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters of elevation gain.
3. As air moves up a mountain, it is forced to rise. As it rises, it cools due to the decrease in air pressure (adiabatic cooling). When the air cools to its dew - point temperature, water vapor condenses to form clouds.
4. Large bodies of water have a high specific heat capacity. This means they can absorb and store a large amount of heat energy without a large change in temperature. They act as heat reservoirs, moderating the temperature of the surrounding land and air, so sudden temperature changes are not common.
5. Cool surface currents are colder than the air above them. Heat transfer occurs from the warmer air to the cooler current. As the air loses heat, it cools down.
6. Off the East Coast of the United States, the Gulf Stream is a warm surface current. It brings warm water from the tropics northward along the coast.

Answer:

1. The Prevailing Westerlies blow from west to east.
2. Temperature decreases as elevation increases.
3. Air rises up a mountain, cools due to adiabatic cooling and water vapor condenses to form clouds.
4. Large bodies of water have high specific heat capacity and moderate temperature, so sudden temperature changes are not common.
5. Heat is transferred from the warmer air to the cooler surface current, causing the air to cool.
6. The Gulf Stream, a warm surface current, is found off the East Coast of the United States.