USA Snowfall & Temperature Graphs Quiz
Lake-effect vs mountain snow (10 questions).
USA Snowfall & Temperature Graphs Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Explore the fascinating world of US snowfall patterns by understanding the distinct mechanisms behind lake-effect and mountain (orographic) snow. This quiz and study guide delve into the conditions, geographical locations, and characteristics that differentiate these two significant weather phenomena.
Key Concepts
Key Takeaways
- Lake-effect snow requires a significant temperature difference between cold air and the warmer lake surface.
- Mountain snow relies on the physical barrier of mountains to lift moist air, causing adiabatic cooling and condensation.
- The “fetch” (distance cold air travels over water) is crucial for the intensity of lake-effect snow.
- Orographic snowfall can be a major contributor to snowpack, essential for water resources in mountainous regions.
- Wind direction is paramount: for lake-effect, it dictates which shore receives snow; for mountain snow, it governs how moist air hits the range.
- Both phenomena demonstrate how local geography significantly influences regional climate and weather patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is lake-effect snow?
Lake-effect snow occurs when cold, dry air masses move across large, relatively warmer bodies of water. The cold air picks up moisture and heat from the lake, becoming unstable. As this now-moist air travels over the land downwind of the lake, it cools, condenses, and precipitates as snow, often in intense, narrow bands.
How is mountain snow formed?
Mountain snow, also known as orographic snow, forms when moist air is forced to rise as it encounters a mountain range. As the air ascends, it cools adiabatically, leading to condensation and the formation of clouds and precipitation. If temperatures are cold enough, this precipitation falls as snow on the windward side of the mountains.
Where does lake-effect snow commonly occur in the US?
In the US, lake-effect snow is most common in regions downwind of the Great Lakes, such as Western New York, Northwestern Pennsylvania, Northeastern Ohio, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana. The exact location depends on the wind direction and the specific lake involved.
What are the main differences between lake-effect and mountain snow?
The primary difference lies in their moisture source and lifting mechanism. Lake-effect snow gets its moisture and energy directly from large bodies of water, with lifting often enhanced by local terrain. Mountain snow derives moisture from prevailing winds (often oceanic) and is forced to lift by the physical barrier of mountains (orographic lift).
Can lake-effect snow occur away from large lakes?
While most prominent near large lakes, the principle of cold air moving over warmer water can occur on a smaller scale with smaller lakes, though typically with less intensity and localized effect. However, the classic “lake-effect snow” phenomenon specifically refers to the substantial snowfall generated by large, unfrozen bodies of water like the Great Lakes.
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