WAEC Geography 1991 (August) Theory question 204

Theory question 204

Weather

Write explanatory notes on each of the following (a) Land and sea breezes (b) Temperature inversion (c) Convectional rainfall

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Local winds on coasts from unequal heating: by day the land heats faster, air rises (low pressure), cooler air from the sea blows in – sea breeze; at night the land cools faster, high pressure over land, air blows out to sea – land breeze
(b) Temperature increasing with height instead of decreasing; occurs on calm, clear nights when the ground loses heat and cold dense air drains into valleys; warm air lies above; causes fog, frost and trapped smoke/smog; affects valley settlement and crops
(c) Strong heating of the ground warms the air, which rises in convection currents; it cools adiabatically to dew point; cumulonimbus clouds form; heavy afternoon showers with thunder and lightning; common in the equatorial region

Explanation

Explain the cause and the result for each.