View the ASCAT wind and airmass RGB animations over the north Atlantic Ocean, then answer the questions below.
What do the animations show? Select all that apply.
The correct answers are B and C.
The animations show cyclogenesis of a mid-latitude low pressure system moving northeast. It cannot be a tropical storm since that they only develop in tropical areas. It cannot be a cut-off low because almost all of them move independently of the westerly current. Airmass RGBs typically show developing low pressure systems with cold, warm, and occluded fronts.
Which quadrant of the cyclone should have the strongest winds? Select all that apply.
The correct answers are A and D.
The analysis of ASCAT winds shows strong winds with gales to strong gales in the south-east and south-west quadrants.
How does the intensity of the storm change from 3 to 6 January?
The correct answer is D.
Both animations show that the low pressure system is moving northeast. In the ASCAT images, the winds increase in the southern section of the cyclone (the redder colour in the south). At the same time, the low pressure system becomes almost circular on 4 January. This tells us that the cyclone is intensifying.
The cloud spiral with the associated high winds become less prominent during 5 and 6 January. The intensity decreases compared to 4 January but still remains high.
The animation below illustrates the situation. Click the Play button to view it.