In which season is the meridional tropospheric temperature gradient strongest?

• A. Summer
• B. Winter
• C. Spring
• D. Fall

Answer: (B)

The meridional tropospheric temperature gradient is strongest in winter. This phenomenon occurs due to the greater contrast in temperature between the polar regions and the equator during the winter months. In winter, the poles experience much colder temperatures, while the areas closer to the equator are significantly warmer. This steep temperature gradient enhances the strength of the jet streams and influences weather patterns.

During summer, although the temperature distribution is also evident, the gradient is not as pronounced because the temperatures in the polar regions rise and approach those of the mid-latitudes. Similarly, spring and fall feature transitional temperatures that do not produce the same strong gradient as seen in winter. The winter months starkly illustrate the temperature differential that defines this meridional gradient, thus leading to its maximum intensity during that season.