The height of the tropopause is generally _____ on the SOUTH side of the upper-level westerly jet.

• A. Lower
• B. Unchanged
• C. Higher
• D. Variable

Answer: (C)

The height of the tropopause is generally higher on the south side of the upper-level westerly jet due to the associated temperature and pressure patterns. The upper-level jet stream is often found near the boundary between two air masses: warm, moist air to the south and cooler, drier air to the north.

On the southern side of the jet, the warm air is prevalent, causing a rise in the tropopause height. This is a result of the increased thermal energy and lower pressure at higher altitudes in the warmer air. Conversely, on the northern side of the jet, the cooler air typically leads to a lower tropopause height.

Understanding the dynamics of the upper-level jet and its influence on the surrounding air masses is crucial for predicting weather patterns and phenomena at various altitudes.