What are the two areas of low average mean sea level pressure located during winter?

• A. The Aleutian Islands and the Caribbean
• B. The Aleutian Islands and Iceland
• C. Iceland and Greenland
• D. The Azores and Iceland

Answer: (B)

The two areas of low average mean sea level pressure during winter are the Aleutian Islands and Iceland. This phenomenon is associated with the characteristics of the mid-latitude cyclone development, which plays a significant role in winter weather patterns.

The Aleutian Islands are known for consistently low-pressure systems due to the interaction of warm and cold air masses, which leads to the formation of storms and significant precipitation. Similarly, Iceland is situated in a region where the North Atlantic current meets cold polar air, creating a well-defined low-pressure area. These locations are influenced by the prevailing westerlies and contribute to the stormy weather commonly experienced in the North Atlantic during winter months.

In contrast, areas like the Caribbean and Greenland do not exhibit similar low average pressure systems during winter. The Caribbean typically has higher pressure due to its warmer climate, while Greenland, being largely covered in ice, has different climatic controls that do not contribute to the same low-pressure behavior as seen in the Aleutian Islands and Iceland.