What is typically observed above the North Pole at an altitude of 30,000 ft?

• A. High pressure
• B. Stable temperatures
• C. Low pressure
• D. Severe turbulence

Answer: (C)

At an altitude of 30,000 ft above the North Pole, low pressure is typically observed. This is largely due to the dynamic climatic conditions that occur at the poles, particularly in the winter months when cold air masses dominate and converge. The combination of the high latitude and the effect of the polar vortex contributes to this low-pressure environment.

The polar vortex, a large area of low pressure, generates strong winds that circulate around the pole. This phenomenon can lead to varying weather patterns, including the potential for significant temperature gradients and instability in the atmosphere, which are characteristic of low-pressure areas.

Stable temperatures is not the correct observation at this altitude, as temperatures in polar regions can vary greatly, especially with altitude and changes in weather patterns. High pressure is generally observed in more temperate zones or regions with descending air, not at the poles. Similarly, severe turbulence, while it can occur in various atmospheric conditions, is not a typical or defining characteristic specifically associated with the North Pole at that altitude compared to the low-pressure regime.