Why does occlusion lead to the demise of a mid-latitude cyclone?
A)The horizontal temperature gradient at the surface has been eliminated.
B)The cold front stops progressing during occlusion.
C)The cold cP air mass driving the cyclone has warmed intensely.
D)Occlusion stops all precipitation from occurring within the cyclone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Occlusion occurs when the cold front catches up and overtakes the warm front, leading to the mid-latitude cyclone's demise. This process eliminates the horizontal temperature gradient at the surface, which is necessary to sustain the cyclone. The cyclone's energy supply, which comes from the contrast between the cold cP air mass and the warm mT air mass, is cut off when the cold front and warm front merge. Therefore, A is the correct answer. B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not fully explain why occlusion leads to the demise of a mid-latitude cyclone.

Why Does Occlusion Lead to the Demise of a Mid-Latitude