How does the strength and location of the jet stream change from winter to summer?

How does the strength and location of the jet stream change from winter to summer?

• A. It becomes weaker and moves south
• B. It becomes stronger and moves north
• C. It remains constant throughout the year
• D. It becomes weaker and is further north

Answer: (D)

In assessing the behavior of the jet stream across the seasons, it's important to note that during the winter months, the jet stream tends to be stronger and positioned further south. This configuration arises from the significant temperature contrasts between polar air masses and warmer air to the south. As the seasons transition into summer, these temperature differences diminish. Consequently, the jet stream generally weakens due to the reduced energy derived from these contrasts and shifts to a position that is further north. This summer position is influenced by the warmer temperatures across both continental and oceanic regions, leading to less pronounced boundary layers that define the jet stream's structure. Thus, it becomes weaker and located further to the north in summer, making the provided answer accurate in describing this seasonal shift and behavior of the jet stream.

In assessing the behavior of the jet stream across the seasons, it's important to note that during the winter months, the jet stream tends to be stronger and positioned further south. This configuration arises from the significant temperature contrasts between polar air masses and warmer air to the south. As the seasons transition into summer, these temperature differences diminish. Consequently, the jet stream generally weakens due to the reduced energy derived from these contrasts and shifts to a position that is further north.

This summer position is influenced by the warmer temperatures across both continental and oceanic regions, leading to less pronounced boundary layers that define the jet stream's structure. Thus, it becomes weaker and located further to the north in summer, making the provided answer accurate in describing this seasonal shift and behavior of the jet stream.