When cold air masses move over the warm water of a large lake during the winter, clouds often form above the lake. How would this cloud formation most likely affect areas downwind of the lake?
A.
Areas downwind of the lake would experience unseasonably warm weather.
B.
Areas downwind of the lake would become much less windy.
C.
Areas downwind of the lake would receive precipitation.
D.
Areas downwind of the lake would experience dry weather.
C. Areas downwind of the lake would receive precipitation.
C. Areas downwind of the lake would receive precipitation.
To determine the most likely effect of cloud formation above a lake on areas downwind, we need to understand the process involved.
When cold air masses move over a warm water body, such as a large lake, it leads to a meteorological phenomenon known as lake-effect cloud formation. As the air passes over the warm water, it becomes moist and unstable, causing clouds to form.
Based on this information, we can eliminate options A and D because cloud formation does not directly impact temperature or moisture levels.
Option B, stating that areas downwind of the lake would become much less windy, is also incorrect. While localized wind patterns may be influenced by the interaction between the air masses, it is not a consistent or general phenomenon.
The correct answer is option C: Areas downwind of the lake would receive precipitation. As the moist and unstable air rises and condenses, it can lead to the formation of precipitation, often in the form of snowfall. These snow showers are typical in regions downwind of large lakes during the winter, resulting in increased snowfall compared to surrounding areas.
In summary, when cold air masses move over warm water, cloud formation occurs, ultimately leading to increased precipitation in areas downwind of the lake.