Avalanche forecasters measure the temperature gr which is the rate at which the

Question

Avalanche forecasters measure the temperature gr which is the rate at which the temperature in a snowpack changes with respect to its depth. If the temperature gradent slarge. may lead a weak layer of snow in the snowpack. When hese weak ayers oollapse. avalanches oocur Avalanche forecasters use the following rule of thumb: If exceeds 10 C/m anywhere inthe snowpack, conditons are favorable for weak layer formation and the risk of avalanche increases Assume the temperature function is continuous and differentiable. Complete parts (a)through (dybelow. a. An avalanche forecaster digs a snow pit and takes two temperature measurements. surface the temperature is -5 C. At a depth of 1.8 m, the temperature is 9 c Using the Mean Value Theorem, what can he conclude about the temperature gradient? cim (simply your answer. Round to the nearest tenth as needed) Is the formation of a weak layer likely? Select the correct answer below. b. One mile away, a skier finds that the temperature at a depth of 1.2 m is 8 c, and at the surface, the temperature is -5 c What can be conduded about the temperature gradient? c/m (simplry your answer. Round to the nearest tenth as needed) le thr frematinn Click to select your answer(s).

Explanation / Answer

a) Temperature gradient = - 5 - ( 9) C / 1.8 m = 7.78 C/m

this is less than 10 C/m so answer is

No

b) Temperature gradient = - 5 - ( 8) C / 1.2 m = 10.8 C/m

this is greater than 10 C/m so answer is

Yes

C) A weak layer is most likely to form as the temperature gets larger, the temperature gets larger

d) No if all layers of snowpack are at same temperature, then the change in temperature is zero and the temperature gradient is zero.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.