Introduction: Topography, especially mountains, affects the weather in many diff
ID: 568 • Letter: I
Question
Introduction: Topography, especially mountains, affects the weather in many different ways. In this activity, you will play the role of a consultant to an airport planning commission. The new airport is to be located at one of three locations in a mountainous region. Discuss the pros and cons of locating a General Aviation airport at each of the three locations: A, B and C. Which location would your group then select as the safest place to locate the airport?
Talles
Mountain
C Prevailing strong winds
Broad Valley
B
Water and a Narrow
Coastal Region
A
Directions: Work within your assigned group. Using the template below, post your group's advice to the planning commission in the "Airport Location" Discussion Board forum.
Conclusion: Compare your airport plans with your classmates.
Airport Location Template:
Collaboration Activity: Airport Location
Location
Choice of Location
(Place an x in the box for the airport location that your team has chosen.)
Pros
(List the reasons why each location would make a good airport location.)
Cons
(List the reasons why each location would make a bad airport location.)
A
B
C
Explanation / Answer
Location A Negatives- The water and narrow coastal with winds blowing that direction could be bad for any airport in the form of advection fog. The convergence of this moist sea air meeting the cold coastal waters may cause fog.
Upslope fog is also a possibility for Location A. It is right at the base of the mountain where this fog forms.
Positive- Strong consistent wind would allow for better takeoff characteristics in the form of headwind.
Location B Negatives- The uplift along the mountain side would almost certainly cause a cloud layer in the valley. Lee wave cloud or rotor clouds may form right over the airport. If low enough this may cause minimum visibility for takeoff and landing.
The moist air from the ocean will fill up the valley and cause the heavy air to drain downhill and form radiation fog or "valley fog". However the stiff wind may be enough to mix the surface air with the drier air above. Should be over 5 knots.
Pro's- The leeward side of the mountain may cause a rain shadow where precipitation is considerably less than Location A.
Location C Pro's- There is enough distance, terrain, and height to block most of the moist wind.
There is a slight downslope on the airport and after it that may allow the coldest air to continue downward leaving the airport normally more clear.
Negatives- If the altitude is very high it may cause takeoff power issues for certain aircraft if the runway is not long enough.
As a group, we've discussed the minimal risk of fog forming at location A versus the even greater chance of fog and winds at location B. We also discussed the high altitude and approach concerns with location C. Location A is the most viable and safest choice among the three locations. Location A's vicinity to the water makes for an easier approach. Location A also offers an option of pilots to perform an emergency water landing in the case of one being necessary versus having to navigate through high altitude terrain. Although Location C provides shelter from prevalent winds, the high altitude would affect aircraft performance not making it suitable for our goals.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.