Question

With the passage of a cold front, the air temperature usually falls and the dewpoint usually ________.

(a) Increases
(b) Decreases

Answer 1

The passage of a cold front typically results in a decrease in both air temperature and dewpoint due to the incoming cold air which has less capacity to hold moisture.

Step-by-step explanation:

With the passage of a cold front, the air temperature usually falls and the dewpoint usually decreases. This is because cold fronts are associated with cold air displacing warm air, leading to a reduction in temperature. As the temperature drops, the capacity of the air to hold moisture also decreases, which consequently leads to a lower dewpoint.

Understanding this concept is important in weather forecasting and in explaining why the weather tends to be cooler and less humid after a cold front has passed.