In the development stages of a mid-latitude cyclone, a shortwave creates ____________ directly above the surface low pressure center.

upper level divergence

cold advection

downward vertical motion

upper level convergence

Option a) upper level divergence

If the upper levels are favorable for cyclone development, then there is a region of divergence aloft above the developing Low-pressure center. This will help pull the air that is converging at the surface upward and continue to develop the surface cyclone. (The upper levels also steer the system and make it progress east.

• If the upper levels are favorable, then the mid-latitude cyclone will continue to develop and bring up mT air in the warm sector and bring down cP air in the cold sector.
• a mid-latitude cyclone to deepen,upper level divergence exceeds surface convergence.
• a shortwave passes through a trough, disturbing the barotropic nature of the upper levels and creating temperature advection.