With reference to the 'Heat Dome' consider the following statements

1. It is a phenomenon of strong heat waves in the Pacific Northwest and some parts of Canada.
2. The phenomenon begins when there is a strong change in ocean temperatures.

Select the correct statement.

Recently, the Pacific Northwest and some parts of Canada recorded temperatures around 47 degrees, causing a "historic" heat wave.

• This is a result of a phenomenon referred to as a "heat dome". Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The phenomenon begins when there is a strong change (or gradient) in ocean temperatures. In the process known as convection, the gradient causes more warm air, heated by the ocean surface, to rise over the ocean surface. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• As prevailing winds move the hot air east, the northern shifts of the jet stream trap the air and move it toward land, where it sinks, resulting in heat waves.

Hence both statements are correct.

By: Shubham Tiwari