Question

Lake-Effect Snow
Lake-effect snow is produced when a cold air mass passes over a warm body of water. When the cold air mass passes over the warm water, the lower layer of the atmosphere picks up heat and water vapor from the lake. Due to its low density, the warm, moist air then rises upward where it mixes with the cold air and freezes. A few times a year, lake-effect snow from the Great Salt Lake causes narrow and intense bands of precipitation to pass over Salt Lake City, Utah. These bands are so heavy that multiple inches of snow can fall in a single hour. The map shows this region of Utah.



Multiple Choice Question
Which statement describes how the water in the Great Salt Lake contributes to the lake-effect snow in Salt Lake City?

A.
Water absorbs heat more slowly than surrounding land, which can cause the lake water to remain cool as the temperatures rise.

B.
Water releases heat more slowly than surrounding land, which can cause the lake water to remain warm as the temperatures drop.

C.
Water absorbs heat more quickly than surrounding land, which can cause the lake water to warm even as the surrounding air is cool.

D.
Water releases heat more quickly than surrounding land, which can cause the lake water to cool even as the surrounding air is warm.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

B. Water releases heat more slowly than surrounding land, which can cause the lake water to remain warm as the temperatures drop.

This statement accurately describes how the Great Salt Lake retains warmth, contributing to the formation of lake-effect snow when cold air passes over it. The warm water provides heat and moisture to the cold air, leading to snowfall.