Q)Distinguish between barotropic & baroclinic conditions of the atmosphere.

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An air mass which is defined as a large body of air whose physical properties specially
temperature,moisture & lapse rate are more or less uniform horizontally for hundreds of
kilometres.
barotropic condition of atmosphere is theoretically ideal condition where
surfaces of constant pressure are not intersected by isostereic(constant density)
surfaces,so that in a vertical cross-sction isobars(imaginery lines joining places of equal
atmospheric pressure) & isotherms appear parallel i.e,zero baroclinicity.It is a rare
phenomenon & is found in case of frontogenesis,separated by baroclinic front zone.
Baroclinic condition of atmosphere is seen in comparitively narrow zones (perhaps
1000Km. in width) of thermal discontinuity also knowna sfronts in air mass property.They
are belts of sharp mateorological gradient recognised as distinct factors in the origin of
mid-latitude disturbances.The instability is asociated with rising warm air which is driven
by vertical wind shear & by the superimposition of tropospheric divergence over a
baroclinic zone whose intensification further strengthens upperwind .Warm & cold air
masses may be brought closer by induced circulation.Frontal weather largely dpends on
moisture & equilibrium properties of rising air mass.A weak front has cumulus humilis
cloud while a strong front has cumulonimbus development.