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← GeographyWhich mechanism causes high-altitude subtropical streams (jet streams) to steer mid-latitude cyclonic storm systems?
A)Atmospheric pressure gradient force
B)Coriolis effect and Rossby waves✓
C)Differential solar heating of land
D)Latent heat release from condensation
💡 Explanation
When warm air rises at the equator, the Coriolis effect combines with pressure gradients and large-scale Rossby waves in the upper atmosphere, deflecting these streams eastward and imparting a sinuous path. Therefore, the Coriolis effect and Rossby waves are the principal steering mechanisms, rather than pressure gradients, solar heating, or latent heat, which play indirect roles.
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