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What will be the effect on the reading of an altimeter of an aircraft parked on the ground during the period following the passage of an active cold front ?
  • A
    It will have decreased.
  • B
    It will show a small increase or decrease.
  • C
    It will remain unchanged.
  • D
    It will have increased.

Refer to figures.

Pressure associated with a cold front:

  • When the front is approaching – pressure is steady decreasing.
  • At the front – pressure stops decreasing (lowest value).
  • Behind the front – pressure gradually and slowly increases.
Correlation between atmospheric pressure and altimeter reading:
  • Atmospheric pressure increases (behind the front) => altimeter indicates a lower altitude.
  • Atmospheric pressure decreases (front approaching) => altimeter indicates a higher altitude.

With regards to this question, if the aircraft is parked after the passage of a front => the pressure will start increasing after the passage of the front. Therefore, considering the above, the altimeter reading will have decrease

Note: detailed information regarding changes during the passage of a warm/cold front found in the attached figures.

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