The average annual snowfall for Boise, ID, is 19.8 inches. Anchorage, AK, receives an average of 74.5 inches. Fill in the blanks:
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 (a) Anchorage receives, on average, % more snow than Boise. Round to the nearest percent.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To calculate the percentage of snow Anchorage receives more than Boise, we can use the following formula:
[
\text{Percentage increase} = \left( \frac{\text{Difference in snowfall}}{\text{Boise’s snowfall}} \right) \times 100
]
Where:
- The difference in snowfall is the difference between Anchorage’s and Boise’s snowfall.
- Boise’s snowfall is 19.8 inches.
- Anchorage’s snowfall is 74.5 inches.
Step-by-step calculation:
- Find the difference in snowfall:
[
\text{Difference in snowfall} = 74.5 – 19.8 = 54.7 \text{ inches}
] - Calculate the percentage increase:
[
\text{Percentage increase} = \left( \frac{54.7}{19.8} \right) \times 100 = 2.764 \times 100 = 276.4\%
]
Thus, Anchorage receives approximately 276% more snow than Boise.
Explanation:
Anchorage, Alaska, has a significantly higher annual snowfall compared to Boise, Idaho. The difference in snowfall (54.7 inches) is more than two and a half times Boise’s average snowfall (19.8 inches). This substantial difference is largely due to the geographical and climatic conditions of each location.
Anchorage’s location in Alaska, being closer to the Arctic and experiencing colder temperatures, allows for more snow to accumulate during the winter months. Boise, on the other hand, is in a more temperate climate zone in the Pacific Northwest, which results in lower snowfall totals.
The calculation of 276% more snow is a reflection of how much more snow Anchorage receives relative to Boise on average annually, making it an important aspect for residents, meteorologists, and those planning activities in these regions to understand their different snow climates.