Climate Dynamics Final Review

Water vapor constitutes about this much of the atmosphere by volume. A) 0-4 percent B) 0-12 percent C) 0-100 percent D) 4-25 percent E) 4-12 percent

A) 0-4 percent

If the maximum temperature for a particular day is 26°C and the minimum temperature is 14°C, the daily mean would be: A) 20°C. B) 13°C. C) 12°C. D) 40°C. E) The daily mean cannot be determined with the data provided.

A) 20°C.

The amount of water vapor in the air (by volume) usually does not exceed: A) 4 percent. B) 14 percent. C) 100 percent. D) 28 percent. E) 40 percent.

A) 4 percent.

About what percent of Earth's water can be found in the oceans? A) 97% B) 90% C) 70% D) 53%

A) 97%

Which of the following would be true if Earth did not have an inclined axis? A) Earth would not have seasons. B) The poles would not have ice caps. C) The equator would have 24 hours of daylight throughout the year. D) The Northern Hemisphere would always be tilted towards the sun.

A) Earth would not have seasons.

The first day of the climatological season of summer is: A) June 1. B) June 21. C) July 1. D) July 4 (perihelion).

A) June 1.

The Tropic of Cancer experiences vertical sun rays on: A) June 21. B) March 21. C) September 22. D) December 21. E) July 4.

A) June 21.

The length of daylight gets progressively longer going south from the equator on: A) June 21. B) December 21. C) September 22. D) March 21.

A) June 21.

The longest period of daylight of the year in the United States occurs on: A) June 21. B) March 3. C) November 18. D) December 4. E) September 30.

A) June 21.

All of the following explain the difference between land and water temperature patterns EXCEPT: A) Land has a higher specific heat than water. B) Radiation does not penetrate as deeply in land as it does in water. C) Convective mixing helps distribute heat energy throughout a water body. D) Evaporative cooling is more common over water than over land.

A) Land has a higher specific heat than water.

What would happen on Earth if the Sun were "turned off" and ceased to provide heat for the Earth? A) Winds and ocean currents would stop. B) The Earth would quickly overheat. C) Intense storms would develop and persist for weeks at a time. D) Living organisms would slowly adapt to life without sunlight.

A) Winds and ocean currents would stop.

The BEST definition of the term climate is: A) a comprehensive statistical analysis of aggregate weather conditions in a specific place or region. B) average weather over a long period of time. C) identical to the definition of meteorology. D) the weather occurring in the atmosphere at a specific place and time.

A) a comprehensive statistical analysis of aggregate weather conditions in a specific place or region.

An interacting group of parts that is fueled by energy and works to accomplish the movement of matter or energy is called: A) a system. B) a threshold. C) a collection. D) a sphere.

A) a system.

A primary reason for drawing isotherms on a map of temperature values is to allow: A) a visualization of temperature distribution. B) determination of temperature ranges. C) calculation of mean values. D) elimination of extreme values.

A) a visualization of temperature distribution.

The temperature inside a cloud should be: A) about equal to the dew point. B) way above the dew point. C) below freezing. D) just above the dew point.

A) about equal to the dew point.

Clouds and precipitation form in the air primarily due to: A) air being cooled as it rises. B) moisture being added to the air. C) excessive numbers of condensation nuclei. D) absorption of infrared radiation. E) release of latent heat.

A) air being cooled as it rises.

At what time of year is the earth's axis not tilted either toward or away from the Sun? A) autumnal equinox B) winter solstice C) summer solstice D) perihelion E) aphelion

A) autumnal equinox

In which sphere would we find insects, plants, humans, and bacteria? A) biosphere B) geosphere C) hydrosphere D) atmosphere

A) biosphere

Which of the following outlines the steps of the scientific method in the correct order? A) collect data; develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis B) develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis; collect data C) test hypothesis; develop hypothesis; collect data; accept/modify/reject hypothesis D) collect data; test hypothesis; develop hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis

A) collect data; develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis

The process by which a cloud droplet first forms is: A) condensation. B) supercooling. C) collision and coalescence. D) evaporation. E) precipitation.

A) condensation.

An isotherm on a map: A) connects points of equal temperature. B) represents the coldest place on the map. C) represents the warmest place on the map. D) identifies all places that have the same annual mean temperature.

A) connects points of equal temperature.

Frost that forms on cold glass is created by the process of: A) deposition. B) sublimation. C) freezing. D) transpiration.

A) deposition.

Low sun angles result in reduced solar energy because: A) energy is spread over a larger area. B) Sun - Earth distance is greater. C) absorption is reduced. D) day lengths are shorter.

A) energy is spread over a larger area.

The most important source of the free oxygen in our atmosphere is: A) green plants that carry on photosynthesis B) deforestation. C) volcanic degassing. D) the dissociation of water vapor in the upper atmosphere.

A) green plants that carry on photosynthesis

Temperatures at the Earth's surface tend to DECREASE when solar radiation: A) is less than Earth's longwave radiation. B) exceeds Earth's longwave radiation. C) is equal to Earth's longwave radiation. D) is increasing.

A) is less than Earth's longwave radiation.

The energy associated with motion is called: A) kinetic energy. B) potential energy. C) vibrational energy. D) molecular motion energy.

A) kinetic energy.

Which two gases make up a combined total of 99% of clean, dry air in the homosphere? A) nitrogen and oxygen B) oxygen and carbon dioxide C) nitrogen and argon D) carbon dioxide and water vapor

A) nitrogen and oxygen

The primary function of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission is to: A) provide satellite data about precipitation in the low latitudes, over both land and water. B) aid in the reconstruction of past climates in the tropics. C) forecast the tracks of hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere. D) utilize remote sensing to measure precipitation amounts in uninhabited rain forests.

A) provide satellite data about precipitation in the low latitudes, over both land and water.

Daily and seasonal temperature cycles depend primarily on: A) the combined effects of solar and terrestrial radiation. B) only solar radiation. C) only terrestrial radiation. D) distance from the Sun. E) friction between the wind and Earth surface.

A) the combined effects of solar and terrestrial radiation.

The annual range of temperature may be described as: A) the difference between the average temperatures of the warmest and coldest months. B) the sum of the average temperatures for each month of the year. C) the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures during the period of one month. D) the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures over a period of one year.

A) the difference between the average temperatures of the warmest and coldest months.

All of the following are necessary ingredients for the formation of clouds, EXCEPT: A) warm surface air temperatures. B) saturated air. C) adequate water vapor content. D) condensation nuclei.

A) warm surface air temperatures.

During natural processes, heat transfer is always from: A) warmer to cooler substances. B) cooler to warmer substances. C) solids to liquids. D) gases to solids.

A) warmer to cooler substances.

All of the following are properties that make water unique among other substances on Earth EXCEPT: A) water does not participate easily in hydrogen bonding. B) water's solid phase is less dense than its liquid phase. C) water exists naturally in all three phases (solid, liquid, vapor) and changes easily from one to another. D) water is able to store large quantities of heat.

A) water does not participate easily in hydrogen bonding.

Overnight temperatures are warmer when the air is humid because: A) water vapor is a good absorber of outgoing longwave radiation. B) water vapor is a good absorber of incoming shortwave radiation, causing more energy to be stored during the day. C) water vapor and clouds cause the Earth system to have a higher nighttime albedo. D) water vapor is good at scattering longwave radiation.

A) water vapor is a good absorber of outgoing longwave radiation.

Earth's current angle of inclination is: A) 15° B) 23.5° C) 66.5° D) 90°

B) 23.5°

Flagstaff, AZ is at 35 degrees N latitude. What is the angle of the Sun's noon rays here on March 21? A) 35 degrees B) 55 degrees C) 47 degrees D) 0 degrees

B) 55 degrees

If the maximum temperature on a particular day is 30°F and the minimum temperature is 21°F, then the daily temperature range is: A) 25.5°F. B) 9°F. C) 51°F. D) the daily temperature range cannot be determined with the data provided.

B) 9°F.

The spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on approximately: A) June 21. B) March 21. C) September 22. D) December 21. E) January 3.

B) March 21.

This country has the greatest variety of weather in the world. A) China B) United States C) South Africa D) Australia E) Russia

B) United States

Water's temperature increases slowly because some of the energy absorbed is used to ________ instead of to increase the kinetic energy of the molecules. A) create hydrogen bonds B) break hydrogen bonds C) decrease the motion of the water molecules D) decrease the specific heat of the water

B) break hydrogen bonds

Hygroscopic nuclei: A) repel water and prevent condensation. B) can allow cloud droplets to form even if the relative humidity is less than 100%. C) are not generally found in nature. D) are not the most ideal type of condensation nuclei for encouraging droplet growth.

B) can allow cloud droplets to form even if the relative humidity is less than 100%.

Saturation is best defined as: A) a mixing ratio of at least 100 g/kg. B) equal numbers of water molecules evaporating from and condensing into a water surface. C) the point when water molecules completely stop evaporating from a water surface. D) a vapor pressure greater than 1000 mb.

B) equal numbers of water molecules evaporating from and condensing into a water surface.

The majority of the water outside of the oceans is in the form of: A) groundwater. B) glacial ice. C) water vapor in the atmosphere. D) streams. E) lakes.

B) glacial ice.

The Earth subsystem that represents the circulation of Earth's water throughout the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere is know as the: A) aquasphere. B) hydrologic cycle. C) water rotation. D) evaporative cycle.

B) hydrologic cycle.

An energy surplus in the atmosphere from solar radiation occurs: A) between sunset and midnight. B) in the early afternoon. C) in the morning. D) between midnight and dawn. E) exactly at midnight.

B) in the early afternoon.

The earth system: A) is powered solely by the Sun. B) includes parts that affect one another. C) is the highest level of system possible. D) cannot be affected by anything from space.

B) includes parts that affect one another.

The term meteorology: A) can be used interchangeably with climate because they have the same meaning. B) is the study of the atmosphere and its related weather systems. C) is the study of the long-term average weather conditions at a given location. D) is the study of meteors and their effects on the atmosphere.

B) is the study of the atmosphere and its related weather systems.

Early in January the earth is closer to the Sun than at any other time of year. This position is termed: A) equinox. B) perihelion. C) aphelion. D) albedo. E) revolution.

B) perihelion.

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C is called: A) latent heat. B) specific heat. C) kinetic heat. D) conductive heat.

B) specific heat.

The ________ is defined as the amount of temperature change per unit of distance. A) range in temperature B) temperature gradient C) degree dissipation D) isotherm

B) temperature gradient

Earth's perihelion: A) coincides with the summer solstice. B) would not exist if the earth's orbit were circular. C) coincides with the winter solstice. D) occurs when the earth is farthest from the Sun.

B) would not exist if the earth's orbit were circular.

Which of the following correctly describes the equinoxes? A) The length of daylight at the Arctic and Antarctic Circle is 24 hours. B) The Sun's vertical rays are striking either the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn. C) Days and nights are equal in length in all parts of the world. D) They occur in June and December.

C) Days and nights are equal in length in all parts of the world.

Which of the following statements is an expression of climate? A) Big Rapids, MI, recorded six inches of snowfall today. B) Tornado warnings are in effect for Oklahoma City, OK. C) February is the wettest month in Los Angeles, CA, with an average rainfall of 3.92 inches. D) Tomorrow's high is forecasted to be 67°F.

C) February is the wettest month in Los Angeles, CA, with an average rainfall of 3.92 inches.

How is the annual mean temperature calculated? A) It is the average of the warmest and the coldest temperatures recorded during that year. B) It is the average of the warmest and the coldest monthly mean temperatures. C) It is the average of all 12 monthly mean temperatures. D) It is the average of all the daily mean temperatures for the year.

C) It is the average of all 12 monthly mean temperatures.

At 45 degrees S latitude, the angle of the noon Sun is lowest and the length of daylight is shortest on: A) December 21. B) January 23. C) June 21. D) March 21. E) September 22.

C) June 21.

New York City has its greatest length of daylight on: A) March 21. B) September 22. C) June 21. D) December 21.

C) June 21.

Transpiration is: A) The movement of groundwater under Earth's surface. B) The return of water to the oceans via rivers. C) The process by which plants release water into the atmosphere. D) The type of bond that holds water molecules together.

C) The process by which plants release water into the atmosphere.

In the process of scientific inquiry, a theory is best defined as: A) the initial formulation of an idea based on a few observed facts. B) a "best guess" that may explain how something works, but is as yet untested and unproven. C) a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and is generally accepted by the scientific community. D) a final solution to a scientific problem that is proven correct and will never be disproven.

C) a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and is generally accepted by the scientific

The attractive forces between the hydrogen atoms in one water molecule and the oxygen atoms in another molecule are known as: A) water bonds. B) liquid bonds. C) hydrogen bonds. D) dark forces.

C) hydrogen bonds.

Which of the following spheres is composed exclusively of water? A) biosphere B) lithosphere C) hydrosphere D) atmosphere

C) hydrosphere

In which phase do water molecules have the lowest kinetic energy? A) vapor B) liquid C) ice D) It has the same kinetic energy in all three phases.

C) ice

The capacity of the air to hold water vapor: A) increases with a decrease in temperature. B) decreases with an increase in temperature. C) increases with an increase in temperature. D) increases with an increase in pressure.

C) increases with an increase in temperature.

Earth's rocky outer layer is known as the: A) biosphere. B) atmosphere. C) lithosphere. D) hydrosphere.

C) lithosphere.

Which one of the following is the MOST abundant gas in the atmosphere? A) hydrogen B) oxygen C) nitrogen D) argon E) carbon dioxide

C) nitrogen

During the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, the circle of illumination passes directly through the: A) equator. B) Tropic of Capricorn. C) poles. D) Tropic of Cancer.

C) poles.

What kind of energy does gravity give to hailstones suspended in a thunderstorm? A) kinetic energy B) latent energy C) potential energy D) kinesthetic energy

C) potential energy

The property which primarily controls how much water can be present as a gas is: A) number of particulates present. B) availability of latent heat. C) temperature of the air. D) water's specific heat. E) amount of dry air gases present.

C) temperature of the air.

The lag of extreme temperatures with respect to minimum or maximum values of solar radiation is due to: A) the earth being covered mostly by water. B) the rotational motion of the earth. C) the influence of the total radiation balance D) absorption within the atmosphere E) the elliptical orbit of the earth.

C) the influence of the total radiation balance

The lag of the maximum is exhibited when: A) the maximum temperature during a year does not occur until autumn. B) the highest levels of solar radiation are not received until late afternoon. C) the maximum temperature for the day occurs several hours after maximum solar radiation receipt. D) the warmest annual mean temperature occurs in the year following maximum CO2 emissions.

C) the maximum temperature for the day occurs several hours after maximum solar radiation

The primary cause of Earth's seasons is: A) changes in atmospheric thickness. B) varying orbital speed. C) tilt of Earth's rotation axis, which causes sun angles and daylight length to vary. D) regular changes in radiation emitted by the Sun. E) varying distance from the Sun, which changes how much radiation Earth receives from the Sun.

C) tilt of Earth's rotation axis, which causes sun angles and daylight length to vary.

Which of the following associations is CORRECT? A) high latitude — low annual temperature range B) land — distributes heat through convection C) water — high specific heat D) evaporation — raises the temperature of air

C) water — high specific heat

The daily maximum temperature occurs at the time: A) when incoming radiation first exceeds outgoing radiation. B) of maximum incoming radiation. C) when outgoing radiation equals incoming. D) near noon.

C) when outgoing radiation equals incoming.

How many weather-related disasters with costs in excess of $1 billion occurred in the United States between 2004 and 2016? A) 5 B) 12 C) 34 D) 102

D) 102

The world record high temperature (134oF) was recorded at: A) Khartoum, Sedan. B) El Azizia, Libya. C) Mekka, Saudi Arabia. D) Death Valley, California.

D) Death Valley, California.

The minimum temperature usually occurs near sunrise because: A) atmospheric path is longest. B) the Sun angle is lowest then. C) reflection of solar radiation is a maximum. D) Earth experiences a net loss of radiation until then.

D) Earth experiences a net loss of radiation until then.

Earth is closest to the Sun during: A) Northern hemisphere autumn. B) Southern hemisphere autumn. C) Southern hemisphere winter. D) Northern hemisphere winter. E) Northern hemisphere summer.

D) Northern hemisphere winter.

Why are average monthly temperatures cooler in Quito, Ecuador than Guayaquil, Ecuador? A) Quito is at a higher latitude. B) Guayaquil is feeing the effects of global warming. C) Glaciers in the Andes Mountains moderate the air temperature in Quito. D) Quito is at a higher elevation.

D) Quito is at a higher elevation.

Which of the following is an example of an interface? A) The circulation of water through the hydrologic cycle. B) Solar energy traveling through space. C) The formation of an igneous rock as lava cools following a volcanic eruption. D) The formation of the Grand Canyon as running water erodes, transports, and deposits rock.

D) The formation of the Grand Canyon as running water erodes, transports, and deposits rock.

Air may best be described as: A) an element. B) one of four basic substances that composes all things. C) a compound. D) a mixture.

D) a mixture.

As liquid water is evaporated into the atmosphere, heat energy is: A) absorbed by the remaining liquid. B) given off by the water vapor. C) released by the evaporating water. D) absorbed by the evaporating water. E) absorbed by the surrounding air.

D) absorbed by the evaporating water.

Soil belongs to which of the earth's spheres? A) lithosphere. B) atmosphere. C) biosphere. D) all four spheres: biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

D) all four spheres: biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

The common boundary where different parts of a system interact is called: A) a systemic boundary. B) the plane of interaction. C) a cycle. D) an interface.

D) an interface.

Which one of the following is not a term used to designate one of the "spheres" of the earth's environment? A) atmosphere B) geosphere C) biosphere D) aquasphere

D) aquasphere

Which of the following associations is INCORRECT? A) aphelion — Earth furthest from the sun B) vernal equinox — equal day/equal night C) summer solstice — solar declination at the Tropic of Cancer D) autumnal equinox — shortest day of the year for the Arctic Circle

D) autumnal equinox — shortest day of the year for the Arctic Circle

Salt, dust particles, and smoke are all examples of: A) anthropogenically-produced cloud nuclei. B) freezing nuclei. C) hydrophobic nuclei. D) condensation nuclei.

D) condensation nuclei.

The cloud droplets in a cloud are formed by water vapor molecules and: A) protons. B) ions. C) molecules of air. D) condensation nuclei. E) other water vapor molecules.

D) condensation nuclei.

Which of the following requires the GREATEST RELEASE of latent heat energy into the atmosphere? A) melting of 1 gram of water B) freezing of 1 gram of water C) evaporation of 1 gram of water D) condensation of 1 gram of water

D) condensation of 1 gram of water

The most important process for cloud formation in the atmosphere is: A) cooling by loss of latent heat. B) cooling by compression of the air. C) radiational cooling. D) cooling through the adiabatic process.

D) cooling through the adiabatic process.

Which of the following processes requires the highest RELEASE of energy from the water molecules? A) melting B) freezing C) condensation D) deposition

D) deposition

Relative humidity indicates the: A) probability of precipitation. B) chance of cloud formation. C) chance for evaporation of water. D) nearness to saturation for the air. E) actual amount of water in the air.

D) nearness to saturation for the air.

Over the course of this year, the tilt of Earth's polar axis will: A) remains constant at 90 degrees. B) vary from 0 to 23.5 degrees. C) vary from 0 to 47 degrees. D) remain constant at 23.5 degrees.

D) remain constant at 23.5 degrees.

The most common way for air to be cooled in order that a cloud may form is by: A) sinking and contracting. B) emitting radiation. C) evaporating water. D) rising and expanding. E) reflecting radiation.

D) rising and expanding.

Which of the following is a measurement of the average kinetic energy possessed by the atoms or molecules in a substance? A) potential energy B) latent energy C) heat D) temperature

D) temperature

Clouds, dew and frost all form because air has become saturated. This condition of saturation is usually caused by: A) a temperature increase. B) lack of convective mixing. C) adding water vapor. D) the air being cooled. E) an abundance of condensation nuclei.

D) the air being cooled.

The basic elements of weather and climate include all of the following, except: A) the humidity of the air. B) the temperature of the air. C) the pressure of the air. D) the chemical composition of the air. E) the type and amount of cloudiness.

D) the chemical composition of the air.

A primary difference between the concepts of weather and climate is the: A) measuring technique used. B) type of weather elements measured. C) temperature scale used. D) time period involved.

D) time period involved.

How would a droplet formed on a hygroscopic nuclei compare to a droplet that formed on a hydrophobic nuclei? A) The hygroscopic nuclei droplet would be larger. B) The droplet on the hydrophobic nuclei would be smaller. C) The droplet on the hygroscopic nuclei would form at a lower relative humidity. D) Both A and C E) All of the above.

E) All of the above.

Which month is most likely to be the HOTTEST in the northern hemisphere? A) January B) June C) May D) September E) August

E) August

The two changes of state that are the most important part of the water cycle for the atmosphere would be: A) condensation, freezing. B) condensation, melting. C) melting, sublimation. D) melting, freezing. E) evaporation, condensation.

E) evaporation, condensation.

The heat released when water vapor condenses to form a cloud or when liquid droplets freeze in a cloud: A) makes the air heavier. B) adds water to the cloud. C) cools off the cloud. D) evaporates more water. E) helps the cloud to rise higher.

E) helps the cloud to rise higher.