Geography 101
At what elevation will clouds begin to form in the parcel of air? 0 km 2 km 1 km 3 km
1 km
The tropopause is approximately how many miles above the earth's surface? 2 10 50 100 300
10
Commercially available global positioning system receivers can currently be used to determine location to an accuracy of 10 meters or less 100 meters 1 kilometer 1 degree
10 meters or less
Suppose that it is 11:30 a.m. Tuesday immediately west of the international date line. What is the time and day immediately east of the international date line? 12:30 a.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Wednesday 11:30 a.m. Tuesday 12:30 a.m. Monday 11:30 a.m. Monday
11:30 a.m. Monday
Suppose that it is 11:30 p.m. Tuesday immediately west of the international date line. What is the time and day immediately east of the international date line? 12:30 a.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Monday 11:30 a.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Tuesday 12:30 a.m. Monday
11:30 p.m. Monday
Now imagine the same situation, but an hour later (12:30 a.m. Wednesday). Again, what time is it immediately east of the international date line? 11:30 a.m. Tuesday 12:30 a.m. Monday 12:30 a.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Monday
12:30 a.m. Tuesday
1. Which of the following representative fractions represents the largest scale? 1:10,000 1:24,000 1:50000 1:100,000 1:1,000,000
1:10,000
Which of the following representative fractions represents the largest scale? 1:10,000 1:24,000 1:50,000 1:100,000 1:1,000,000
1:10,000
At the equator the sun is never more than ________ degrees from a line that is perpendicular to the earth's surface. 23.5 12.5 66.5 90
23.5
Earth's albedo is approximately what value? 6% 22% 31% 48% 69%
31%
Suppose a parcel of air is about to be forced over a mountain 3 km in height. Given that the temperature of the parcel at 0 km is 25°C, the dew point is 15°C, the DAR is 10°C/km, the MAR is 5°C/km, and the ELR is 7°C/km, what will be the temperature of the parcel when it reaches the base of the other side of the mountain? 10°C 25°C 15°C 35°C
35°C
Using figure 14.3 in your textbook, which of the following would represent the relative percentages of sand, silt and clay in a clay loam soil? 50, 40, 10 10, 40, 50 40, 30, 30 80, 10, 10
40, 30, 30
How much of the insolation absorbed by the earth atmosphere system is emitted back to space via longwave radiation? 6% 31% 48% 69% 100%
69
When a system suddenly jumps to a new equilibrium level, we say the system has reached a threshold. an input. an equilibrium shift. a feedback loop.
? NOT equilibrium shift
This scenario applies to the next two questions: Suppose you have two functioning wells, fairly close to each other, and one goes dry but the other does not. Which of the following probably explains your predicament? You have an aquiclude near the dry well. The dry well is artesian. The non-dry well is closer to the aquifer recharge area. A cone of depression has developed around the dry well.
A cone of depression has developed around the dry well.
Insolation does not heat the earth until it is scattered. transmitted. refracted. reflected. absorbed.
Absorbed
Select all the options that correctly complete this statement: The wavelength of electromagnetic energy changes when it is scattered. absorbed. reflected. transmitted.
Absorbed
Which of the following accurately describes the earth's distance from the sun? Select all that apply. The distance between them averages about 150 million km (93 million mi). The earth is closer to the sun in January and farther away in July. It takes light an average of 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the sun to the earth.
All
Which of the following characteristics of soil is affected by the presence of clay? Select all that apply. porosity water availability nutrient availability permeability
All
Which of the following is true regarding time zones? Select all that apply. They are 15° wide because the earth rotates through that distance in one hour. They are based on distance from Greenwich, England. They are split approximately down the middle by a central meridian.
All
Which of the following locations will experience a 12-hour day length at the March equinox? Select all that apply. Provo, Utah (40° N latitude) the Arctic Circle the Tropic of Cancer the equator
All
Which of the following represents a potential application of global positioning systems? monitoring fault movement ocean navigation tracking changes in the elevation of mountains outdoor recreation all of these
All
Which of the following objects radiates electromagnetic energy? the sun the earth you All of the above
All of the above
Which of the following soil particles has the highest porosity? gravel clay sand silt
Clay
In which soil horizon is the process of leaching dominant? O B E C A
E
Which of the following is incorrect? Earth is constantly receiving new resources and matter. Earth represents a closed system in terms of matter. Earth represents an open system in terms of energy. Earth represents a vast interconnected system.
Earth is constantly receiving new resources and matter.
Earth's energy budget is balanced at all latitudes. True False
False
It is much easier to minimize distortion on small-scale maps. True False
False
Over the oceans, there is more precipitation than evaporation. True False
False
Oxisols are very fertile. True False
False
The scientific method should be seen as a sequence with distinct starting and ending points. True False
False
The temperature of the atmosphere decreases with increasing altitude in the stratosphere, just like in the troposphere. True False
False
The trade winds just north of the equator are easterly, while those just south of the equator are westerly. True False
False
Very warm and wet environments usually have soils with the highest amounts of clay and thus the highest fertility. True False
False
Worldwide, the highest population densities and growth rates occur in areas where water is readily accessible. True False
False
Which of the following would be used for overlay map analysis where two or more map layers are superimposed or integrated? GPS Landsat GIS GOES AVHRR
GIS
Which of the following statements would best describe the emphasis in college-level geography in the United States? Geography is basically a technical field primarily concerned with map-making. Geography's main emphasis is on spatial arrangement and the explanation of why things are where they are. Geography puts its greatest emphasis in learning where places are located. Geography primarily studies the physical aspects of the earth's surface.
Geography's main emphasis is on spatial arrangement and the explanation of why things are where they are.
Which of the following would best describe an area with a very high dew point? warm dry cold humid
Humid
Which of the following accurately summarizes the differences in day-length and intensity of insolation with increasing latitude over the course of a year? Intensity decreases and day-length becomes more variable as you move from low to high latitudes. Intensity decreases and day-length becomes less variable as you move from low to high latitudes. Intensity increases and day-length becomes less variable as you move from low to high latitudes. Intensity increases and day-length becomes more variable as you move from low to high latitudes.
Intensity decreases and day-length becomes more variable as you move from low to high latitudes.
Which of the following is true regarding energy that is reflected by the atmosphere? It is eventually transferred back to space as latent heat. It increases the energy surplus of the planet. It raises the temperature of the atmosphere and allows life to exist. It does not heat the atmosphere.
It does not heat the atmosphere
Which of the following accurately describes what happens to air as it rises? It contracts and warms. It contracts and cools. It expands and warms. It expands and cools.
It expands and cools.
Which of the following statements about the Coriolis force is true? Select all that apply. It is stronger where there is a lot of friction. It only affects objects moving north to south. It makes toilets flush clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. It helps to produce counterclockwise rotation of air around a low-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere.
It helps to produce counterclockwise rotation of air around a low-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which of the following statements about groundwater pollution is true? It is contaminated from both point and nonpoint sources. It purifies itself more rapidly than surface water. Aquifer recharge areas are good places for waste disposal ponds. It is easier to clean than surface water.
It is contaminated from both point and nonpoint sources.
Which of the following statements about groundwater pollution is true? It purifies itself more rapidly than surface water. It is easier to clean than surface water. Aquifer recharge areas are good places for waste disposal ponds. It is contaminated from both point and nonpoint sources.
It is contaminated from both point and nonpoint sources.
Which of the following best describes the value of a theory in the scientific method? It stimulates continued observation and testing. It has little value because it is "just a theory." It always represents a negative feedback in the process. It represents established and unquestionable fact.
It stimulates continued observation and testing.
Which of the following statements regarding the global hydrologic cycle is true? It emphasizes that water is an endless resource. It is an example of a system in disequilibrium. It is an example of open system with inputs and outputs. It suggests that global precipitation and evaporation are balanced.
It suggests that global precipitation and evaporation are balanced.
Which of the following statements regarding the global hydrologic cycle is true? It is an example of open system with inputs and outputs. It emphasizes that water is an endless resource. It suggests that precipitation and evaporation are balanced. It is an example of a system in disequilibrium.
It suggests that precipitation and evaporation are balanced.
Which of the following is not true regarding ozone? It is beneficial if it is located in the stratosphere. It is harmful if it is located very near the surface of the earth. It reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface. It traps thermal radiation emitted by the earth.
It traps thermal radiation emitted by the earth
If a parcel of air above its dew point is cooled, and the specific humidity remains constant, what will happen to the relative humidity of that parcel? It will reach the evaporation point. It will remain constant. It will increase. It will decrease.
It will increase.
Which of the following correctly describes the behavior of a system with positive feedback? It will respond to a change in input by moving further from its equilibrium condition. There is not enough information to tell because we do not know the nature of the system components. It will not respond at all to a change in input. It will respond to a change in input by moving towards its equilibrium condition.
It will respond to a change in input by moving further from its equilibrium condition.
The next two questions are based on the following information: A parcel of air is about to be forced over a mountain 3 km in height. The temperature of the parcel at 0 km is 25°C, the dew point is 15°C, the DAR is 10°C/km, the MAR is 5°C/km, and the ELR is 7°C/km. 8. What will be the temperature of the parcel at the top (3 km) of the mountain? -5°C -15°C 10°C 5°C
NOT -5°C
It is November 15, and you are standing at the North Pole. How long will the day-length be on this day? 0 hours about 8 hours 12 hours 24 hours
NOT 24 hours
Which of the following is not true regarding ozone? It traps thermal radiation emitted by the earth. It is harmful if it is located very near the surface of the earth. It reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface. It is beneficial if it is located in the stratosphere.
NOT It is harmful if it is located very near the surface of the earth.
In the lake system diagram, if an input to the system causes lake level to increase initially, what will happen to lake level after the input has traveled through the system one time? It will decrease. It will increase further. It will not change. There is not enough information to tell.
NOT It will not change.
In the lake system diagram, if shoreline distance decreases, what will happen to lake surface area? It will decrease. It will increase. It will reach steady-state equilibrium. It will stay the same.
NOT It will reach steady-state equilibrium.
Which of the following accurately describes atmospheric conditions if the environmental lapse rate is 12°C/km, the dry adiabatic rate is 10°C/km, and the moist adiabatic rate is 6°C/km? stable adiabatically stable conditionally unstable unstable
NOT adiabatically stable
At which of the following locations is solar energy most concentrated? at places where the angle of incidence is 90° always at the equator anywhere on the earth during perihelion at places where the angle of incidence is 0°
NOT always at the equator
What is the generic term for any line that connects points of equal value on a map? a projection a legend an isopoint a rhumb line an isoline
NOT an isopoint
When isotherms on a temperature map bend poleward, it indicates a location where elevation is significantly affecting temperatures. the temperature is warmer than expected based on latitude. the temperature is cooler than expected based on latitude. the temperature is changing over time.
NOT elevation is significantly affecting temperatures.
Radiation emitted from the earth falls within which of the following parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? visible longwave ultraviolet gamma shortwave
NOT gamma
By which of the following processes does the earth's surface lose most of the insolation it absorbs? scattering refraction radiation conduction latent heat transfer
NOT only by conduction
The plane of the earth's orbit about the sun is known as a great circle. the plane of the ecliptic. perihelion. geoidal plane. aphelion.
NOT perihelion
What is the main source of energy for both tornadoes and hurricanes? the Coriolis force high pressure centers latent heat friction
NOT the Coriolis force
Which of the following terms best identifies the focus of physical geography? geosystems ecosystems the ecosphere the lithosphere the biosphere
NOT the biosphere
Which of the following features would prove most difficult to map if the cartographer desired to preserve features of both equal area and true shape? Australia North America a city a bike trail through a park
North America
Among layers of the soil horizon, which one contains the most organic material? R A O B
O
Which of the following example stations experiences the greatest moisture deficits? Jacksonville, Florida Kingsport, Tennessee Phoenix, Arizona Ottawa, Ontario
Phoenix, Arizona
Under which of the following conditions would a water deficit occur for a given area and time? Potential evapotranspiration is less than precipitation. Soil moisture storage is less than precipitation. Potential evapotranspiration is greater than precipitation and soil moisture storage. Potential evapotranspiration is less than soil moisture storage.
Potential evapotranspiration is greater than precipitation and soil moisture storage.
Which of the following statements regarding the High Plains Aquifer in the United States is not true? The water table in the aquifer has dropped more than 100 feet in the last 50 years. The aquifer is used to irrigate about one-fifth of all U.S. cropland. Rainfall has been and is the principal recharge mechanism of the aquifer. Groundwater mining has resulted in the partial collapse of the aquifer.
Rainfall has been and is the principal recharge mechanism of the aquifer.
Which of the following would be the best, long-term solution to the problem? Move somewhere else because both wells will definitely go dry no matter what you do. Dig the dry well deeper. Just use the non-dry well and extract more water to make up for the loss of the other. Reduce water extraction to match the aquifer recharge rate.
Reduce water extraction to match the aquifer recharge rate.
If a farmer is having trouble with waterlogged soils, which of the following would be best to add to the soil? clay silt sand fertilizer
Sand
Which of the following winds frequently helps to produce major brushfires in Southern California? Santa Ana Chinook valley breezes katabatic
Santa Ana
In the Northern Hemisphere, an object traveling from west to east will initially be deflected to the ________ by the Coriolis force. north south west east
South
Why do hurricanes not form between the equator and about 5° latitude? Evaporation is not high enough. Ocean temperatures are not high enough. The Coriolis force is not strong enough. The air is too stable.
The Coriolis force is not strong enough.
Which of the following is true with regards to the earth's energy budget? The earth gains more energy than it loses. It is unbalanced because of the greenhouse effect. The earth loses more energy than it gains. The earth loses the same amount of energy as it gains.
The earth loses the same amount of energy as it gains
On the March equinox, which of the following events takes place at the North Pole? The sun rises above the horizon for the first time in six months. The sun drops below the horizon for the first time in six months. The sun is directly overhead at noon for the first time in six months. The sun is 66.5° from the horizon at noon.
The sun rises above the horizon for the first time in six months
On the March equinox, which of the following events takes place at the North Pole? The sun drops below the horizon for the first time in six months. The sun rises above the horizon for the first time in six months. The sun is directly overhead at noon for the first time in six months. The sun is 66.5° from the horizon at noon.
The sun rises above the horizon for the first time in six months.
Which of the following best describes physical geographers' current interest in human features and processes across the earth? They are strongly focused on human features or processes. They are not concerned with human features or processes. They are only interested in how physical features and processes control or limit human features and processes. They are interested in the interactions between physical and human features and processes.
They are interested in the interactions between physical and human features and processes.
Which of the following is true regarding lines of latitude? They range from 0° to 180°. They are called meridians. They are parallel to each other. They are used in measuring time changes. They run north to south.
They are parallel to each other.
Which of the following is true regarding temperature inversions? They occur when the normal decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in the troposphere is reversed. They are caused by pollution. They help to reduce the effects of pollution. They are uncommon in mountainous areas such as Utah.
They occur when the normal decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in the troposphere is reversed.
Anthropogenic pollutants are usually more harmful to humans than natural pollutants. True False
True
Clouds are an important factor affecting the earth's energy budget. True False
True
During summer, maritime locations tend to be cooler than continental locations. True False
True
Hotter objects emit energy at shorter wavelengths than colder objects. True False
True
It is possible for water vapor to change directly to ice. True False
True
Most of earth's fresh, surface water is found in ice caps and glaciers. True False
True
Relative humidity can increase without new water vapor being added to the atmosphere. True False
True
The land-sea breeze and mountain-valley breeze cycles are controlled by shifting thermal high and low pressure systems. True False
True
The scientific method includes both positive and negative feedback. True False
True
Wind-generated energy resources are currently the fastest growing energy technology in terms of new capacity. True False
True
The specific heat of water is greater than that of land. What does this mean? Land heats more slowly than water does. Water heats more slowly than land does. Land is warmer than water. Water is warmer than land.
Water heats more slowly than land does.
With regards to matter, earth can be essentially considered an infinite system. a closed system. an open system. a non-equilibrium system.
a closed system.
What type of front is produced where a cold air mass is moving into a warm air mass at the surface? a high front a cold front a low front a stationary front a warm front
a cold front
Which of the following describes the moisture condition if precipitation and soil moisture are inadequate to meet potential evapotranspiration? a deficit a surplus actual evapotranspiration soil moisture utilization
a deficit
Which of the following would you be most likely to find associated with a warm front? a gentle shower hail hard, driving rain thunder and lightning
a gentle shower
Which of the following terms best describes the shape of the earth? an eratosthenoid an egg a sphere a geoid
a geoid
If you are making a map that is likely to be photocopied and enlarged or shrunk by users, which type of scale would be best to include on your map? a graphic scale a written scale a ratio scale a conformal scale a fractional scale
a graphic scale
If you are making a map that is likely to be photocopied and enlarged or shrunk by users, which type of scale would be best to include on your map? a ratio scale a written scale a conformal scale a graphic scale a fractional scale
a graphic scale
Earth's equator is an example of a prime meridian. a great circle. a line of longitude. a small circle.
a great circle.
What is the term for a soil with approximately equal amounts of sand, silt, and clay? a pedon silty sandy clay a loam humus
a loam
Geography is described as an earth science. a human science. a physical science. a spatial science.
a spatial science.
The Intertropical Convergence Zone is an example of which of the following? a westerly wind belt a thermal low-pressure zone a thermal high-pressure zone a dynamic high-pressure zone
a thermal low-pressure zone
A regional ocean current that is flowing from the equator towards a pole is most likely an upwelling current. a warm current. a thermohaline current. a cool current.
a warm current.
The Gulf Stream current along the east coast of the United States is an example of a saline current. a warm current. a countercurrent. a cool current. an upwelling current.
a warm current.
Which of the following represents all earth's properties of area, shape, direction, proximity, and distance correctly? Alber's equal-area conic projection Robinson projection an oval projection a world globe Mercator projection
a world globe
When water evaporates, latent heat is released by water molecules. used to form water droplets. absorbed by water molecules. transferred between water molecules.
absorbed by water molecules.
Which of the following types of fog results when warm, moist air moves horizontally to a colder area? advection fog upslope fog radiation fog evaporation fog
advection fog
What is the term for a water-bearing rock stratum? an aquiclude a zone of aeration a water table an aquifer
an aquifer
A well in which water rises to the surface without any necessary pumping is known as an artesian well. a water table well. an aquifer recharge well. an effluent well.
an artesian well.
What is the generic term for any line that connects points of equal value on a map? an isopoint an isoline a legend a rhumb line a projection
an isoline
Circulation around a high pressure center is termed zonal. meridional. anticyclonic. cyclonic.
anticyclonic
What is the largest climatic type worldwide, occupying more than 35% of the earth's land area? polar and highland climates arid and semiarid climates mesothermal climates tropical climates
arid and semiarid climates
What is the largest general climatic type worldwide, occupying more than 35% of earth's land area? arid and semiarid climates polar and highland climates tropical climates mesothermal climates
arid and semiarid climates
Which of the following climatic types would you find in most of northern Africa? semiarid steppe arid desert tropical rainforest tropical savanna
arid desert
Which of the following soil orders is most common worldwide? aridisols spodosols histosols oxisols
aridisols
Which soil order has the greatest extent in the world? histosols oxisols aridisols spodosols
aridisols
Which of the following objects would have the lowest albedo? asphalt fresh snow water concrete forest
asphalt
A parcel of air always becomes saturated under which of the following points? at the absolute humidity point at the lowest temperature of the day at the dew point temperature at the highest temperature of the day
at the dew point temperature
According to the land-sea breeze cycle, what type of wind should a person expect when visiting a coastal beach during the day? blowing along the coast, from north to south blowing from land towards sea blowing from sea towards land no wind at all
blowing from sea towards land
Which of the following air masses is usually the most stable? mP cT mT cP
cP
Which of the following types of water is readily available to plants? all of these gravitational water hygroscopic water capillary water
capillary water
Which of the following cloud types would be found at the highest altitude? cirrus nimbostratus cumulus stratus
cirrus
Which is the smallest soil particle? prism clay sand silt
clay
Which of the following soils would have the highest field capacity? sand clay sandy loam loam silt loam
clay
Regional-scale ocean currents or gyres in the Northern Hemisphere typically flow consistently towards the North Pole. counterclockwise. clockwise. across the equator.
clockwise
Which of the following are the three criteria used to classify the atmosphere? composition, temperature, and evolution composition, temperature, and function structure, origin, and temperature structure, origin, and evolution
composition, temperature, and function
What provides most of the energy that strengthens tornadoes? condensation lightning air pressure friction
condensation
Which of the following accurately describes atmospheric conditions if the environmental lapse rate is between the dry adiabatic and moist adiabatic rates? conditionally unstable adiabatically stable environmentally unstable stable unstable
conditionally unstable
Which type of energy transfer involves molecule-to-molecule contact? advection reflection convection conduction radiation
conduction
The consistent afternoon thunderstorms that occur in the southeastern United States during the summer are usually produced by which lifting mechanism? convection frontal convergence orographic
convection
The consistent afternoon thunderstorms that occur in the southeastern United States during the summer are usually produced by which lifting mechanism? frontal convergence convection orographic
convection
What is the term for the physical transfer of heat through physical mixing of air including strong vertical motion? convection advection absorption conduction
convection
Which of the following is a capability of a geographic information system? Select all that apply. data storage, manipulation and analysis sending images from satellites map production with different spatial information layers determining one's location
data storage, manipulation and analysis AND map production with different spatial information layers
Satellite images are based on signals compiled by geographic information systems. digital data that are stored electronically and then transmitted to earth by radio waves. holographic images created from laser-generated interference patterns. signals compiled by global positioning system receivers. standard photographic film which is recovered after a satellite returns to earth.
digital data that are stored electronically and then transmitted to earth by radio waves.
Which area of the world experiences the largest annual range in temperature? southern South America northern Africa eastern Siberia central Australia
eastern Siberia
Which of the following features are typically represented on topographic maps? Select all that apply. atmospheric pressure rainfall wind elevation
elevation
Leaching is synonymous with which of the following terms? adsorption illuviation eluviation deposition
eluviation
The property of equivalence in a map projection is also known as parallel. azimuthal. true shape. equal area. cylindrical.
equal area.
Which of the following types of fog is most likely to form over water rather than land? radiation fog upslope fog evaporation fog valley fog
evaporation fog
At the surface of the earth, air flows from high pressure to high pressure. from high pressure to low pressure. from low pressure to high pressure. from low pressure to low pressure.
from high pressure to low pressure.
Which of the following processes produces the energy we receive from the sun? combustion auroras fusion perihelion
fusion
Most of the earth's fresh water is in which of the following forms? glaciers and ice caps soil moisture groundwater lakes and rivers
glaciers and ice caps
Pumping of groundwater that exceeds the amount of natural recharge of an aquifer is called groundwater mining. groundwater aeration. groundwater discharging. groundwater acceleration.
groundwater mining.
Which of the following is correctly matched? Select all that apply. high pressure—sinking air in the Northern Hemisphere low pressure—counter-clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere low pressure—sinking air in the Southern Hemisphere low pressure—counter-clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere
high pressure—sinking air in the Northern Hemisphere AND low pressure—counter-clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere
Which of the following would best describe an area with a very high dew point? cold dry humid warm
humid
Which two climatic types are found along most of the East coast of the United States? humid continental and humid subtropical Mediterranean and marine west coast humid continental and subarctic arid desert and semiarid steppe
humid continental and humid subtropical
Which of the following climatic types would you find in most of the southeastern United States? arid desert tropical savanna humid subtropical humid continental
humid subtropical
What is the term for the collection of minerals and oxides in a portion of the soil profile? leaching eluviation humification illuviation
illuviation
According to the mountain-valley breeze cycle, which of the following times would be best to take a bicycle trip up a canyon, assuming you want the wind at your back? in the afternoon very late at night any time high pressure dominates over the mountains very early in the morning none of these times
in the afternoon
In most places, when is relative humidity usually the lowest? in the morning in the afternoon near midnight
in the afternoon
Loss of stratospheric ozone is occurring primarily in which of the following places? throughout the tropics in the higher latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere near the equator in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere
in the higher latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere
Which of the following would be most likely to be portrayed on a very large-scale map? continents and oceans individual streets in a town time zones mountain ranges
individual streets in a town
tropical monsoon climate is controlled by what? constant influence of the ITCZ influence of the ITCZ during winter and subtropical highs during summer constant influence of the subtropical highs influence of the ITCZ during summer and subtropical highs during winter
influence of the ITCZ during summer and subtropical highs during winter
Why is it difficult to establish agriculture in aridisols? Select all that apply. insufficient water excessive evapotranspiration buildup of salts
insufficient water excessive evapotranspiration buildup of salts
Because geography uses elements from both the physical and human systems to explain the spatial distribution of various phenomena, we can call geography a(n) ____________ science. social physiographic integrative natural humanistic
integrative
What is the name of the heat energy involved in phase or state changes in water? sensible heat mechanical heat sublimation heat latent heat
latent heat
By which of the following processes does the earth's surface lose most of the insolation it absorbs? latent heat transfer conduction refraction scattering radiation
latent heat transfer
Which pedogenic regime is most associated with the tropics? salinization vulcanization podzolization laterization calcification
laterization
Which of the following most strongly controls patterns of temperature on the surface of the earth? cloud cover altitude latitude land-water heating differences ocean currents
latitude
If you decided to take up farming, which of the following combinations of soil texture would you be happiest to find on your property, assuming moisture availability was of prime importance? clay loam loamy sand sand silty clay
loam
Maximum temperatures usually occur after peak radiation in a given day or year. In a maritime location, this lag is usually shorter compared to a continental location. longer compared to a continental location. the same as at a continental location. less predictable than at a continental location.
longer compared to a continental location.
Which of the following is correctly matched? Select all that apply. low pressure—sinking air in the Southern Hemisphere high pressure—sinking air in the Northern Hemisphere low pressure—counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere low pressure—counterclockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere
low pressure—sinking air in the Southern Hemisphere high pressure—sinking air in the Northern Hemisphere
The specific heat of land is ________ than that of water, and therefore heats more ________. lower; slowly lower; quickly higher; quickly higher; slowly
lower; quickly
What type of air mass would you most likely experience in Florida? cA cT cP mP mT
mT
Which of the following air masses would be warm and wet? cT cA mP mT cP
mT
What two air masses usually collide to produce strong midlatitude cyclones, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes? mP and cP mT and cT cT and cP mT and cP
mT and cP
Which of the following most completely describes the makeup of soil? weathered bedrock and regolith minerals, gases, water, and organic matter sand, silt and clay mixed dirt and water
minerals, gases, water, and organic matter
Which soil order has the highest agricultural productivity? spodosols aridisols mollisols oxisols
mollisols
The Coriolis force is strongest wherever there is a lot of friction. at the equator. in the Southern Hemisphere. near the poles. in the Northern Hemisphere.
near the poles.
What type of feedback is represented by the lake system diagram example? both positive and negative feedback there is not enough information to tell. positive feedback negative feedback
negative feedback
Which type of feedback will produce self-regulation and stability in a system? negative feedback equilibrium feedback positive feedback all of the above
negative feedback
What is the usual result of the scientific method? Select all that apply. a bunch of numbers new knowledge a need for continued observation and testing an established set of unquestionable facts
new knowledge a need for continued observation and testing
Which of the following cloud types would be associated with rain? nimbostratus cirrus altostratus cirrostratus
nimbostratus
Which of the following cloud types would be found at the lowest altitude? altostratus altocumulus nimbostratus cirrus
nimbostratus
Which of the following gases makes up most of our atmosphere? water vapor carbon dioxide argon nitrogen oxygen
nitrogen
Which of the following represents a body of facts that is specific to geography? landforms climate settlement patterns political systems none of these; geography is governed more by method and approach than a specific body of facts
none of these; geography is governed more by method and approach than a specific body of facts
The peak of radiation we receive from the sun falls within which of the following parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? ultraviolet radio waves infrared visible microwaves
not ultraviolet
Which of the following comes first in the scientific method? development of a hypothesis development of governing laws observation predictions
observation
Which of the following comes first in the scientific method? observation model development predictions development of a hypothesis
observation
During which stage of a midlatitude cyclone does a cold front catch up to a warm front? cyclogenesis dissolving open occluded
occluded
Which soil order would you be least likely to find in the continental United States? oxisols aridisols spodosols mollisols
oxisols
Which of the following does not help to explain why we have seasons? Earth's tilted axis perihelion and aphelion the revolution of Earth around the sun Earth's axial parallelism
perihelion and aphelion
Which of the following is an example of active remote sensing? an aerial photograph infrared satellite imagery radar advanced very high resolution radiometer
radar
What is the principal control over arid desert climates? rain shadows continental tropical air masses the subtropical highs the westerlies
rain shadows
Solar radiation is primarily ________ whereas radiation from the Earth is exclusively ________. gamma; visible shortwave; longwave ultraviolet; microwave radio wave; ultraviolet thermal infrared; near infrared
shortwave; longwave
The larger the scale of a map, the ________ the extent covered by the map and the ________ the amount of detail it provides. smaller; greater greater; smaller greater; greater smaller; smaller
smaller; greater
When light passes into the atmosphere, it changes ________ in a process known as ________. color; reflection speed and direction; reflection speed and direction; refraction color; Rayleigh scattering color; refraction
speed and direction; refraction
Air that sinks or does not rise is considered dry. humid. unstable. adiabatic. stable.
stable.
Select all the options that correctly complete this statement: When ice melts or water evaporates, latent heat is released to the atmosphere. changed to measurable heat. stored in water molecules.
stored in water molecules
Select all the options that correctly complete this statement: When ice melts or water evaporates, latent heat is changed to measurable heat. released to the atmosphere. stored in water molecules.
stored in water molecules.
Your friend, knowing you are enrolled in Geography 101, decides to test your knowledge by asking you to identify the extensive, flat layer of clouds that has formed at low altitudes. Which of the following terms would you appropriately use? cumulus cirrostratus stratus cumulonimbus
stratus
If you do not like extreme seasonal changes in temperature, in which of the following climatic types would you be least happy? tropical rainforest polar subarctic tropical savanna
subarctic
Which climatic type experiences the greatest annual temperature ranges due to continentality? tropical monsoon tropical savanna humid subtropical subarctic
subarctic
What are the dominant controls over Mediterranean climates? subtropical highs during winter and the westerlies (cyclonic storm tracks) during summer influence of the subtropical highs year-round subtropical highs during summer and the westerlies (cyclonic storm tracks) during winter influence of the ITCZ year-round
subtropical highs during summer and the westerlies (cyclonic storm tracks) during winter
The makeup of sand, silt, and clay determines which of the following soil properties? texture color depth structure
texture
Most of the United States is located between which of the following pairs of parallels? the Tropic of Cancer and the equator the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn the Arctic Circle and and the Tropic of Cancer the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle
the Arctic Circle and and the Tropic of Cancer
What controls the climatic type represented by this climograph? continentality the subtropical highs the westerlies the ITCZ
the ITCZ
Which of the following pairs of the earth's global pressure systems are involved in the monsoon phenomenon? the ITCZ and the subpolar lows the ITCZ and the subtropical highs the subpolar lows and the subtropical highs the subpolar lows and the polar highs
the ITCZ and the subtropical highs
You are standing at the Tropic of Cancer at noon and you have no shadow. What day is it? the March equinox the June solstice the September equinox the December solstice
the June solstice
Where are most of the world's desalination plants located? southern Africa the Middle East the United States Australia
the Middle East
Where are most of the world's desalination plants located? the Middle East Australia southern Africa the United States
the Middle East
The "greenhouse effect" refers to the absorption of shortwave radiation by hydrogen. the absorption of longwave radiation by the ozone layer. the absorption of shortwave radiation by carbon dioxide. the absorption of longwave radiation by carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gases.
the absorption of longwave radiation by carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gases.
Which of the following correctly defines potential evapotranspiration? actual evapotranspiration under conditions of moisture deficit the amount of water that would evaporate or transpire if it were available the moisture supply the amount of unmet water demand in an area
the amount of water that would evaporate or transpire if it were available
Where would you be most likely to find frontal lifting? the ITCZ the high latitudes the poles the midlatitudes
the midlatitudes
If net condensation is occurring in a rising parcel of air, at what rate will the parcel of air cool as it rises? the dry adiabatic rate the environmental lapse rate either the dry or moist adiabatic rate the moist adiabatic rate
the moist adiabatic rate
0° longitude is also known as the North Pole. the Tropic of Cancer. the international date line. the prime meridian. the equator.
the prime meridian.
Which region in the United States is most susceptible to water deficits? the northeast the southwest the southeast the northwest
the southwest
In which of the following locations would one be most likely to find warm, dry, descending air? the ITCZ the subpolar front the subtropical highs the polar highs none of these
the subtropical highs
What is the principal control over arid desert climates? continental tropical air masses rain shadows the subtropical highs the westerlies
the subtropical highs
When were problems with air pollution first reported? the time of the Romans (2000 years ago) the Middle Ages (approximately 550 AD to 1500 AD) the 1800s the mid-20th twentieth century
the time of the Romans (2000 years ago)
About 90% of the total mass of the atmosphere is contained within which of the following layers? the ionosphere the troposphere the thermosphere the stratosphere the heterosphere
the troposphere
What is the term for the boundary between the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation? the artesian surface the water table the aquifer the aquiclude
the water table
What is the term for the boundary between the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation? the water table the aquifer the aquiclude the artesian surface
the water table
Air flowing from the subtropical highs to the subpolar lows produces which of the following global wind belts? the trade winds the polar easterlies the westerlies the doldrums
the westerlies
Which global wind belt is most common in the contiguous 48 United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)? the northerlies the doldrums the westerlies the trade winds the polar easterlies
the westerlies
You are standing at the Tropic of Capricorn at noon and you have no shadow. What day is it? the vernal (March) equinox the autumnal (September) equinox the summer (June) solstice the winter (December) solstice
the winter (December) solstice
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska are all part of tornado alley. cyclogenesis stripe. hurricane row. thunderstorm central.
tornado alley
Which of the following climatic types has very strong seasonality with regards to precipitation, but not temperature? subarctic tropical rainforest tropical monsoon marine west coast
tropical monsoon
A bunch of constant rain = What climatic type does this climograph represent? Mediterranean tropical savanna subarctic tropical rainforest
tropical rainforest
Which of the following climatic types does not have a strong seasonal component? Mediterranean subarctic tropical savanna tropical rainforest
tropical rainforest
Which climatic type is influenced by the ITCZ during part of the year, and the subtropical highs during another part? Mediterranean humid subtropical tropical savanna tropical rainforest
tropical savanna
Which of the following accurately describes the commonly used Mercator projection? Select all that apply. equal area true shape conic cylindrical
true shape and cylindrical
How many times each year does the subsolar point pass over the equator? once twice three times four times
twice
Which of the following best describes the current emphasis in the field of physical geography? collecting and cataloguing facts about natural phenomena on the earth tracking changes in the world's biodiversity understanding how the earth's systems interact to produce natural phenomena studying climates
understanding how the earth's systems interact to produce natural phenomena
Which of the following most accurately characterizes the goal of geography? the production and analysis of maps memorization of the names of places on world and regional maps memorization of the imports and exports of a country understanding why a place has the characteristics that it does
understanding why a place has the characteristics that it does
A parcel of air that is warmer than its surroundings is considered stable. humid. adiabatic. unstable. dry.
unstable.
The peak of radiation we receive from the sun falls within which of the following parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? infrared visible microwaves ultraviolet radio waves
visible
What conditions are found with a thermal low pressure center? warm, sinking air cool, sinking air warm, rising air cool, rising air
warm, rising air
Areas that experience monsoon circulation are characterized by ________ summers and ________ winters. dry; wet wet; wet dry; dry wet; dry
wet; dry
Which of the following is affected most strongly by the Coriolis force? winds near the equator winds in the upper atmosphere winds near the earth's surface ocean currents
winds in the upper atmosphere
Which of the following best describes moisture conditions for Mediterranean climates? always dry always wet winter-dry, summer-wet winter-wet, summer-dry
winter-wet, summer-dry
A scale given as "one centimeter to one kilometer" is an example of which type of scale? written representative fraction equal area graphic true shape
written
What is the term for the subsurface zone where air exists with water in the space between soil and rock particles? dry zone zone of saturation aquiclude zone of aeration
zone of aeration
