PHYS 137 Midterm take two because I actually am very worried

REVIEW OTHER SET FOR DIAGRAMS

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Earth's dry adiabatic rate of ≈ ___°C/km, the atmospheric lapse rate of _____°C/km shows what a significant effect that a small amount (several percent) of water has on the temperature structure of the troposphere of Earth

10, 6.5

wavelength of peak radiation of the earth

10.05 mm- Earths peak radiation is in the infrared range

Astronomical causes of climate change occur with cycles of 100 million years. 26,000-100,000 years. 450,000 years. 1-5 million years. 20,000 years.

26,000-100,000 years.

During which time span should hurricane formation in the North Atlantic be at its peak? April-May January-February November-December August-Septembe

August-September

If you drive to and from work on a street oriented east and west, when would the sun shine directly into your eyes either going or coming?

Autumnal and vernal equinoxes

When both ice crystals and liquid cloud droplets coexist at below freezing temperatures is know as what process?

Bergeron or ice-crystal process

Cloud seeding with silver iodide is based on the

Bergeron process

City. Air temp Dew Point A 95 76 B 10 10 C 30 21 D 50 42 Which city has the highest relative humidity?

City B

What kind of currents and where cause land and sea breezes

Convection currents near bodies of water cause these local winds

Layer of the atmosphere thats coldest

Mesosphere

In what direction do most tornadoes move toward?

Northeast

What happens to the relative humidity of an air parcel when the parcel warms up?

Relative humidity decreases when the parcel warms up.

A low-flying aircraft heading from point J to point H would most likely experience which of the following changes in wind direction?

SE to SW to NW

Source regions: mT

Subtropical Pacific or Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean sea, Western Atlantic

Dry Bulb Temperature

The temperature of air measured by a thermometer freely exposed to the air

At what time of the day is relative humidity normally at a minimum?

When the air temp is highest

Associated weater: cT

a. hot, dry and cloudless, rarely influencing areas outside source region b. Occasional drought to Southern Great Plains

Sinking and subsiding air cannot form clouds due to the

adiabatic heating.

In the United States, the air mass most commonly found at the back of a cold front is:

cP

The cloud type most frequently associated with a cold front is:

cumulonimbus

A trough aloft is generally associated with:

cyclonic flow at the surface

The wind direction in a low pressure system is:

dependent on your location relative to the storm center.

Carbon dioxide gas is a strong absorber of solar radiationT/F

f

A cold front moves _____ than a warm front

faster

Surface winds will blow across the isobars at an angle if the _______ force is acting.

frictional

Because of global thunderstorm activity, the surface of the Earth becomes __________ charged and the upper atmosphere becomes __________ charged.

negatively, positively

"Heat lightning":

occurs more than 20 kilometers from the person observing it

"Heat lightning": is also called "ball lightning". is brighter than ordinary lightning. occurs more than 20 kilometers from the person observing it. is actually a display of the northern lights.

occurs more than 20 kilometers from the person observing it.

The Coriolis Effect has its maximum deflection at the

poles

If a warm front is approaching, you can expect:

rising temperatures

Layer of the atmosphere that warmest

thermosphere

Bergeron or ice crystal process

when clouds form where is temperatre is below the freezing point, (cold clouds), ice crystals can form spontaneously from liquid water. Liquid water has a higher vapor pressure than ice crystals, that results in water evaporating and depositing in the ice crystal -The Bergeron process is an important precipitation formation process in cold clouds.

Absolute instability prevails

when the lapse rate is greater than the dry adiabatic rate.

Cyclones form in areas

where large temperature contrasts occur in the lower trophosphere

Adiabatic processes are only important for air

which is rising or sinking

The Jet Stream is strongest in:

winter

Know where the peak temperature of the surface occurs in relation to the radiation emission-absorption curves (lag of emission relative to absorption curves).

******

why does a column of cold air, when in contact with a column of warm air, have a higher pressure at its base than the warm air column?

--

How do geostrophic winds differ between hemispheres?

-In the northern hemisphere low pressure systems (cyclones) spin counterclockwise and high pressure systems (anticyclones) spin clockwise-In the southern hemisphere low pressure systems (cyclones) spin clockwise and high pressure systems (anticyclones) spin counterclockwise

how do isotherms vary by season, and across oceans, and continents?

-Latitudinal temperature gradient is the greatest in the hemisphere experiencing winter (Northern Hemisphere January, Southern Hemisphere July)-The strongest gradients in the winter hemisphere occur because the midday sun angles and the length day both decrease with latitude -During the summer, the lower midday sun angles at the higher latitudes are offset by longer days, so the temperature gradients are relatively weak. -Isotherms shift poleward over land in the hemisphere experiencing summer and shift equatorward over land during the winter -Temperatures over land tend to be warmer in the summer than over adjacent water bodies, and colder in the winter.

What is the general behavior of an isotherm

-generally trend east and west and show a decrease in temperature poleward. -Moreover, the isotherms illustrate a latitudinal shifting of temperatures caused by the seasonal migration of the Sun's vertical rays and also reveal the presence of ocean currents. -The north-south migration of isotherms is more pronounced over the continents because the temperatures do not fluctuate as much over water

wavelength of peak radiation of the Sun

0.5mm- the sun is a shortwave emitter in the visible range

If you were 200 kilometers ahead of the surface position of a warm front, you would find the frontal surface at a height of ________ km overhead. 0.5 2 1 2.5 1.5

1

If you were 200 kilometers ahead of the surface position of a warm front, you would find the frontal surface at a height of __________ km overhead.

1

How much more acidic is a substance with a pH of 5 than a substance with a pH of 6? 1.2 times or 20% 2 times 3 times 5 times 10 times

10 x

The pressure is 9032 032 1003.2 none of these

1003.2

If you see lightning and then hear the associated thunder 10 seconds later, the lightning flash was about ______ mile(s) away. one five three two four

2

The diameter of a typical tornado funnel cloud would be

200 m

The diameter of a typical tornado funnel cloud would be 1000 meters. 50 meters. 4000 meters. 200 meters. 2500 meters.

200 m

Past climate data measured with instruments extends back about 300 years. 100 years. 200 years. 30 years.

200 year

The actual amount of water vapor in the air is greatest for which of the following combinations of temperature and relative humidity?

20°C, 100%

If the temperature at the surface of Earth (at sea level) is 40°C, what is the temperature at 2000 m if the normal lapse rate is 6.4°C/1000 m?

27.2 degrees C

At which of the four positions would the following twelve-hour forecast most likely be given, "Warm and partly cloudy this morning with southwesterly winds, increasing clouds with snow showers this afternoon, turning colder tonight with winds out of the northwest."? 1 2 3 4

3

If a lightning strike is seen and the thunder is heard 15 seconds later, the lightning must be about ________ miles away.

3

If a lightning strike is seen and the thunder is heard 15 seconds later, the lightning must be about ________ miles away. 3 30 5 15

3

Below this point the oxygen in the atmosphere is primarily diatomic (molecular) while above this point the oxygen is primarily atomic.

3 in the stratosphere

Assuming continued growth in world greenhouse-gas emissions,atmospheric models used in the study of climate change in the United States predict temperatures will rise an average of ___________ in the next 100 years. 1 to 3°C 0.5 to 1.0°C 3 to 5°C 5 to 10°C 0° C

3 to 5°C

If there is a 60% chance a storm will move into a forecast area, and that it will affect 50% of that area, the precipitation probability is 40%. 60%. 50%. 30%. 10%.

30%

In terms of the three-cell general circulation model for the Earth, the driest regions of the Earth should be near the equator and 60° latitude. 30° latitude and the polar regions. 30° latitude and 60° latitude. equator and 30° latitude. equator and the polar regions.

30° latitude and the polar regions.

At a city located at 30°N latitude, what is the altitude of the Sun's noon rays at winter solstice?

36.5

Below this point the atmosphere is uniformly mixed (homosphere). Above this point the atmosphere tends to separate with the heavy gases at lower altitude than the light gases (heterosphere).

4

Synoptic charts have isobars plotted at _______ millibar levels. 4 5 1 12 10

4

Suppose the albedo of a planet is measured to be 40%. This means that:

40% of the sun's energy is reflected

You are driving up Mauna Loa, HI. The temperature at sea level is 80°F (27˚C), what is the temperature at 10,000 feet (3 km)?

45 degrees F

Accuracy of weather forecasting begins to decrease rapidly for periods greater than 1 week. 1 month. 5 days. 1 day. 2 days.

5 days??

The relative humidity is 20 percent and the actual mixing ratio is 10 grams per kilogram. What is the mixing ratio at saturation?

50 gm/kg

About how much of the CO2 released by burning fossil fuels accumulates in the atmosphere? 315 ppm 10 percent 100 percent 50 percent 0.03 percent

50%

The width or horizontal extent of a typical mid-latitude low pressure system would be 20,000 km. 50-100 km. 5-10 km. 10,000 km. 500-1000 km.

500-1000

The dew point is 58°F. 52°F. 32°F. none of these

52

The life cycle of a mid-latitude cyclone generally has ______ stages. one two four six ten

6

A saturated parcel of air has a temperature of 0°C as it crosses a mountain range at 3000 meters. If it descends, what will its dew point temperature be when it reaches sea level?

6 degrees c

What is the approximate diameter of a mature hurricane?

600 km

What is the approximate diameter of a mature hurricane? 50 km or less about 600 km more than 1000 km 50-100 km about 1000 km

600 km

what is the latitude of the arctic circle

66.5 degrees North

A temperature reading of 20°C is equal to ___________ °F.

68 (multipy by 1.8 and add 32)

A saturated parcel of air has a temperature of 0°C as it crosses amountain range at 3000 meters. If it descends, what will its dew point temperature be when it reaches sea level?

6°C

Layer of the atmosphere where you can find the ionosphere

80-400 km corresponding with lower portions of the thermosphere and heterosphere

If the temperature at the surface of Earth (at sea level) is 100°F, what is the temperature at 2000 feet?

93 degrees f

On August 11, the altitude of the Sun will be _____ degrees at 57°north latitude.

??

Snow melting on roofs compared to the thermal conductivity of the roof (remember, the source of heat that melts the snow on the roof is the heater in the house).

????@?@?#O<ODN

The greenhouse effect takes place primarily in the region marked

A

What are gradient winds?

A gradient wind is one that blows aloft at a constant speed parallel to curved Contours lines (geopotential height contours) there is no influence from friction (greater than 850 mb)

high pressure system

A high pressure system has higher pressure at its center than the areas around it. Winds blow away from high pressure. Swirling in the opposite direction from a low pressure system, the winds of a high pressure system rotate clockwise north of the equator and counterclockwise south of the equator. This is called anticyclonic flow. Air from higher in the atmosphere sinks down to fill the space left as air is blown outward. On a weather map, you may notice a blue H, denoting the location of a high pressure system. -generally brings clear skies, very little precip

Isobar

A line on a weather map that joins places that have the same air pressure

low pressure center (cyclone)

A low pressure system has lower pressure at its center than the areas around it. Winds blow towards the low pressure, and the air rises in the atmosphere where they meet. As the air rises, the water vapor within it condenses, forming clouds and often precipitation. Because of Earth's spin and the Coriolis Effect, winds of a low pressure system swirl counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of the equator. This is called cyclonic flow. On weather maps, a low pressure system is labeled with red L.

Air pressure falls __________ with altitude in a column of cold air than a column of warm air.

Air pressure falls rapidly with altitude in a column of cold air than a column of warm air.

Why does occlusion lead to the demise of a mid-latitude cyclone?

All of the warm air has been lifted aloft.

What type of clouds produce precipitation?

Almost all rain is produced from low-level clouds. Stratus clouds produce steady rains, and cumulus clouds produce intense, stormy precipitation. Mid-level clouds can tip you off to the potential for these precipitation-producing cloud types to develop and may even produce an occasional sprinkle themselves.

altocumulus cloud characteristics

Altocumulus clouds exhibit "cumulo" type characteristics (see below) in mid levels, i.e., heap-like clouds with convective elements. Like cirrocumulus, altocumulus may align in rows or streets of clouds, with cloud axes indicating localized areas of ascending, moist air, and clear zones between rows suggesting locally descending, drier air. Altocumulus clouds with some vertical extent may denote the presence of elevated instability, especially in the morning, which could become boundary-layer based and be released into deep convection during the afternoon or evening.

isotherms are more irregular in the nothern hemisphere because of

An enhanced land-sea contrast. Because of the predominance of land over water in the north, the northern hemisphere is warmer.

Tornadoes are most frequent during the

April-June period

Tornadoes are most frequent during the January-March period. July-August period. April-June period. month of September. October-December period.

April-June period.

the effects of rising and lowering air parcels

As the parcel rises, it will adiabatically expand and cool (recall our discussion in chapter 5 about rising parcels of air) adiabatic - a process where the parcel temperature changes due to an expansion or compression, no heat is added or taken away from the parcel the parcel expands since the lower pressure outside allows the air molecules to push out on the parcel walls since it takes energy for the parcel molecules to "push out" on the parcel walls, they use up some of their internal energy in the process. therefore, the parcel also cools since temperature is proportional to molecular internal energy

Figure 2 (below) depicts the latitudinal variation of the visible radiation incident on (solid curve), and infrared radiation emitted by(dashed curve), the surfaces of planets A, B, and C. It is clear that Earth is similar to

B

The lifting condensation level (LCL) would be indicated by the level at

B

WHY do the sun and Earth emit their peak energies in different wavelength regions of the electromagnetic spectrum?

Because a higher temp= shorter wavelength

What are geostrophic winds dependent on

Because geostrophic winds are dependent on the pressure gradient, geostrophic winds are faster when isobars are closely spaced.

billow cloud characteristics

Billow clouds are created from instability associated with air flows having marked vertical shear and weak thermal stratification. The common name for this instability is Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. These instabilities are often visualized as a row of horizontal eddies aligned within this layer of vertical shear. lol whatever that means

the gas law

Boyle's Law tells us that the volume of gas increases as the pressure decreases. Charles' Law tells us that the volume of gas increases as the temperature increases. Avogadro's Law tell us that the volume of gas increases as the amount of gas increases. The ideal gas law is the combination of the three simple gas laws.

Instability would occur above the level indicated by

C

On which summer day would you expect the greatest temperature range? Which would have the smallest range in temperature? Explain your choices. a. Cloudy skies during the day and clear skies at night. b. clear skies during the day and cloudy skies at night c. clear skies during the day and clear skies at night d. cloudy skies during the day and cloudy skies at night

C would have the greatest range in temperature D would have the smallest range in temperature Clouds reduce daily temperature ranges, reflect radiation during the day. At night the minimum temperature won't fall as low because the clouds retard heat loss. The opposite is true for a clear day/clear night.

cirrocumulus cloud characteristics

Cirro-: curl of hair, high the light is dispersed or refracted (similar to light passing through a prism) in such a way that a familiar ring or halo may form. As a warm front approaches, cirrus clouds tend to thicken into cirrostratus, little lumps

City. Air temp Dew Point A 95 76 B 10 10 C 30 21 D 50 42 Which city has the greatest amount of water vapor in the air?

City A

City. Air temp Dew Point A 95 76 B 10 10 C 30 21 D 50 42 Which city has the highest saturation vapor pressure?

City A

City. Air temp Dew Point A 95 76 B 10 10 C 30 21 D 50 42 Which city has the least amount of water vapor in the air

City B

Table 1 City; Air Temperature (°F); Dew Point (°F) A 96 77 B 10 6 C 106 82 D 30 29 E 50 40 The least amount of water vapor in the air is occurring at __________.

City B

Table 1 City; Air Temperature (°F); Dew Point (°F) A 96 77 B 10 6 C 106 82 D 30 29 E 50 40 The highest saturation vapor pressure is occurring at ____________.

City C

what forces are involved with gradient winds

Compared to geostrophic winds, gradient winds feature a balance between the Coriolis force, the pressure gradient force, and the centrifugal force

Requirements for condensation of water vapor (how much e is absorbed or released)

Condensation= molecules of water vapor releasing 540-600 cal of energy -Heat transfer to the environment in the form of latent heat and warming the air

In this figure, the highest dew point at the surface would be for the cloud/air depicted by:

D because the The dew point is the temperature the air needs to be cooled to (at constant pressure) in order to achieve a relative humidity (RH) of 100%. At this point the air cannot hold more water in the gas form. ... The higher the dew point rises, the greater the amount of moisture in the air. SOOOO if the temp if higher and the air is saturated and forming clouds at the lowest altitutde the temp is the highest I know that doesnt make sense but to me it does.

In order for cyclogenesis to occur along a frontal wave, the upper winds should be diverging. blowing straight from west to east. increasing in speed uniformly over a large area. converging.

DIVERGING

Large volcanic eruptions producing a veil of ash in the stratosphere will tend to _________ at the surface of the earth. decrease the temperature increase the temperature increase the precipitation have no effect

Dec the temp?

With an increase in altitude, air pressure will ______ at a ________ rate

Decrease at a decreasing rate

Which of the stations listed below should have the highest temperature?

E

As long as DIVERGENCE ALOFT ---- CONVERGENCE AT GROUND LEVEL, SURFACE PRESSURES WILL ------- AND THE CYCLONIC STORM WILL ------

EXCEED; FALL, INTENSIFY

Cyclones generally move _______ accross the United States

Eastward

Which statement about airflow in the middle and upper troposphere istrue? The predominant flow is from the equator poleward. The predominant flow is easterly in the midlatitudes and westerly in the tropics. Except near the equator, the flow is from west to east. The flow is predominantly from the poles toward the equator. None of these are true.

Except near the equator, the flow is from west to east.

A positive-feedback mechanism tends to produce results that are opposite of the initial change and tend to offset it.T/F

F

Global warming could lead to a shorter growing season at high latitudes.T/F

F

The Earth is closest to the Sun in July. True False

False! January

Of the stations listed below, which one most likely has the LEAST rain and cloud cover?

H

Layer of the atmosphere that is well-mixed

Heterosphere above 80 km starting with the thermosphere @ the mesopause

What type of clouds are about the size of the nail on your littlest finger - again, at arm's length?

High-level cumulus cloud cells (cirrocumulus)

Which location most likely to be experiencing thunderstorms?

I

During the ice-crystal (Bergeron) process, _____ grow larger at the expense of the surrounding _____.

Ice crystals; water droplets

characteristics of chinook winds

In the cold winter months of regions east of the Rocky Mountains, a strong, dry, warm wind sometimes blows from the mountains across the land. These winds, known as Chinook winds, can bring quick temperature changes.

What happens to the amount of water vapor in air (expressed in terms of the mixing ratio) when the air is cooled to its dew point? What happens when it's cooled below it's dew point?

In the former case, nothing happens to the amount of water vapor, until condensation occurs. Below the dewpoint temperature, the amount of water vapor preent in excess of the saturation mixing ratio will begin to condense.

As occlusion begins, the storm often -------. Pressure at the storm center -----, and wind speeds -----.

Intensifies, falls, increase

When speed divergence occurs in the upper atmosphere, what effect does it have on cyclongenesis? It inhibits cyclogenesis by preventing cyclonic flow. It has no impact whatsoever on the formation of mid-latitude cyclones. It greatly enhances cyclogenesis by increasing convergence on the surface below. It can either inhibit or enhance cyclogenesis, depending on the surface air temperature.

It greatly enhances cyclogenesis by increasing convergence on the surface below.

At 45° S latitude, the angle of the noon Sun is lowest and the length of daylight is shortest on:

June 21 (summer solstice)

The day with the longest number of daylight hours will occur in middle northern latitudes around

June 21.

Although the idealized version of Earth features continuous pressure belts that continue zonally around the planet, the real Earth has broken-up pressure cells that vary seasonally. What explains this? The oceans experience drastic temperature changes from season to season. Large landmasses heat differently than oceans and interrupt the pressure pattern. The intensity of incoming solar radiation varies radically along the same line of latitude. The effects of Coriolis vary seasonally.

Large landmasses heat differently than oceans and interrupt the pressure pattern.

type of latent heat transfer for solid to liquid

Latent heat of fusion describes both changing from solid to liquid and from liquid to solid. From solid to liquid, about 80 calories per gram are needed. From liquid to solid, about 80 cal/g are released.

type of latent heat transfer for solid to gas

Latent heat of sublimation describes both changing from solid to gas and gas to solid. Sublimation is rare as compared to the other changes of state. From solid to gas 600 + 80 = 680 calories per gram are needed.

type of latent heat transfer for gas to solid

Latent heat of sublimation describes both changing from solid to gas and gas to solid. Sublimation is rare as compared to the other changes of state. From solid to gas 600 + 80 = 680 calories per gram are needed. From gas to solid, 680 cal/g are released.

The single most important control on temperature is _______________.

Latitude (because it indicates the amount of solar radiation

For absolute stability, the environment rate is ______ or ______ of the wet adiabatic rate so that both the rising wet or dry parcel will be cooler than the environment and fall when released.

Less than, to the right

isotherms

Lines joining places that have the same temperature

What clouds are about the size of your fist or larger, when you hold up your hand at arms' length.

Low cumulus cloud cells (the individual puffs of cloud)

Why is most weather data displayed in the form of a map or chart? Maps are easier to remember. Maps are easier to construct than tables. More data can be recorded on a map. Maps display the data in their proper place relative to other data and allow the identification of patterns.

Maps display the data in their proper place relative to other data and allow the identification of patterns.

What type of climate has less of a temperature variation

Maritime climate (as opposed to a continental)

What kind of climate does California have?

Maritime- meaning is is influenced by oceanic air patterns with cool summers, warm winters, and minimal change in temp throughot the year. -Compare this to continental climates. Continental climates do not have the stabilizing influence of a neighboring large body of water. Thus, their summers are hotter, winters are more severe and temperatures change more drastically throughout the year

What kind of clouds are about the size of your thumbnail when you hold your hand at arm's length?

Mid-level cumulus cloud cells (altocumulus

What are four different measures of the amount of water vapor in the air? (In addition to naming them, you should know how each is defined.)

Mixing Ratio (a direct measure of humidity because it is the number of grams of water vapor present in a kilogram of dry air. You can get this from a sounding diagram) Relative Humidity (an indirect measure of humidity, and a way of deducing how "close" the parcel is to saturation and is a ratio of mixing ratio to the saturation mixing ratio. Synoptic meteorologists use relative humidity as a measure of how "close" the atmosphere is to producing a cloud or condensation at the observing site. Unless the saturation mixing ratio is known, however, relative humidity does not directly inform you how much water vapor is present) Dewpoint Temperature (the temperature to which an air parcel at a given pressure must be cooled in order to reduce the saturation mixing ratio [amount of water vapor the kilogram air pacel could hold] to the value of the mixing ratio [amount of water vapor actually present in the kilogram air parcel]. It can easily be shown that at a given pressure, the dew point temperature is directly proportional to the mixing ratio, and the value of the mixing ratio can be obtained by plotting the dew point temperature on an atmospheric sounding diagram) Wet-bulb Temperature i(s measured using a standard mercury-in-glass thermometer, with the thermometer bulb wrapped in muslin, which is kept wet. The evaporation of water from the thermometer has a cooling effect, so the temperature indicated by the wet bulb thermometer is less than the temperature indicated by a dry-bulb (normal, unmodified) thermometer. The rate of evaporation from the wet-bulb thermometer depends on the humidity of the air - evaporation is slower when the air is already full of water vapour. For this reason, the difference in the temperatures indicated by the two thermometers gives a measure of atmospheric humidity).

Why is very humid air near the surface a necessary ingredient for severe thunderstorms? More latent heat is then available as energy for the storm. Lapse rates are larger in humid air. High humidity makes the air more dense. High humidity strengthens the cold front. High humidity makes the rising air cool more rapidly.

More latent heat is then available as energy for the storm.

Which statement regarding tornadoes is correct? More tornadoes occur in the United States than anywhere else in the world. All tornadoes rotate counterclockwise. All tornadoes are characterized by a special type of roar. Tornadoes never occur in the same place twice

More tornadoes occur in the United States than anywhere else in the world.

The energy of a mid-latitude cyclone comes mainly from ocean water. Earth's interior. clouds. greenhouse effect. sinking cold air and rising warm air.

NOT SINKING COLD AIR AND RISING WARM

When upper air flow produces large amplitude waves and a general ______ flow, cold air moves southward and cyclonic activity dominates the weather. north to south west to south west to east north to east

NOT WEST TO EAST

The large scale time sequence of changes in the life cycle of a wave cyclone is as follows: stationary polar front, open wave, occluded front. stationary polar front, occluded front, open wave. open wave, stationary polar front, occluded front. occluded front, open wave, stationary polar front.

NOT open wave, stat polar front, occludeed front

Which of the following best represents the wind direction at point H?

NW

How does the greenhouse ("atmosphere") effect work? What gases are necessary? What radiation characteristics are required?

Natural situation in which heat is retained in Earth's atmosphere by carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other gases -Ozone absorbs UV rays and raises the atmospheres temp -greenhouse gas, any gas that has the property of absorbing infrared radiation (net heat energy) emitted from Earth's surface and reradiating it back to Earth's surface, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour are the most important greenhouse gases.

Refer to the diagram of a front shown above. If the warm air at the back is stable, what kind of cloud is most likely to form and produce precipitation in association with the front?

Nimbostratus

nimbostratus cloud characteristics

Nimbostratus clouds are dark, grey, featureless layers of cloud, thick enough to block out the Sun and produce persistent rain. Height of base: 2,000 - 10,000 ft. Shape: Bands or areas of individual cells. Latin: nimbus - rainy cloud; stratus - flattened or spread out. Precipitation: Continuous rain or snow likely. The two main types of low clouds include stratus, which develops horizontally, and cumulus, which develop vertically. Stratus clouds are uniform and flat, producing a gray layer of cloud cover which may be precipitation-free or may cause periods of light precipitation or drizzle.

Source reagion: cT

Northern interior Mexico and southwestern US (summer ONly)

This is the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. smog. particulate matter. acid precipitation. volatile organic compounds.

Particulate matter

Primary pollutants (5)

Particulate matter Sulfur dioxide Nitrogen oxide Volatile organic compound Carbon monoxide

Of the stations listed below, which one most likely has the least rain and cloud cover?

Point H

Pressure and temperature variation compared to altitude

Pressure goes down with altitude temperature drops 6.5 degrees celsius per km

What happens to relative humidity when a parcel of air cools down?

Relative humidity increases when the air parcel cools down.

The __________ scale is a measure of hurricane strength based on hurricane winds and central pressure. Saffir-Simpson Beaufort Fujita Richter

Saffir-Simpson

What does it mean when we say that a "parcel" of air is saturated with water vapor?

Saturation: With respect to a plane surface of water surmounted by a vacuum, when the number of water vapor molecules leaving the liquid is balanced by the number returning, the equilibrium state is known as "saturation". The number of water vapor molecules leaving the liquid is dependent only upon the temperature of the liquid, and the water vapor molecules "filling" in the vacuum will have the same temperature. The pressure at which the equilibrium occurs is called saturation vapor pressure and the mixing ratio at this equilibrium is termed saturation mixing ratio.

scud cloud characteristics

Scud clouds are low, ragged and wind-torn cloud fragments, usually not attached to the thunderstorm base. They are often seen in association with, and behind, gust fronts. Scud clouds DO NOT produce severe weather.

Monsoonal Winds

Seasonal shift of the ITCZ and prevailing wind direction in the subtropics-- between april and september

For which type of storm is the presence of an inversion layer "lid" important?

Severe thunder storm

Which of these best describes the reason most high pressure systems bring clear skies? low temperatures aloft high temperatures aloft rising air aloft sinking air aloft cold air near the surface

Sinking air aloft

A tornado that is rotating in a counterclockwise direction is also moving towards the northeast. As a result, the strongest winds will be on its _____________ side. northeastern southeastern northwestern southwestern

Southeastern side

Stability in source region: mT (Subtropical Pacific)

Stable entire year

The figure displayed shows a(n) ______ front, and the coldest air is located at point ______. stationary, 2 occluded, 1 occluded, 2 stationary, 1

Stationary, 2

Layer of the atmosphere with ozone layer

Stratosphere

What triggers a photochemical reaction?

Sunlight

Why don't hurricanes develop on or near the equator? The water is too warm to allow for the storm's development. The ITCZ inhibits the growth of the hurricane's thunderstorms. The question is false; hurricanes develop on the Equator all the time! The Coriolis effect is too weak to create rotation.

The Coriolis effect is too weak to create rotation.

At a city located at 40°N latitude, what is the altitude of the Sun's noon rays at winter solstice?

The Sun is lowest in the Northern Hemisphere sky at winter solstice. The zenith angle of the Sun at any latitude on this date is equal to the separation in latitude between that of the station in question and latitude in the hemisphere where the Sun is directly overhead. The altitude of the Sun is equal to 90 degrees minus the zenith angle. See the example in Figure 2-6, page 40, and the accompanying discussion, in the textbook. NOT 50

altostratus cloud characteristics

The bases of clouds in the middle level of the troposphere, given the prefix "alto," appear between 6,500 and 20,000 feet. Depending on the altitude, time of year, and vertical temperature structure of the troposphere, these clouds may be composed of liquid water droplets, ice crystals, or a combination of the two, including supercooled droplets (i.e., liquid droplets whose temperatures are below freezing). The two main type of mid-level clouds are altostratus and altocumulus. Altostratus clouds are "strato" type clouds (see below) that possess a flat and uniform type texture in the mid levels. They frequently indicate the approach of a warm front and may thicken and lower into stratus, then nimbostratus resulting in rain or snow. However, altostratus clouds themselves do not produce significant precipitation at the surface, although sprinkles or occasionally light showers may occur from a thick altostratus deck.

what does isobar spacing mean for wind

The closer the spacing of isobars, the stronger is the pressure gra- dient force. The stronger the pressure gradient force, the stronger is the wind. Thus, closely spaced isobars mean strong winds; widely spaced isobars mean lighter wind.

Consider two parcels of air that have equal amounts of air in them, not counting water vapor—that is, the dry parts of each parcel have equal mass.) One of the parcel has a temperature of 68°F (20°C, room temperature) and is saturated. The other parcel is also saturated but its temperature is 32°F (0°C)? Which parcel has more water vapor in it? Why?

The cooler air parcel has more water vapor in it. This is because though the relative humidity is 100% for both, the saturation mixing ratio for the cooler air parcel has a much smaller value. In general, increasing temperature by 10C doubles the saturation mixing ratio.

The dew point

The dew point is the temperature to which the ambient air must be cooled to reach 100% relative humidity assuming there is no further evaporation into the air; it is the point where condensation (dew) and clouds would form.

Characteristics of isotherms in the southern hemisphere

The effect of the ocean is well pronounced in the southern hemisphere. Here the isotherms are more or less parallel to the latitudes and the variation in temperature is more gradual than in the northern hemisphere

For a planet with a spin axis tilt of 15° (with respect to the orbital axis), the Tropic of Cancer and Arctic Circle latitudes would be, respectively:

The locations of these special latitudes on a planet must change with the spin axis tilt. Referring to Figure 2-7 on page 40 of the textbook we are reminded that the Tropic of Cancer has the same latitude as the spin axis tilt, and that the latitude to the Arctic Circle is 90 degrees minus spin axis tilt.

What happens with a low albedo for a planet

The lower the albedo, the more radiation from the Sun that gets absorbed by the planet, and temperatures will rise.

What is the relative humidity of air that is saturated with water vapor?

The relative humidity of air that is saturated with water vapor is 100%.

What happens to the relative humidity of saturated air that is cooled below its dew point (at least, after a very brief period of transition)?

The relative humidity will continue to be 100%. The mixing ratio and saturation mixing ratios will decrease at the same rate, and 100% humidity will occur at a lower saturation mixing ratio.

Why do halos usually appear white rather than displaying colors similar to a rainbow? Reflection does not occur with a halo. Refraction does not occur with a halo. The shape and size of ice crystals are not uniform. Ice crystals are not transparent.

The shape and size of ice crystals are not uniform.

Wet-bulb temperatures

The wet-bulb temperature is the lowest temperature which may be achieved by evaporative cooling of a water-wetted, ventilated surface

Which has more water vapor in it: warm air or cool air? (Assume two parcels of air, the dry portions of which have equal mass.)

This question cannot be answered unless the mixing ratios are given. The saturation mixing ratio will be greater for the warmer air, though.

Layer of atmosphere where weather occurs

Troposphere

One possible result of the addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is an increase in cloud cover which, in turn, could partly offset a global temperature increase. True False

True

Stability in source region: cT

Unstable

stability in source region mP (Northwestern Atlantic)

Unstable in winter stable in summer

Assume you live in an urban setting and an inversion is present. Which of these best describes the visibility in your area if the inversion remains for 2 or 3 days? Visibility improves slightly. Little or no change in visibility. Visibility gets steadily worse. Visibility improves greatly.

Visibility gets steadily worse.

A major part of the greenhouse effect is that it involves the absorption of Earth's outgoing radiation by atmospheric gases. What component is most important in this absorption? ozone oxygen nitrogen carbon dioxide water vapor

Water Vapor

What happens to the relative humidity in the parcel when liquid water evaporates into it (assuming that its temperature doesn't change)?

When liquid water evaporates into the air parcel, the mixing ratio increases relative to the saturation mixing ratio, hence the relative humidity increases.

What are geostrophic winds?

When the wind speed/direction is simply a balance between the pressure gradient force and Coriolis Force.

Consider two parcels of air, one in Tucson, AZ and the other in San Francisco, CA, each containing 1 kg of dry air plus some water vapor. Assume that they are both at a pressure of about 1000 mb. The parcel in Tucson has a relative humidity of 20% and a temperature of 37°C (about 98.6°F). At that temperature, the parcel of air is capable of "holding" at most about 45 grams of water vapor. The parcel in San Francisco has a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 20°C (68°F). At that temperature, this parcel of air is capable of "holding" at most about 15 grams of water vapor. Which parcel has the most water vapor in it? What would happen to the amount of water vapor in the Tucson parcel if it were cooled to the same temperature as the air in San Francisco? What would its relative humidity be then?

Which parcel has the most water vapor in it?Tucson: 0.20 X 45 g = 9 g; San Francisco, 0.50 X 15 g = 7.5 g. Despite the higher relative humidity at San Francisco, there is much more water vapor present in Tucson. From Fig. 4.10, Tucson's dew point would be 9.5C or so. San Francisco's dew point would be 0C. What would happen to the amount of water vapor in the Tucson parcel if it were cooled to the same temperature as the air in San Francisco? What would its relative humidity be then?The amount of water vapor would remain the same, however the relative humidity would increase, since the new saturation mixing ratio would be 15 g. The relative humidity would increase from 20% to 9/15 X 100 = 60%.

One of the primary factors that controls the climate at a given location is: A) direction of the prevailing winds B) number of days of temperatures over 90˚F C) soil type D) longitude

a

Which of the following storm systems do not form near fronts? hurricane severe thunderstorm air mass thunderstorm a and c all of the above

a and c

Which of the following storm systems do not form near fronts? hurricane severe thunderstorm air mass thunderstorm a and c all of the above

a and c

The approximate lifetime of a wave cyclone is 10-14 days. 10-24 hours. a month. a few days to a week. 1-2 days.

a few days to a week

The transition zone between two air masses having sharply contrasting properties is indicated on a weather map by the letter "H". a frontal line. the letter "L". the words "air mass weather".

a frontal line

Which is the best indication that a hurricane will likely strike your area within twenty-four hours? a hurricane watch issued by the National Weather Service a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service easterly or northeasterly winds with speeds in excess of 30 knots high cirrus clouds moving in from the east a rapid drop in pressure and heavy rains

a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service

An explosion of concentrated, straight-line winds associated with strong downdrafts in a thunderstorm is called: a roll cloud. a microburst. a gust front. a storm surge.

a microburst.

Inversions represent a hazardous meteorological condition with respect to air pollution because they always bring reduced oxygen content. cold temperatures. a near total lack of mixing. turbulent motion. strong winds.

a near total lack of mixing.

Temperature inversions are associated with a restricted mixing depth. periods of good visibility. unstable atmospheric conditions. effective dispersal of pollutants.

a restricted mixing depth.

Compared to warm fronts, cold fronts have:

a steeper gradient and a faster advance rate.

If a volcanic eruption produces a climate impact that lasts for a year or longer, the most likely culprit is: a) aerosols produced by sulfur dioxide emitted from the volcano b) ash suspended in the atmosphere c) a high volume of debris ejected during the eruption d) the state of the climate at the time of the eruption

a) aerosols produced by sulfur dioxide emitted from the volcano

The milankovitch cycles cannot entirely explain recent global warming trends because: a) they operate on a very long time scale and cannot address shorter term cycles b) they were disproved in the 1980's c) no data have been found to support their influence on earth's climate d) they address cycles in precipitation only

a) they operate on a very long time scale and cannot address shorter term cycles

Which of the following can diminish the intensity of a hurricane? moving over land moving over cooler water with less moisture above it significant decrease in large-scale air flow aloft a, b, and c none of the these

a, b, and c

Associated weather: mT (Subtropical Pacific)

a. In winter it brings fog, drizzle, and occasional moderate precipitation to N.W. Mexico andS.W. United States b. In summer this air mass occasionally reaches the western United States and is a source of moisture for infrequent convectional thunderstorms

Associated weather; mT (Gulf of Mex)

a. In winter it usually becomes mTw moving northward and bringing occasional widespread precipitationor advection fog b. In summer, hot and humid conditions, frequent cumulus development and showers or thunderstorms

Associated weather: mP (Northwestern Atlantic)

a. Occasional nor'easter in winter b. Occasional periods of clear and cool weather in summer

Associated weather: cP

a. cold waves in winter b. Modified to cPk in winter over Great Lakes bringing "lake-effect" snow to leeward shores

associated weather mP (North Pacific)

a. low clouds and showers in winter b. Heavy orographic precipitation on windward side of western mountains in winter. c. low stratus and fog along coast in summer, modified to cP inland

As liquid water evaporates into the atmosphere, heat energy is

absorbed by the evaporating water.

The atmosphere is heated primarily by

absorption of Earth's longwave radiation

The primary purpose of a radiosonde is acquire data about conditions in the upper atmosphere. to compile data from thousands of automated weather stations into one file. to calculate numerical predictions of weather. to report data about surface conditions at an automated weather station.

acquire data about conditions in the upper atmosphere.

A negative feedback mechanism acts to reinforce an initial change. acts to oppose or weaken an initial change. will cause a negative change. will cause a positive change.

acts to oppose or weaken an initial change.

Relative humidity changes with

addition of water vapor to the air. decreases in temperature. increases in temperature. removal of water vapor from the air.

For the next two questions, choose the best answer from the list given that best characterizes the rainfall distribution at the place in question. Assume that the various belt boundaries occur at 0°, 30°, and 60°, and that the Earth's tilt is 20°. A station (i.e., New York City) located at about 40°N latitude.

adequate precipitation all year round

A warm front is said to exist when:

advancing warm air overrides retreating cold air

A warm front is said to exist when warm air pushes underneath cold air. invading cold air pushes underneath warmer air. moving cold air overrides retreating cold air. advancing warm air overrides retreating cold air. warm and cold air meet.

advancing warm air overrides retreating cold air.

When an air mass is warmer than the surface over which it is moving the letter k is added after the air mass symbol. air becomes more stable. lapse rate is increased. visibility within the air mass is usually very good. all of these

air becomes more stable

Clouds and precipitation form in the air primarily due to

air being cooled as it rises

What is most important for cyclogenisis

air divergence -Divergence aloft does not involve the outward flow in all directions as occurs about a surface anticyclone. Instead, the winds aloft flow generally from west to east along sweeping curves. H

Dilution or mixing of air pollutants into the surrounding air is best when winds are calm to light. air is very cold. inversions are present. relative humidity is high. air is unstable.

air is unstable

When an area experiences several consecutive days of constant weather, it is experiencing ___________ weather. warm-front cold-front air-mass occluded front none of these

air mass

The development of major winter storms in the midwest depends strongly on:

air mass contrasts

Absolute stability

air with a lapse rate less than the wet adiabatic rate

Hurricanes generally are larger than tornadoes. smaller than midlatitude cyclones. areas of heavy rainfall and strong winds. most common in late summer and early fall. all of the above

all of the above

Which is a possible consequence of a greenhouse warming? sea-level rise greater frequency of hurricanes an increase in global mean precipitation reduction in sea ice all of the above

all of the above

The stability of an air mass can be affected by cyclones. mountain ranges. anticyclones. all of these

all of these

Which of the following storm systems require warm moist air at the surface? hurricane severe thunderstorm air mass thunderstorm a and c all of these

all of these

The cloud form that is located in the midaltitude range would include which term as part of its name?

alto

The temperature of a rising air parcel

always cools by expansion.

. As a pilot approaches a small thunderstorm cloud he observes that virga is falling out of its base as well as blowing dust at ground level. Special precautions must be taken because

an intense downdraft or microburst is occurring.

As a pilot approaches a small thunderstorm cloud he observes that virga is falling out of its base as well as blowing dust at ground level. Special precautions must be taken because this indicates a tornado is forming. an intense downdraft or microburst is occurring. the airplane could be struck by lightning. it is likely that hail will soon begin to fall.

an intense downdraft or microburst is occurring.

Line A-D probably represents:

an occluded front

Which technique is used that attempts to match current conditions with similar well established patterns from the past? analog method isotachs method trend forecasting persistence forecasting

analog method

Typically, upper level air flow is slower over ______ than over ______. stationary fronts, occluded fronts the upper air flow speed is the same over anticyclones and cyclones anticyclones, cyclones occluded fronts, stationary fronts cyclones, anticyclones

anticyclones, cyclones

A ridge aloft is generally associated with

anticyclonic flow at the surface

A ridge aloft is generally associated with anticyclonic flow at the surface cyclonic flow at the surface divergence of the jet stream stormy weather

anticyclonic flow at the surface

source region cA

arctic basin and greenland ice cap

The geostrophic wind concept is most like the real atmosphere winds where?

at high altitudes.

Why are thunderstorms most; likely to occur in the afternoon and early evening?

atmosphere is most unstable

Why are thunderstorms most; likely to occur in the afternoon and early evening? it takes all day for them to mature lower atmosphere is too unstable in the morning upper level winds are too fast at night and in morning atmosphere is most unstable at that time water vapor contents are too low at night

atmosphere is most unstable at that time

During which time span should hurricane formation in the North Atlantic be at its peak?

august to sept

Global nuclear war would result in intense fires burning for weeks, sending combustion products (black smoke and oxides of nitrogen) far up into the atmosphere. The result would be a severe climate change called "nuclear winter" (dark and cold). Considering what we have learned, which is most likely to occur? reflection of solar sunlight by dust absorption of sunlight by soot dramatic decrease in CO 2 and resultant cooling destruction of the ozone layer b and d

b and d

Which of the following explains the present cycle of seasons? a) eccentricity b) obliquity c) precession d) global warming

b) obliquity

Oxygen isotope analysis measures the a) rate of oxygen depletion b) proportion of 2 different types of oxygen atoms c) oxygen content of sediment d) total oxygen present e) amount of radioactivity due to oxygen

b) proportion of 2 different types of oxygen atoms

Sea floor sediments provide useful climate data because they contain a) material from earth's mantel b) remains of living organisms c) meteorite debris d) evidence of plate tectonics

b) remains of living organisms

A wind shift in counterclockwise direction, as from east to north, is termed a ________ wind shift

backing

A wind shift in counterclockwise direction, as from east to north, is termed a ________ wind shift frontal backing veering anticyclonic none of these

backing

when surface cyclones form, almost invariably they are centered ---- the jet-stream axis and ------ from an upper-level trough

below; downwinf

The _________ is (are) associated with super-cooled clouds.

bergagon process

Freezing nuclei are part of which process?

bergonan process

Hurricanes form

between 5 degrees and 20 degrees latitude.

Hurricanes form at the equator. between 5° and 20° latitude. between 20° and 35° latitude. between 35° and 50° latitude. at various latitudes depending upon local conditions.

between 5° and 20° latitude.

The vertical arrangement, in order of increasing altitude, of observed"above thunderstorm phenomena plus aurora" is typically found to be: aurora, sprite, elve, blue jet. blue jet, elve, sprite, aurora. elve, superbolt, sprite, aurora. superbolt, sprite, aurora, elve. blue jet, sprite, elve, aurora.

blue jet, sprite, elve, aurora.

Tornadoes and midlatitude cyclones are similar in that:

both are areas of low pressure

Tornadoes and midlatitude cyclones are similar in that: both are areas of low pressure. both have conspicuous surface fronts. both form in the trade-wind belt. both are most common and well-developed in the winter season.

both are areas of low pressure.

When a hurricane moves onto land, it declines in intensity. Which of the factors listed below contribute to this loss of punch?

both friction and the lack of warm, moist air

When a hurricane moves onto land, it declines in intensity. Which of the factors listed below contribute to this loss of punch? heating from below by the land surface friction both friction and the lack of warm, moist air lack of warm, moist air

both friction and the lack of warm, moist air

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas? a) CFC's b) water vapor c) argon d) methane e) carbon dioxide

c) argon

Sulfur dioxide aerosols a) do not exist in reality b) lower cloud albedo c) can serve as condensation nuclei d) are rarely emitted during volcanic eruptions

c) can serve as condensation nuclei

Oxygen isotope measurements are made from an analysis of a) ocean water samples b) packrat middens c) ice sheets d) cores from old trees

c) ice sheets

Oxygen-isotope analysis a) is very simple b) has been shown to be of little or no use in the study of past climate changes c) relies on the fact that 16O evaporates from the ocean more readily than 18O d) makes use of the fact that as temperature decreases, the amount of 18O found in precipitation increases

c) relies on the fact that 16O evaporates from the ocean more readily than 18O

Which of the following is a possible consequence of a greenhouse warming? a) colder winters in polar regions b) fewer heat waves and droughts c) shifts in the paths of large-scale cyclonic storms d) a reduction in coastal erosion

c) shifts in the paths of large-scale cyclonic storms

Lake-effect snow is associated with this air mass. mT cP mP cT none of these

cP

The pronounced cooling that occurs on continents at high latitudes during winter leads to the formation of _______air masses. cT cM mP cP mA

cP

Which air mass type is generally found on the poleward side of a mid-latitude cyclone.

cP

Which air mass type is generally found on the poleward side of amid-latitude cyclone. mP cP mA cT mT

cP

The lake effect requires that a(n) _________ air mass subsequently moves over ______ water.

cP ; Warm

The air masses that have the greatest influence on weather conditions in the Midwestern United States are cT and cA. cP and mT. cT and cP. mT and cT. mP and cP.

cP and mT

Which of these is not; a process by which air masses are modified?

calm winds

Which of these is not; a process by which air masses are modified? cooling from below lifting over mountains heating from below evaporation of water calm winds

calm winds

The eccentricity aspect of the astronomical theory refers to changes in rate of the Earth's rotation. changes in the tilt of the Earth's axis. variation in the energy emitted by the Sun. changes in the shape of the Earth's orbit. the unpredictability of the Earth's weather.

changes in the shape of the Earth's orbit.

Although polar regions radiate away more heat than they recive by insolation in the course of a year, they are prevented from becoming progrssively colder each year by the

circulation of heat by the atmosphere and oceans

A halo around the Sun or moon indicated which cloud is present?

cirrostratus

Which cloud sometimes produces mare's tails?

cirrus

As a warm front approaches, which progression of clouds are you most likely to see?

cirrus, cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus

As a warm front approaches, which progression of clouds are you most likely to see? cirrus, cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus cirrocumulus, cirrus, nimbostratus, stratus cumulus, cumulonimbus altostratus, cirrostratus, stratus, cumulonimbus

cirrus, cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus

Dew is most likely to form on what kind of nights

clear, calm nights

Which type of lightning is least likely?

cloud to earth

Which type of lightning is least likely? cloud-to-earth cloud-to-cloud within the same cloud all three are about equally likely b and c are about equally likely

cloud to earth

On a weather map, __________ fronts are shown with blue triangular points along a blue line.

cold

The type of front shown on the diagram above is:

cold front

Tornadoes are generally associated with which type of front? stationary front cold front warm front occluded front

cold front

associated weather: cA

cold waves in winter

When a cold front overtakes a warm front and cold air is replacing cool air, the type of front drawn on a weather map would be a __________ front. cold-type occluded warm warm-type occluded cold

cold-type occluded

An inversion represents an extremely stable atmosphere because air that rises into the inversion will eventually become ____ and ____ dense than the surrounding air.

colder, more

Atmospheric electricity plays an important role in which process?

collision-coalescence process

What theory relies on the one aspect that differently sized cloud droplets fall at different speeds?

collision-coalescence process

The most common source of cloud condensation nuclei is

combustion by products

The cloud droplets in a cloud are formed by water vapor molecules and

condensation nuclei.

The heat transfer process of least importance in the Earth's atmosphere is

conduction

Why do surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane?

conservation of angular momentum

Why do surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane? reduced friction conservation of angular momentum stronger Coriolis effect warmer water

conservation of angular momentum

Why do surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane? reduced friction conservation of angular momentum warmer water stronger Coriolis effect

conservation of angular momentum

An air mass is often modified as it moves over the Earth's surface. This modification is largely due to contact with the ground below. lifting along fronts. clouds. strong pressure gradients. jet streams above.

contact with the ground below.

During winter solstice the north pole is warmed primarily as a result of

convection

The vertical motions that occur when the air is unstable are termed

convection

In order for a low pressure area to develop near the surface, it is necessary that the air near the surface be ________ while the air aloft be _________ . diverging, converging converging, diverging converging, converging diverging, diverging

converging, diverging

The most important process of cloud formation in the atmosphere is

cooling by expansion of air.

In the northern hemisphere, instead of air flowing straight out of ahigh pressure system, it spirals out in a clockwise fashion. The cause of this clockwise spiral is

corioilis

Why don't hurricanes develop on or near the equator?

coriolis is too weak to create circulation

In the mid latitude of the Northern Hemisphere, surface winds tend to blow _____ and _____ around an area of surface Low pressure

counterclockwise, inward

The Coriolis effect is important only for motions that cover ____ distances

cover long distances.

This type of cloud brings thunderstorms. cumulus altostratus cumulonimbus stratocumulus nimbostratus

cumulonimbus

The arrival of a cold front brings:

cumulonimbus clouds.

cumulonimbus cloud characteristics

cumulonimbus is the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning. The base of the cloud is often flat, with a very dark wall-like feature hanging underneath, and may only lie a few hundred feet above the Earth's surface.

A cloud type that develops as a consequence of local convection is

cumulus

Which appears the same size as your fist when held at arm's length?

cumulus

The eccentricity aspect of the astronomical theory refers to a) variations in the energy emitted by the sun b) the unpredictability of earths weather c) changes in the tilt of earth's axis d) changes in the shape of earths orbit e) changes in the rate of earths rotation

d) changes in the shape of earths orbit

Which of the following is a greenhouse gas? a) carbon b) hydrogen peroxide c) oxygen d) nitrous oxide e) carbon monixide

d) nitrous oxide

Compared to climate changes due to plate tectonics and astronomical causes, the changes due to volcanic eruptions are a) of equal duration b) much larger c) longer d) very short

d) very short

When a parcel of air is lifted, both its actual temperature and dew point temperature ________, the former at ___°C/km and the latter at ___°C/km. Condensation occurs ______________.

decrease, 10, 2, when the two are equal

Based on information discussed previously in the course, you know that average temperatures in the troposphere _____________ with increasing elevation because the atmosphere is heated from the ________________ by terrestrial infrared energy.

decrease; bottom-up

One hundred units of radiation impinge upon the surface of a planet without an atmosphere. Its albedo is 0.40 and it emits 70 units of radiation. The planet's average temperature must be

decreasing

One hundred units of radiation impinge upon the surface of a planet without an atmosphere. Its albedo is 0.50 and it emits 80 units of radiation. The planet's average temperature must be

decreasing (amount that is being reflected back to space is less than that being absorbed)

A mixing layer is one which has a high concentration of pollutants. displays strong horizontal winds. suppresses vertical motions. displays enhanced vertical air motions.

displays enhanced vertical air motions.

During the development of a thunderstorm, downdrafts dominate in the ________. mature stage dissipating stage cumulus stage

dissipating stage

High air pressure zones are usually associated with

diverging winds. descending currents. clear weather. relatively dry conditions.

katabatic winds

downslope winds A katabatic wind is a drainage wind, a wind that carries high-density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity. Katabatic wind, also called downslope wind, or gravity wind, wind that blows down a slope because of gravity. It occurs at night, when the highlands radiate heat and are cooled.

WHERE IS THE ZONE THAT EXPERIENCES CONVERGEND AND ANTICYCONLIC ROTATION

downstream from a ridge- accumulation of air leads to subsidience and increades surface pressure

An area of upper-air divergence and surface cyclonic circulation generally develop:

downstream from an upper-level trough -Consequently the US suface cyclones gernally form EAST of an Upper level trough. -As long as DIVERGENCE ALONT EXCEED CONVERGENCE AT GROUND LEVEL, SURFACE PRESSURES WILL FALL AND THE CYCLONIC STORM WILL INTENSIFY

Extensive tree ring research indicates that the 22-year sunspot cycle may be related to: drought in the western United States. warm periods in northern Europe. rainy episodes in North Africa. all of the above none of the above

drought in the western United States.

Draw a picture of the suns rays hitting earth on an equinox

earth should be standing up straight, latitude lines parallel to suns rays,

At a location in the Northern Hemisphere, the surface wind is blowing from the northwest. As a result, the region of low pressure causing the flow must be to the _________.

east

Low Sun angles result in reduced solar energy because:

energy is spread over a larger area and atmospheric path length is greater.

A positive feedback mechanism both enhances and weakens a change in a process. neither enhances nor weakens a change in a process. enhances a change in a process. weakens a change in a process.

enhances a change in a process.

Absolute stability occurs when

environmental lapse rate is less than the wet adiabatic rate

Which phase change process(es) removes; heat from the environment other than the molecule undergoing the change?

evaporation

During the process of adiabatic cooling, the temperature decreases because the air has

expanded to a larger volume

Positive feedback processes are self limiting.T/F

f

The smallest temperature increase due to global warming are expected in the middle latitudes.T/F

f

The tilt of the earth's axis varies between 22.1 and 28.5 degreesT/F

f

For conditional ("it depends") instability, the environment rate is between the dry and wet adiabatic rates so that the rising dry parcel could be cooler than the environment or ____ when released, or when moist it would be warmer than the environment or ______ when released.

fall or rise

Anticyclones characteristically have winds blowing towards their centers.

false

Isotherms are more irregular in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere.

false

Straight west-to-east winds aloft cause maximum cyclone development. True False

false

True or False: The maximum daily temperature at a city on the equator will vary greatly from month to month.

false

Upper air winds are generally _____ than surface winds

faster

A cold front moves with the same speed as a warm front. faster than a warm front. in advance of a squall line. slower than a warm front.

faster than a warm front.

Usually , the position of the cold front advances ----- than the warm front and begins to ------ the warm front. This process, known as -------, forms an -------, which grows in length as it displaces the ---- sector aloft.

faster; lift; occlusion; occluded front; warm

The speed of light through matter (air, water, ice) is fastest for blue light fastest for violet light fastest for ultraviolet same for all colors fastest for red light

fastest for red light

A convergence of the winds near the surface is associated with cloud production because it

forces air to rise

Percent precipitation=

forecaster certainty x area coverage expected

Clouds are classified and named according to their altitude and

form or appearance.

collision-coalescence process

formation of precipitation, where tiny droplets accumulate, fall, and collide with other small droplets until rain drops form and fall.

You learn that a large section of the country is without power due to downed power lines. The form of precipitation that most likely produces this is ________

freezing rain

A pellet of ice formed in a deep subfreezing layer of air near the surface from a partially melted snowflake or raindrop is called ______________.

freezing rain?

A satisfactory air mass source region would be generally flat areas of uniform composition and light winds. generally flat areas of uniform composition and strong winds. hilly areas with deep valleys and light winds. mountains with deep valleys and strong winds.

generally flat areas of uniform composition and light winds.

During July (summer in n hemisphere) the isotherms

generally run parallel to the latitudes. the equatorial oceans warm.

An object that is a good emitter of radiation is also a___________absorber of radiation.

good

Snow disappears quickest from the roof of a house in which the ceiling just below the roof is a ______________ of heat.

good conductor The temperature of snow on a roof will be dependent only on the emissivity (the same for all snow-covered roofs) and the rate heat is sent to the roof from below (from the home interior). Through what process is heat transferred through the ceiling? You should be able to drive down the street during the winter and determine an important heat transfer characteristic of a roof (relatively speaking) by comparing the thickness of the snow on it to the thickness of the snow on other roofs. See pages 45-49 of the textbook.

A wind blowing parallel to curved isobars or contour lines at a constant speed is called a __________ wind.

gradient

what isobar shape is required for gradient winds?

gradient wind to blow parallel to the isobars. Since the pressure gradient force doesn't change, and all the forces must balance, the Coriolis force becomes weaker.

The greater strength of jet stream winds during winter is due to

greater horizontal temperature contrasts.

For absolute instability, the environment rate is ______ or to the _____ of the dry rate so that a rising parcel will always be warmer than the environment and rise freely.

greater or to the left

Studies have shown that the sea level should not change significantly over the next 100 years. should drop over the next 100 years. has lowered about 10 centimeters over the last 100 years. has not changed measurably over the last 100 years. has risen at least 10 centimeters over the last 100 years.

has risen at least 10 centimeters over the last 100 years.

Although known to produce both cooling and warming at the surface, it is now clear that clouds ________ climate. have no net effect on have a net cooling effect on have a net warming effect on are the dominant factor controlling

have a net cooling effect on

The buoyancy of a rising air parcel is greatly affected by

heat released if water vapor condenses.

Layer of the atmosphere that is not mixed

homosphere begins from earths surface to 80 km at the start of the thermosphere @ the mesopause

Which of the following storm systems require warm moist air at the surface?

hurricane severe thunderstorm air mass thunderstorm

Which has the steepest pressure gradient? tornado midlatitude cyclone hurricane they have equally steep pressure gradients a and c have equally steep pressure gradients

hurricane and tornado

Squall line thunderstorms typically form

in advance of a cold front.

Squall line thunderstorms typically form in advance of a warm front. along an occluded front. in advance of a cold front. behind a cold front. along a cold front.

in advance of a cold front.

When is the jet stream the fastest

in winter

The capacity of the air to hold water vapor ______ with ______ in temp

inc with inc in temp

If solar activity was able to prevent galactic cosmic rays from colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, Earth's global electric field would

increase

If the mixing ratio remains unchanged and the temperature drops, the relative humidity will

increase

Evaporating water into the air will _________ its dew point and ______________ the relative humidity, providing the air temperature is constant.

increase, increase

If the air temperature remains constant, evaporating water into the air will ____ the dew point and ____ the relative humidity.

increase, increase

If solar activity was able to prevent galactic cosmic rays from colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, Earth's global electric field would increase. decrease. remain the same.

increase.

Suppose that the earth is in a cooling trend. Which of the following would most likely satisfy the criteria of a positive feedback mechanism? decreasing the cloud cover increasing the snow cover around the earth increasing the atmospheric water vapor in the air

increasing the snow cover around the earth

What are proxy data? data that are provided by instruments directly measuring the elements of weather the most reliable data available to forecast future climate change in the United States averages of climate data compiled by the ASOS network indirect evidence that is used to estimate climate when no direct measurement record is available

indirect evidence that is used to estimate climate when no direct measurement record is available

source region: cP

interior Canada and Alaska

Compared to other types of fronts, the weather associated with a cold front usually:

is more violent but of shorter duration.

Compared to other types of fronts, the weather associated with a cold front usually is more violent but or shorter duration. covers more area. does not involve thunderstorms. is less violent but of longer duration. involves less precipitation.

is more violent but or shorter duration.

The eye of a hurricane is the portion with the highest wind speeds. is warmer than the rest of the storm. is a figment of man's imagination. has the most intense rainfall. none of these

is warmer than the rest of the storm.

The outflow at the top of a hurricane prolongs the storm's life because

it prevents surface convergence from 'filling in' the low-pressure center of the storm.

The outflow at the top of a hurricane prolongs the storm's life because it provides an outlet for excess moisture that might otherwise'rain out' the storm. it causes winds to converge at the top of the storm. it prevents surface convergence from 'filling in' the low-pressure center of the storm. it helps to bring in cold air to strengthen the hurricane's eye.

it prevents surface convergence from 'filling in' the low-pressure center of the storm.

Why is the pattern of upper-level winds an important part of the forecasting process? rainfall at the surface corresponds to westerly flow aloft it strongly influences the development of surface storms jet streams aloft always lead to storms surface pressure controls the wind aloft

it strongly influences the development of surface storms

When do land/sea breezes occur?

land breezes occur at night and sea breezes occur during the day

The necessary conditions for hail formation include strong upward vertical motion and

large numbers of supercooled droplets

Jet streams are associated with fronts because of the

large temp gradient

Cyclone development tends to happen in certain locations

leeward sides of mountains and coastal regions

lenticular clouds

lens-shaped clouds that form in mountainous regions

If the tilt of the Earth's axis changes, how does this affect the temperature change across the seasons? no consistent relation exists less tilt, greater seasonal change more tilt, smaller seasonal change less tilt, smaller seasonal change

less tilt, smaller seasonal change

Which of these is common to both cold and warm fronts?

lifting of warm air over cold

The capacity of the atmosphere to disperse and dilute pollutant materials is unlimited. large and unchanging. unlimited except in the tropics. limited and very small. limited and highly variable.

limited and highly variable.

Isotach

lines of equal wind speed

Whenever winds aloft exhibit a relatively straight zonal flow that is, directly from west to east, ----- cyclonic activity occurs at the surface.

little

What combination is most likely to allow for strong radiation/ nocturnal inversion?

long night, light winds, low surface dew point temp, clear skies

The Earths radiation is often referred to as ____ radiation, while the sun's radiation is often referred to as _____ radiation

longwave, shortwave

Comparing flow around low and high pressure centers in which the pressure gradient force is the same strength for both, the fastest speeds would be around the ________ pressure center.

low

Relative humidity in cities is usually ______ compared to rural areas.

lower

An air mass that moves into the coastal regions of Washington and Oregon from the northwest in the winter would likely be mP. cT. mT. cP.

mP

The ___________ air mass often originates as a different air mass in Siberia and is subsequently altered.

mP

This air mass may produce an occasional "northeaster" in the winter. mT cP mP cT none of these

mP

An air mass forming over water that is warm and moist is called cP. cT. mT. mP.

mT

In the figure, the air mass at position A is most likely

mT

The air mass type most likely to form thunderstorms is mA. cT. cA. mT. mP.

mT

The greatest difference in both temperature and moisture occurs along the frontal boundary separating which air masses? cT and mT cP and cT mP and cT mP and mT mT and cP

mT and cP

Nowcasting is not very useful for predicting thunderstorms and tornadoes. makes extensive use of radar and geostationary satellites. is primarily used for making long-range forecasts for large regions. makes little use of numerical data.

makes extensive use of radar and geostationary satellites.

An air mass thunderstorm is most intense during the _______ stage. mature dissipating multicell cumulus

mature

Downdrafts and updrafts found side by side relate to the ________ stage in the development of a thunderstorm.

mature

Downdrafts and updrafts found side by side relate to the ________ stage in the development of a thunderstorm. dissipating cumulus mature

mature

During the development of a thunderstorm, downdrafts and updrafts are found side by side in the ________.

mature stage

During the development of a thunderstorm, downdrafts and updrafts are found side by side in the ________. mature stage cumulus stage dissipating stage

mature stage

The upper air speed and flow characteristics display which of the following relationships? maximum speed, divergence minimum speed, divergence maximum speed, convergence minimum speed, convergence a and d

maximum speed, divergence minimum speed, convergence

_________ absorb(s) twenty to thirty times more infrared radiation emitted by Earth than carbon dioxide. ozone CFC's methane carbon monoxide

methane

During what part of the day should ozone levels in an urban environment be highest? early morning (6 a.m.) night (midnight) late morning (11 a.m.) midafternoon

midafternoon

Smoke released from a stack into a very unstable air mass would tend to spread out horizontally but not mix up or down. mix rapidly downward. mix both upward and downward. go almost straight up

mix both upward and downward.

The vertical height reached by convective currents in the atmosphere is called

mixing depth

The two most important properties that should be relatively homogeneous at the same altitude in an air mass are moisture content and temperature. vapor pressure and latitude. temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. none of these.

moisture content and temp

The two most important properties that should be relatively homogeneous at the same altitude in an air mass are

moisture content and temperature.

Explain speed divergence

n entering a zone of high windspeed, air accelerates and stretches out (divergence). In con-trast, when air enters a zone of slower wind speed, an airpile-up (convergence) results. A

At what time during the day would a radiation temperature inversion be most fully developed?

near sunrise A radiation inversion requires that the surface temperature be lower than the air temperature above in order to have the temperature increase with height. The time at which surface temperature is the lowest is required to satisfy the conditions of the question. See the discussion material for lesson 4.

Air pollution is likely to be most severe near the center of a cyclone. when the atmosphere is turbulent. near the center of an anticyclone. in the spring. along squall lines.

near the center of an anticyclone.

Because of global thunderstorm activity, the surface of the Earth becomes __________ charged and the upper atmosphere becomes __________ charged. positively, positively negatively, negatively negatively, positively positively, negatively

negatively and positively

A cT air mass is cold and dry. cold and humid. warm and dry. warm and humid. none of these

none of these

When upper air flow produces large amplitude waves and a general ______ flow, cold air moves southward and cyclonic activity dominates the weather.

north to south

In what direction do most tornadoes move toward? west southeast northeast northwest southwest

northeast

The storm system will likely move toward southeast. east. south. northeast.

northeast

A hurricane that is heading west will likely have its strongest winds on its __________ side.

northern

A hurricane that is heading west will likely have its strongest winds on its __________ side. western northern eastern southern

northern The strength of the wind at various locations about the hurricane vortex center differs because the motion of the hurricane center adds to the speed of the flow ABOUT the center. The fastest (and slowest) speeds can be found by sketching the air motion around the outer edge of the vortex and determining whether the motion there is in the same (or opposite) direction to that of the center of the vortex. See the discussion material for lesson 18.

source regions: mP

northwestern Atlantic or North Pacific

Which of the following rely on the fact that gases of the atmosphere obey a number of known physical principles to predict the future state of the atmosphere? statistical methods numerical weather prediction trend forecasting persistence forecasting

numerical weather prediction

Which of the following explains the present cycle of the seasons?

obliquity

An area on the north side of the low-pressure center of amiddle-latitude cyclone usually has this type of front for the longest period of time: warm. cold. occluded. all three front types stay about the same amount of time.

occluded

The secondary rainbow is located ________ the primary rainbow, and has its colors in the ___________ order. outside, same outside, opposite inside, opposite inside, same

outside, opposite

Which one of the following is not a primary pollutant carbon monoxide sulfur dioxide nitrogen dioxide ozone

ozone

3 types of secondary pollutants

ozone, sulfuric acid, Smog

On an upper air chart the wind tends to blow parallel to the isobars and contours. at an angle between 10 and 30 degrees to the contours and towards lower pressure. at right angles to the isobars or contour lines. at constant speed.

parallel to the isobars and contours.

Early in January the Earth is closer to the Sun than at any other time of year. This position is termed:

perihelion

Successful short term forecasts (a few hours) can often be made using this method of prediction: ____________ forecasting. analog persistence climatological upper wave probability

persistence

Current weather charts are required for these types of weather prediction. (Select all that apply) persistence forecasting numerical forecasting statistical forecasting analog forecasting

persistence and analog

During the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, the circle of illumination passes directly through the

poles.

While passing over an area with warm water ocean currents, isotherms show a ______

poleward shift

A thunderstorm cloud is normally charged ________ in the upper portion, and charged _______ in the middle and lower portion. positively, negatively negatively, positively positively, positively negatively, negatively

positively, negatively

snow

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

Which of the following weather elements always decreases as we climb upward in the atmosphere?

pressure

For circular flow around a low pressure center, the strongest force must be

pressure gradient

In geostrophic flow, the Coriolis force is balanced by the

pressure gradient

Why do hurricanes in the Atlantic move toward the west during their early stages?

prevailing winds are from the east

Why do hurricanes in the Atlantic move toward the west during their early stages? prevailing winds are from the east Coriolis Effect guides them warmer water temperatures guide them steering influences of ocean currents they move away from areas of high salinity

prevailing winds are from the east

The exchange of heat between the Earth's surface and atmosphere is primarily through the process of

radiation

The fog most likely to form over flat land on a clear, calm spring morning is ___________ fog.

radiation

The tops of parked cars are frequently covered with frost on clear, cold mornings before sunrise, even though the air temperature is above freezing. Such will happen because the tops of these cars are cooled by

radiation The tops of cars are in contact with the air, so they can cool by one of the three processes of heat transfer. You need to decide how efficiently air removes heat through conduction and convection (the air in contact with the roof) in comparison to that due to radiation through the air. This question is somewhat like the preceding question in terms of heat flow. See pages 45-49 of the textbook.

Strong wind+Unstable Environmental lapse rate = ________ diffusion of pollutants

rapid

An approaching wave cyclone would be indicated by a __________ barometer reading.

rapidly falling

If air molecules selectively scattered only long wavelength light, then the color of the sky would be white red blue black

red

The primary purpose of a smokestack is to change the lapse rate. promote adiabatic cooling of the smoke. reduce the concentration of pollutants at ground level. burn off inversion layers. both b and d.

reduce the concentration of pollutants at ground level.

Volcanic eruptions can act as agents for climatic change since they reduce the solar energy at Earth's surface. release large amounts of heat. increase the numbers of cyclones. increase the amount of evaporation. cause small changes in the Earth's tilt.

reduce the solar energy at Earth's surface.

Which of the following data is not plotted on a weather chart? cloud height sky cover dew point temperature relative humidity temperature

relative humidity

Which is least important in determining the level of air pollution from a particular source? stability of the air layer prevailing wind speed and direction relative humidity at ground level amount of turbulent mixing height of smokestack used

relative humidity at ground level

Above areas of surface low pressure we expect the air to be ________ and above areas of surface high pressure the air to be _________.

rising, sinking

Tornado-producing thunderstorms are characterized by very little cloud-to-ground lightning. rotating updrafts. updraft velocities exceeding 100 miles per hour. no hail. none of these

rotating updrafts.

Why do westerly winds prevail at upper altitudes?

rotation of the earth and equator to pole temperature contrast

In comparing the variations in the isobar patterns, the basic operation of the land/sea and mountain/valley breezes suggests that cyclic variations in the isobar patterns above the ________ are similar.

sea and valley

Which of these winds is influenced the least by the Coriolis effect? northeast trades sea breeze midlatitude westerlies jet stream

sea breeze

Why does the measurement of CO2 in the atmosphere show an oscillation during each year? seasonal changes in vegetation growth chemical reactions involving CO2 and water seasonal cycle of fossil fuel combustion seasonal absorption and release of CO2 by clouds global warming

seasonal changes in vegetation growth

All other things equal, when Vega is the North Star Polaris will be the South Star. precession will stop. the solstices will no longer occur. the Earth will be nearest the Sun in July. seasonal contrasts will be greater.

seasonal contrasts will be greater.

For which type of storm is the presence of an inversion layer "lid" important? hurricane severe thunderstorm air mass thunderstorm a and c all of the above

severe thunderstorm

Doppler radars detect lightning strokes. have much greater range than conventional radars. show the motion of precipitation particles. show the motion of air in clear areas. detect condensation nuclei.

show the motion of precipitation particles.

Which of these best describes the reason most high pressure systems bring clear skies?

sinking air aloft

Why is the eye region of a hurricane largely free of precipitation and clouds?

sinking air motion

Why is the eye region of a hurricane largely free of precipitation and clouds? sinking air motion pressure gradient is weaker cooler temperatures rising air motion

sinking air motion

The energy of a mid-latitude cyclone comes mainly from:

sinking cold air and rising warm air.

Temp inversions develop in association with _______ air at centers of _______ pressure or __________

sinking, high, anticyclones

Air mass source regions tend to be dominated by fast wind speeds. converging winds. cyclones. dry air. slow moving anticyclones.

slow moving anticyclones

Air mass source regions tend to be dominated by:

slow moving anticyclones

Cities will tend to cool more _________ than rural areas and have ________ temperatures when the nights are cold and clear. quickly, higher slowly, higher quickly, lower slowly, lower

slowly, higher

Maximum winter warmth occurs if large windows in a house in the Northern Hemisphere face to the _______.

south

A surface anticyclone will tend to move toward the ____________ when a deep upper-level trough is located to the east.

southeast

A tornado that is rotating in a counterclockwise direction is also moving towards the northeast. As a result, the strongest winds will be on its _____________ side. northeastern southeastern northwestern southwestern

southeastern

A surface anticyclone will tend to move toward the ____________ when adeep upper-level trough is located to the east. southwest. southeast. northwest. northeast.

southwest

Smoke released from a stack into a very stable air mass would tend to mix rapidly downward. spread out horizontally but not mix up or down. mix both upward and downward. diffuse rapidly in all directions. go almost straight up.

spread out horizontally but not mix up or down.

What causes the dissipating stage of a thunderstorm?

spreading downdraft cuts off air inflow

What causes the dissipating stage of a thunderstorm? converging surface winds spreading downdraft cuts off air inflow converging winds aloft loss of radiant energy from cloud top release of latent heat within the cloud

spreading downdraft cuts off air inflow

The dispersion of pollutant materials into the atmosphere depends on the wind and the _________ of the air layer. depth pressure stability temperature visibility

stability

An mT air mass that lies above cold ground would be classified as ____________. stationary occluded stable unstable

stable

If an air parcel is given a small push upward and it falls back to its original position, the atmosphere is said to be:

stable

Stability in source region: cA

stable

Stability in source region: cP

stable entire year

On a weather map, a line with blue triangles on one side and red semicircles on the other represents:

stationary front

As a strong hurricane moves ashore, what causes the most devastating damage in the coastal zone?

storm surge

As a strong hurricane moves ashore, what causes the most devastating damage in the coastal zone? torrential rains they are equally significant storm surge strong winds

storm surge

Clouds that form in air that is very stable usually are

stratus

The cloud form that is best described as sheets or layers that cover much or all of the sky is termed

stratus

2 of the most important atmospheric conditions affecting the dispertion of air pollutants

strength of wind stability of air

A steep pressure gradient produces ____ winds

strong

The spreading or dilution of pollutants into the atmosphere is greatest when winds are neutral. steady. calm. less than 10 km/hr. strong and variable (gusty).

strong and variable (gusty).

Most of the Earth's deserts are located in the boundary between liquid and frozen oceans. subsidence areas of subtropical highs. trade wind belt. doldrum belt. areas along the polar front.

subsidence areas of subtropical highs.

Which will not cause air to become more unstable?

subsidence of an air column

Which one of the following is a secondary pollutant? carbon monoxide volatile organics sulfuric acid particulate matter

sulfuric acid

What option below best characterizes the rainfall distribution at a non-desert station located immediately to the north of the Sahara desert(about 35 degrees N latitude)?

summer dry season

On which day of the week would someone living in or downwind of a city expect the least precipitation (on average)?

sunday

What determines when a tropical depression or storm is given hurricane status? diameter central pressure water temperature sustained wind speed

sustained wind speed

Increased cloudiness as a result of warmer temperatures would be an example of a negative feedback process.T/F

t

Since the late 1800's, the mean global temperature has rise by about 0.3 to 0.6 degrees C.T/F

t

The current shape of the earth's orbit around the sun is elliptical.T/F

t

Why is the number and intensity of wave cyclones greatest during the late fall, winter and spring months? meteorologists don't know temperatures are below freezing temperature contrasts are greater air is drier then density of air is greatest

temperature contrasts are greater

Natural convection and turbulence are most likely to occur when

temperature decreases rapidly with height.

Hurricanes do not generally strike the West Coast of the United States because

the cold current along the West Coast quickly kills any storms that move into the area.

Hurricanes do not generally strike the West Coast of the United States because strong winds in the area generally prevent tropical storms from maintaining hurricane strength. hurricanes in this area generally veer west and strike Mexico before making it to the United States. the cold current along the West Coast quickly kills any storms that move into the area. hurricanes don't form in the Pacific Ocean very often.

the cold current along the West Coast quickly kills any storms that move into the area.

When do the fastest surface cycone system speeds occur? Why

the coldest months when temp gradients are greatest

A 'London-type' smog is characterized by the combination of smoke and fog on very humid days. high concentrations of fine particulate matter on sunny days. the photochemical production of pollutants. low humidity and high levels of industrial pollution.

the combination of smoke and fog on very humid days.

For conditional instability to prevail

the lapse rate must be less than the wet adiabatic rate.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale is based upon the level of damage caused by a tornado. the pressure gradient across the diameter of atornado. the measured wind speeds inside a tornado. the frequency of lightning strikes concurrent with the tornado.

the level of damage caused by a tornado

Cyclogenesis

the sequence of atmospheric events that develops along the polar jet stream that produce midlatitude cyclones

The more violent nature of weather produced by a cold front can be attributed to which two factors?

the steep slope and fast forward motion of the front

What happens summer solstice

the suns rays are exactly overhead the tropic of cancer (23.5 degrees north)

What happens on the winter solstice

the suns rays are overhead the tropic of capricorn 23 degrees south

If an upper-level low is observed directly above a surface low, a wave cyclone will start to form. thunderstorms should develop. cyclogenesis will occur. the surface low will likely weaken.. the pressure of the low at the surface will decrease.

the surface low will likely weaken

What happens to isotherms over the continents

the temperatures don't fluctuate as much over water so over continents the north-south migration of isotherms is more pronounced

A stationary front will not move because the winds are blowing parallel to the front. there are equal strength winds that are blowing towards each other. on both sides of the front the winds are calm. the front is located between low and high pressure.

the winds are blowing parallel to the front.

Why are some satellites described as geostationary? their altitude never changes they can only observe stationary weather systems they orbit over the poles their orbital motion matches the Earth's rotation they have no orbital motion

their orbital motion matches the Earth's rotation

What happens to isotherms at the ocean

there are sudden bends at continent boundaries- due to differntial heating of land and water

If one were to read a forecast that calls for "a 30 percent chance of rain," then there is a 30 percent chance no rain will occur within the forecasted area. there is a 30 percent chance that the forecasted area will receive rain at any random place rain will occur on 30 percent of the forecasted area. rain will occur during 30 percent of the time over the forecasted area

there is a 30 percent chance that the forecasted area will receive rain at any random place

cirrostratus cloud characteristics

thin sheet of white, ice crystals. Can form a "halo" around the Sun or Moon Cirrostratus are transparent high clouds, which cover large areas of the sky. They sometimes produce white or coloured rings, spots or arcs of light around the Sun or Moon, that are known as halo phenomena. Sometimes they are so thin that the halo is the only indication that a cirrostratus cloud is in the sky.

Cirrus cloud characteristics

thin., high, delicate ice crystal cloud; small amounts means OK weather, large amounts mean storms coming Cirrus clouds are wispy, feathery, and composed entirely of ice crystals. They often are the first sign of an approaching warm front or upper-level jet streak. Unlike cirrus, cirrostratus clouds form more of a widespread, veil-like layer

The type of weather most frequently associated with the front shown on the diagram above is:

thunderstorms and other severe weather.

Draw the earth on the summer solstice

tilted 23.5 degrees, left side shaded, sun hitting the tropic of cancer (23.5 degrees north the most)

draw a pic of the earth on dec solstice

tilted 23.5 degrees, right side shaded, rays hitting the tropic of capricorn (23.5 degrees south first)

One of the primary uses for a 500-mb chart is to estimate surface air temperature. to monitor the position of the polar jet stream. to determine the speed and direction of motion for a mid-latitude cyclone. to predict surface wind speeds.

to determine the speed and direction of motion for a mid-latitude cyclone.

Which has the steepest pressure gradient?

tornado

Wave cyclones typically travel _________ across the continental United States. directly west to east at constant speed fastest during the warmer months from 20 to 50 kilometers per day toward the east (initially), then more toward the northeast very erratically in all directions and at all speeds

toward the east (initially), then more toward the northeast

What circumstance may inhibit further development of a hurricane by diminishing air's ability to rise and thus inhibit development of strong thunderstorms?

trade wind inversion

What circumstance may inhibit further development of a hurricane by diminishing air's ability to rise and thus inhibit development of strong thunderstorms? trade wind inversion unstable air convergence at the surface strong upper-level winds

trade wind inversion

What general circulation wind belt is the place of origin for hurricanes?

trade winds

What general circulation wind belt is the place of origin for hurricanes? horse latitudes trade winds westerlies doldrums

trade winds

Which of the source categories listed below is responsible for the most pollutant? solid waste disposal electric utilities transportation industrial processes

transportATION

The wave-like or meandering pattern of the upper level winds in middle latitudes is of major importance for

transporting heat between equator and poles.

The wave-like meandering pattern of the upper level winds in midlatitudes is of major importance for

transporting heat between the equator and poles.

________ predict(s) that the weather occurring upstream will persist and move on to affect the area in its path. nowcasting trend forecasting the analog method persistence forecasts

trend forecasting

What is the proper order of storm intensity in terms of increasing wind speed? hurricane, tropical depression, tropical storm tropical depression, hurricane, tropical storm tropical storm, tropical depression, hurricane tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane tropical storm, hurricane, tropical depression

tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane

Layer of the atmosphere where the greenhouse effect happens

troposphere

Layer of the atmosphere where there is water vapor

troposphere (also where most clouds are)

A southwest wind blows toward the northeast.

true

Increased cloudiness as a result of warmer temperatures would be an example of a negative feedback process. True False

true

Middle-latitude cyclones die out once all the warm air has risen aloft. True False

true

True or False: Water warms and cools slower than air or land because it has a high specific heat.

true

Stability in source region: mT (Gulf of Mex)

unstable entire year

Stability in source region: mP (North Pacific)

unstable in winter stable in summer

What is the cause and effect relationship between the pattern of upper level winds and surface low and high pressure systems? upper level wind patterns strongly control the origin and development of surface systems there is no strong or consistent relationship surface systems control the upper level wind patterns surface lows decrease, and surface highs increase, upper level wind speeds

upper level wind patterns strongly control the origin and development of surface systems

High altitude clouds are always thin because

very little water vapor is present.

What causes the winds of a hurricane to be so fast?

very strong pressure gradient force

What causes the winds of a hurricane to be so fast? tidal effects. stronger Coriolis force very strong pressure gradient force coupling with the jet stream weaker Coriolis force

very strong pressure gradient force

Thunderstorms form when _____ humid air rises in a(n) ______ environment.

warm ;unstable

A wave pattern in the upper level winds provides for decreased snowfall. warm air moving north. cold air moving south. colder temperatures at all latitudes. warm air moving north AND cold air moving south.

warm air moving north AND cold air moving south.

Precipitation forms in _____ by collision and coalescence processes because the cloud is above freezing temperatures at all levels.

warm clouds

Line A-B represents:

warm front

The lifting of air and the resulting formation of clouds and rain is more gentle (gradual) for a:

warm front

The type of front shown in the diagram above is:

warm front

The lifting of air and the resulting formation of clouds and rain is more gentle (gradual) for a warm front. cold front. mesocyclone. occluded front. divergence zone.

warm front.

What two sets of conditions, working together, will make the atmosphere the most unstable?

warm the surface and cool the air aloft

Which pair of processes, working together, will make the atmosphere more unstable?

warm the surface and cool the air aloft

Thunderstorms form when _____ humid air rises in a(n) ______ environment. warm, unstable warm, stable cold, stable cold, unstable

warm, unstable

The eye of the hurricane is ____ than the rest

warmer

An mT air mass is _______ and ______ than an mP air mass colder, drier. warmer, moister. colder, moister. warmer, drier.

warmer, moister

The temperature on a cloudy night is likely to be __________ than that on a clear night because the clouds absorb _____________ and then ___________ some of it back to the ground.

warmer; heat energy; radiate

Which is the best indication that a hurricane will likely strike your area within twenty-four hours?

warning from National Weather Service

Synoptic charts display weather data that were measured at the same time. were measured by a satellite. were calculated by a mathematical model. show multiple levels of the atmosphere on the same chart. were measured at the same place.

were measured at the same time.

At position 3, one should observe clouds at 18,000 feet moving from

west to east

When a parcel is lifted above the lifting condensation level, the dew point temperature changes at the ________ rate.

wet adiabatic rate

Which of the following weather data is not always plotted in the same location with respect to the weather station? wind direction cloud type barometric pressure pressure tendency past weather

wind direction

The path that cyclonic storms follow (storm tracks) is usually farther to the south during

winter

The path that cyclonic storms follow (storm tracks) is usually farther to the south during Winter. Autumn. Summer. night.

winter

When is the jet stream the fastest?

winter

Shape of isotherms over land?

winter bending equatorward

For the next two questions, choose the best answer from the list given that best characterizes the rainfall distribution at the place in question. Assume that the various belt boundaries occur at 0°, 30°, and 60°, and that the Earth's tilt is 20°. A station located south of the Sahara desert at about 20°N latitude.

winter dry season

When an air parcel is moving parallel to straight isobars at aconstant speed, the net force acting on the parcel must be

zero