Weather and Climate FINAL
The finest particles of particulate matter are classified as being less than ________ in diameter A) 1.0 micrometer B) 2.5 micrometers C) 5 micrometers D) 10 micrometers
A) 1.0 micrometer
The current sea level air pressure represented on the station model shown? A) 1010.5 mb B) 910.5 mb C) 1020.0 mb D) 969.0 mb
A) 1010.5 mb
What is the current air temperature represented on the station model shown? A) 75°F B) 75°C C) 69°F D) -20°C E) 105°F
A) 75°F
__________ pollutant levels cause gradual deterioration of a variety of physiological functions over a span of years A) Chronic B) Major C) Critical D) Acute
A) Chronic
You'd like to plan a Christmas day flight to visit family. You have several months lead-time. How might you determine the probability of snowfall occurring and potentially interfering with your travel plans? A) Consult a climatological forecast B) Watch the weather Channel to hear the latest numerical forecast C) Refer to the analog forecast published by the NWS D) Roll the dice- no one can forecast that
A) Consult a climatological forecast
Which of the following is responsible for collecting and assimilating weather data from across the globe? A) National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) B) National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) C) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) D) National Weather Service Forecast Office
A) National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)
The acronym NOAA stands for: A) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration B) National Observatory for Atmospheric Assessment C) Nightly Observation of Atmospheric Attributes D) Numerical Observation Assessment Association
A) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
_______ assume(s) that the weather occurring will persist and move on to affect the area in its path A) Trend forecasting B) Nowcasting C) The analog method D) Persistence forecasts
A) Trend forecasting
Which of the following is NOT a projected effect of global warming for the coming century? A) a decrease in the areas affected by drought B) increased risk of landslides and mudslides C) increased risk of avalanches D) increase in intense hurricane activity
A) a decrease in the areas affected by drought
Methane is naturally produced by bacteria in ______ environments A) anaerobic B) high pressure C) very cold D) isotope
A) anaerobic
Lead as air pollution: A) can cause damage to many organs B) is a result of the lead that is still added to gasoline in the U.S. C) has risen dramatically in amount in the United States
A) can cause damage to many organs
Volatile organic compounds: A) can occur naturally B) are created primarily by the burning of coal C) consist of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen D) pose the greatest danger of all the primary pollutants
A) can occur naturally
A reduction in visibility due to the absorption and scattering of light by air pollution is called: A) haze B) smog C) photochemical fog D) particulate ocular reduction
A) haze
The capacity of the atmosphere to disperse and dilute pollutant materials is: A) highly variable and based on the weather B) predictable and consistent from day to day C) the same in all locations D) large and unchanging
A) highly variable and based on the weather
Particulate matter is categorized according to: A) its size B) its source C) its chemical components D) its toxicity
A) its size
During what part of the day should ozone levels in an urban environment be highest? A) mid-afternoon B) early morning (6 A.M.) C) late morning (11 A.M.) D) night (midnight)
A) mid-afternoon
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? A) numerical weather prediction B) statistical method C) trend forecasting D) persistence forecasting
A) numerical weather prediction
Which one of the following is a major component of photochemical smog? A) ozone B) lead C) sulfur dioxide D) soot
A) ozone
This the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air A) particulate matter B) volatile organic compounds C) acid precipitation D) smog
A) particulate matter
These six criteria pollutants are covered by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards A) particulates, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, lead, and ozone B) particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, lead, VOC's and smog C) particulates, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, and VOC's
A) particulates, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, lead, and ozone
Large amounts of long-stoned organic material will begin to decay and release carbon dioxide when extensive areas of: A) permafrost thaw B) Arctic sea ice melts C) forest grow in new regions D) agriculture experience longer growing seasons
A) permafrost thaw
Proxy Data: A) provide climate data representing times when instruments were not available to measure them B) are difficult to find because they occur only in very limited areas C) come quality-controlled instruments records D) can only extend the temperature record back an additional 500 years
A) provide climate data representing times when instruments were not available to measure them
What term is used to describe the strategy used by scientists who are trying to predict the differing outcomes for a wide range of possible assumption? A) scenarios B) ensemble forecasting C) varied input D) altering assumptions
A) scenarios
Which of the following is a possible consequence of global warming? A) sea-level rise B) increase in sea ice C) a decrease in global mean precipitation D) lower frequency of hurricanes
A) sea-level rise
Many reactions that produce secondary pollutants are triggered by ________ and are called photochemical reactions A) strong sunlight B) clouds C) wind D) pressure
A) strong sunlight
Important sources of _________ include power plants, smelters, petroleum refineries, and pulp and paper mills A) sulfur dioxide B) particulate matter C) nitrogen oxides D) hydrocarbons
A) sulfur dioxide
The original use of the word smog was identified by: A) the combination of smoke and fog on very humid days B) the photochemical production of pollutants C) high concentrations of fine particulate matter on sunny days D) low humidity and high levels of industrial pollution
A) the combination of smoke and fog on very humid days
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 1980s C) they address cycles in precipitations D) no data have been found to support their influence on earth's climate
A) they operate on a very long time-scale and cannot address shorter-term cycles
The primary purpose of a radiosonde is: A) to acquire data about conditions in the upper atmosphere B) to report data about surface conditions at an automated weather station C) to compile data from thousands of automated weather stations into one file D) to calculate numerical predictions of weather
A) to acquire data about conditions in the upper atmosphere
Compared to climate changes due to plate tectonics and astronomical causes, the changes due to volcanic eruptions are: A) very short B) much larger C) longer D) of equal duration
A) very short
The winds at the ________ level are the steering mechanism for air mass thunderstorms A) 850-mb B) 700-mb C) 500-mb D) 300-mb
B) 700-mb
Why is the pattern of upper-level winds an important part of the forecasting process? A) Rainfall at the surface corresponds to westerly flow aloft B) It strongly influence the development of surface storms C) Surface pressure controls the wind aloft D) Jet streams aloft always lead to storms
B) It strongly influence the development of surface storms
When upper-air flow produces large-amplitude troughs and a general ________ flow, cold air moves southward and cyclonic activity dominates the weather. (Assume Northern Hemisphere) A) West to South B) North to South C) West to East D) North to East
B) North to South
_________ are usually the most obvious form of air pollution because they reduce visibility and leave deposits of dirt on the surfaces with which they come in contact A) Volatile organics B) Particulates C) Sulfur oxides D) Nitrogen oxides
B) Particulates
__________ predict(s) that future weather will be the same as the present weather conditions A) The analog method B) Persistence forecasts C) Trend forecasting D) Nowcasting
B) Persistence forecasts
The current conditions in your location are sunny with a temperature of 85 degrees F. Based on these observations, you forecast that in a few hours, it will be sunny with a temperature in the mid-80s. What kind of forecast have you issued? A) a numerical forecast B) a persistence forecast C) a statistical forecast D) an analog forecast
B) a persistence forecast
Air pollution levels that may be life-threatening within a few hours or days are termed: A) high risk B) acute C) toxic D) fast acting
B) acute
The combustion of coal and oil is a major source of which greenhouse gas? A) ozone B) carbon dioxide C) CFCs D) methane
B) carbon dioxide
Variations in the shape of the earth's orbit: A) have a cycle of about three million years B) have a cycle of about 100,000 years C) will eventually lead to the earth having a perfectly circular orbit D) are related to changes in sunspot activity on the surface of the sun
B) have a cycle of about 100,000 years
The development of large, fast computers has allowed this method of weather prediction to become useful A) nowcasting B) numerical C) persistence D) analog
B) numerical
Although ________ forms naturally in the stratosphere, when produced near the surface it is considered a pollutant with many negative effects A) smog B) ozone C) nitric acid D) sulfur dioxide
B) ozone
Which one of the following is NOT a primary pollutant? A) carbon monoxide B) ozone C) nitrogen dioxide D) sulfur dioxide
B) ozone
Sea floor sediments provide useful climate data because they contain: A) evidence of plate tectonics B) remains of living organisms C) material from Earth's mantle D) meteorite debris
B) remains of living organisms
Photochemical smog is an example of a _________ pollutant A) primary B) secondary C) quaternary D) tertiary
B) secondary
What property of glacial ice help climatologists to reconstruct the CO2 concentrations of the atmosphere during the past? A) the ratio of oxygen isotopes in the ice B) the contents of the air bubbles trapped in the ice C) the amount of volcanic ash frozen in the ice D) the amount of 16O in the water
B) the contents of the air bubbles trapped in the ice
What is the primary goal of a paleoclimatologist? A) to prove that climate change caused the dinosaur mass extinction B) to reconstruct past climates C) to study the impacts of volcanic eruptions on climate D) to find explanations for current global change
B) to reconstruct past climates
Which one of the source categories listed below is responsible for the most primary pollution? A) solid waste disposal B) transportation C) industrial processes D) electric utilities
B) transportation
________ are made using the intensity of light reflected off of the Earth's surfaces A) infrared images B) visible images C) Moon images D) water vapor images
B) visible images
The term anaerobic means: A) highly acidic B) without air (or oxygen) C) without motion D) under extreme pressure
B) without air (or oxygen)
What is the dew point represented on the station model shown? A) -20°C B) 75°F C) 69°F D) 69°C
C) 69°F
In the United States, the governmental agency responsible for gathering and disseminating weather-related information is the: A) American Meteorological Service B) National Atmosphere Association C) National Weather Service D) American Weather Association
C) National Weather Service
Warming temperatures melt ice cover, exposing a darker surface that absorbs more solar radiation. In response, the air warms even further. This is an example of: A) a stable-feedback mechanism B) a negative-feedback mechanism C) a positive-feedback mechanism D) a variable-feedback mechanism
C) a positive-feedback mechanism
Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas? A) methane B) CFCs C) argon D) carbon dioxide
C) argon
In addition to sea level rise, oceans respond to increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by: A) contracting in volume B) increasing salinity C) becoming increasingly acidic D) becoming more alkaline
C) becoming increasingly acidic
Sulfur dioxide areosols: A) lower cloud albedo B) are rarely emitted during volcanic eruptions C) can serve as condensation nuclei D) do not exist in reality
C) can serve as condensation nuclei
This the most abundant primary pollutant A) lead B) sulfur dioxide C) carbon monoxide D) nitrogen oxide
C) carbon monoxide
Which major air pollutants is found above recommended levels in more U.S. counties than any other? A) ozone B) particulate matter C) carbon monoxide D) sulfur dioxide
C) carbon monoxide
Scientists expect climate to change to: A) cause every place on the planet to warm evenly and consistently B) cause each year to be consecutively warmer than the one before C) cause each decade to be warmer than the previous one D) cause some areas on the planet to cool dramatically
C) cause each decade to be warmer than the previous one
A farmer is trying to determine which kind of seed he should plant. He consults a(n) ________ in order to determine the length of his growing season and average rainfall in order to make the best choice A) analog forecast B) persistence forecast C) climatological forecast D) numerical forecast
C) climatological forecast
It is likely that an increase in global temperature would result in an increase in cloud cover. Which of the following statements BEST describes the total impact of additional clouds on the Earth system? A) clouds provide an exclusively negative-feedback response to warming B) clouds provide an exclusively positive-feedback response to warming C) clouds provide both positive-feedback and negative-feedback responses to warming D) clouds provide neither positive-feedback or negative-feedback responses to warming.
C) clouds provide both positive-feedback and negative-feedback responses to warming
Meteorological conditions are important in air pollution episodes since they: A) control the emission of pollutants B) determine the location of sources C) determine the amount of dilution D) are important sources of pollutants
C) determine the amount of dilution
Studies have shown that the sea level: A) should drop over the next 100 years B) should not change significantly over the next 100 years C) has risen about 25 centimeters since 1870 D) has not changes measurably over the last century
C) has risen about 25 centimeters since 1870
Exposure to this primary pollutant is associated with damage to the nervous systems of young children A) nitrogen oxide B) sulfur dioxide C) lead D) carbon monoxide
C) lead
If the tilt of the earth's axis changes, how does this affect the temperature change across the seasons? A) no consistent relations exists B) more tilt, smaller seasonal change C) less tilt, smaller seasonal change D) less tilt, larger seasonal change
C) less tilt, smaller seasonal change
According to climate models, warming in the polar regions could be: A) about the same as elsewhere on Earth B) much lower than the warming near the Equator C) much greater than the warming near the Equator D) unpredictable based on current knowledge
C) much greater than the warming near the Equator
More than 800,000 premature deaths occur every year due to: A) exposure to nuclear radiation B) exposure to acid rain C) particulate matter D) elevated ozone concentrations
C) particulate matter
Infrared images provides a way to determine which clouds are more likely to produce what? A) humidity B) drought C) precipitation D) wind
C) precipitation
This category of air pollutants is emitted directly from identifiable sources and pollutes the air immediately upon being emitted A) quaternary pollutants B) tertiary pollutants C) primary pollutants D) secondary pollutants
C) primary pollutants
Oxygen-isotope analysis: A)has been shown to be of little or no use in the study of past climate changes B) cannot be carried out on ice cores or sea floor sediments, but works well for tree ring analysis C) relies on the fact that 16O evaporates from the ocean more readily than 18O D) is very simple
C) relies on the fact that 16O evaporates from the ocean more readily than 18O
One source of oxygen isotope measurements used for climate reconstruction come from: A) air pollution B) cores form old trees C) sea floor sediments D) packrat middens
C) sea floor sediments
What triggers a photochemical reaction? A) high humidity B) turbulent winds C) sunlight D) ice particles
C) sunlight
In the 1970s, the federal Clean Air Act made major strides in reducing air pollution and created this A) the Sierra Club B) the Energy Protection Agency C) the Environmental Protection Agency D) the Air pollution Protection Agency
C) the Environmental Protection Agency
One of the primary uses for a 500-mb map is: A) to estimate surface air temperature B) to predict surface wind speeds C) to determine the speed and direction of motion for a mid-latitude cyclone D) to monitor the position of the polar jet stream
C) to determine the speed and direction of motion for a mid-latitude cyclone
The process of predicting the future state of the atmosphere is called: A) weather analysis B) weather predicting C) weather forecasting D) hindcasting
C) weather forecasting
The length of time that a volcanic eruption impacts the climate is largely determined by: A) the amount of water evaporated B) how much ash is emitted C) whether the ash or gas reaches the stratosphere D) how much gas is emitted E) the explosive force of the eruption
C) whether the ash or gas reaches the stratosphere
Which of the following upper air maps is most useful for observing the details of the polar jet stream during winter? A) 1000-mb map B) 850-mb map C) 500-mb map D) 300-mb map
D) 300-mb map
The accuracy of day-to-day weather forecasts for periods beyond ________ days is relatively unreliable A) 1 B) 3 C) 5 D) 7
D) 7
In determining the occurrence of precipitation, the NWS forecasts are correct more than _______ percent of the time A) 10 B) 30 C) 50 D) 80
D) 80
The standardized indicator used to report daily air quality to the public is called the: A) Air Pollution Indicator B) Criteria Pollutant Summary C) Pollution Snapshot D) Air Quality Index
D) Air Quality Index
__________ weather forecasting is an area that relies heavily on statistical averages obtained from past weather events A) Numerical B) Ensemble C) Persistence D) Long range
D) Long range
What is the current wind direction represented on the station model shown? A) SE B) NW C) NE D) SW
D) SW
_________ encompass a wide array of solid, liquid, and gaseous substances that are composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon A) Lead compounds B) Nitrogen Oxides C) Carbon monoxides D) Volatile organic compounds
D) Volatile organic compounds
When the upper-air exhibits a general ________ flow, cyclonic systems tend to move through quickly, creating rapidly changing weather conditions A) West to South B) North to South C) North to East D) West to East
D) West to East
Temperature inversions are associated with: A) effective dispersal of pollutants B) unstable atmospheric conditions C) periods of good visibility D) a restricted mixing depth
D) a restricted mixing depth
Which of the following is a type of natural air pollution? A) pollens B) dust C) salt D) all of the above
D) all of the above
In what way were humans influencing climate prior to the industrial revolution? A) gathering wood for individual cooking fires B) releasing CO2 by burning large quantities of coal C) hunting and gathering excessively D) alteration of ground cover for grazing and agriculture
D) alteration of ground cover for grazing and agriculture
Which technique is used that attempts to match current conditions with similar well-established patterns from the past? A) persistence forecasting B) trend forecasting C) isotachs method D) analog method
D) analog method
Of the following, which is the most likely source for coarse particulate matter? A) residential fireplaces B) power generation C) fossil fuel combustion in vehicles D) cars driving on unpaved roads
D) cars driving on unpaved roads
The eccentricity portion of Milankovitch's astronomical theory refers to: A) changes in the tilt of Earth's axis B) the unpredictability of earth's weather C) changes in the rate of earth's rotation D) changes in the shape of earth's orbit
D) changes in the shape of earth's orbit
which of the following is NOT a part of the climate system? A) hydrosphere B) lithosphere/geosphere C) biosphere D) climosphere
D) climosphere
In addition to the combustion of fossil fuels, which of the following is an important cause of the increase in atmospheric CO2? A) decaying vegetation B) wetlands and swamps C) cattle D) deforestation
D) deforestation
A prognostic chart: A) is used to pinpoint the current location of fronts B) is used to explain the causes of thunderstorms as they are happening C) evaluates past weather conditions to predict future ones D) displays numerical forecasts for future conditions in precipitation, wind speed, and upper air flow
D) displays numerical forecasts for future conditions in precipitation, wind speed, and upper air flow
A strong ridge in the meridional flow aloft typically generates what kind of summer weather in the United States? A) cooler than average temperatures B) thunderstorms C) floods D) heat waves
D) heat waves
Ozone: A) is a minor component of smog B) increases crop yields C) forms at a faster rate at night than in the day D) is a result of photochemical reactions at the surface
D) is a result of photochemical reactions at the surface
Which of the following is NOT associated with the Milankovitch astronomical theory of climate change? A) precession B) eccentricity C) obliquity D) lunar phases
D) lunar phases
Which of the following is a trace greenhouse gas? A) carbon B) carbon monoxide C) oxygen D) nitrous oxide
D) nitrous oxide
The most likely explanation for evidence of glacial activity in places such as Africa and Australia is: A) global warming B) ozone depletion C) volcanic activity D) plate tectonics
D) plate tectonics
Oxygen isotope analysis measures the: A) oxygen content of sediment B) rate of oxygen depletion C) amount of radioactivity due to oxygen D) proportions of 2 different types of oxygen atoms
D) proportions of 2 different types of oxygen atoms
Volcanic eruptions can act as agents for climate change since they: A) increase the numbers of cyclones B) increase the amount of evaporation C) cause small changes in the earth's tilt D) reduce the solar energy at earth's surface
D) reduce the solar energy at earth's surface
The dispersion of pollutant material into the atmosphere depends on the wind and the ________ of the air layer A) visibility B) temperature C) depth D) stability
D) stability
Which one of the following is a secondary pollutant? A) volatile organics B) particulate matter C) carbon monoxide D) sulfuric acid
D) sulfuric acid
Long range forecasts include predictions of: A) wind B) temperature C) precipitation D) temperature and precipitation
D) temperature and precipitation
which one of the following concepts is not part of the astronomical theory of climate change? A) variations in the shape of the earth's orbit B) changes in the angle that the earth's axis makes with the plane of the ecliptic C) wobbling of the earth's axis D) variations in solar output
D) variations in solar output
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, maintains a constant vigil for: A) snow storms B) hurricanes and tropical storms C) floods and flash floods D)thunderstorms and tornadoes
D)thunderstorms and tornadoes
Upper-air maps are commonly drawn for all the following pressures, EXCEPT: A) 500 millibars B) 700 millibars C) 200 millibars D) 850 millibars E) 1000 millibars
E) 1000 millibars
How can satellite "see" water vapor in the atmosphere? A) The satellite is capable of sensing the wavelength of radiation typically emitted by water vapor B) It can't see vapor- it can only identify places where vapor is condensing C) It estimates vapor based on the temperature of the atmosphere D) It measures solar radiation reflecting off of the water vapor
The satellite is capable of sensing the wavelength of radiation typically emitted by water vapor
