exam 3

Synoptic scale circulations are of what size, approximately? A) under 1 km B) between 1 and 100 km C) between 100 and 5000 km D) between 1000 and 40,000 km

between 100 and 5000 km

24) A warm, moist air mass from the Gulf of Mexico that moves over the land in the southeastern U.S. during the summer is likely to be classified as: A) mTk B) mTw C) mEk D) mWk

mTk

3) The two most important properties that should be relatively homogeneous at the same altitude in an air mass are: A) temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. B) vapor pressure and latitude. C) moisture content and temperature. D) relative humidity and radiation.

moisture content and temperature.

Large scale wind circulation systems that reverse with the seasons are called: A) meridional cells. B) typhoons. C) tropical cyclones. D) monsoons. E) tropical anticyclones.

monsoons.

16) An ideal source region of air masses should be: A) roughly half land, half water. B) located at or near the equator. C) physically uniform. D) small. E) located at or near a pole.

physically uniform.

What option below best characterizes the rainfall distribution at a station located south of the Sahara desert at about 20 degrees N latitude? A) adequate precipitation all year around B) dry all year around C) winter dry season D) summer dry season

summer dry season

Summertime wildfires in California are fanned by: A) the westerlies. B) katabatic winds. C) the Santa Ana winds. D) Hadley circulations.

the Santa Ana winds.

The doldrums are associated with what latitude(s)? A) the Tropic of Cancer B) the equator C) the midlatitudes D) the poles

the equator

The intense rain of India's monsoon season is attributed to: A) increased moisture advection from the north. B) the arrival of the subtropical high. C) the northward migration of the ITCZ. D) the cooler winter temperatures, which make it easier for water vapor to condense.

the northward migration of the ITCZ.

The prevailing winds that blow from the horse latitudes toward the doldrums are called: A) subtropical northerlies. B) westerlies. C) trade winds. D) polar easterlies. E) southerlies.

trade winds

27) Which of the following air masses probably has the lowest water vapor content? A) cE B) cT C) cP D) cA

cA

Planetary scale flow such as trade-winds are best classified as: A) microscale. B) mesoscale. C) synoptic. D) macroscale.

macroscale

The definition of the word monsoon means: A) rainy season. B) torrential rainfall. C) seasonal wind shift. D) moisture-laden air.

seasonal wind shift.

10) Which air mass code letter is paired with the wrong word? A) c = continental B) t = temperate C) m = maritime D) a = arctic

t = temperate

39) The coldest and driest winter air-mass in North America is the: A) cP. B) mP. C) mT. D) cT. E) cA.

cA

42) Which air mass does not usually influence weather in the United States during the summer? A) cA B) cP C) cT D) mP

cA

37) Which air mass type is generally found on the poleward side of a midlatitude cyclone? A) mP B) mA C) cP D) cT E) mT

cP

40) The pronounced cooling that occurs on continents at high latitudes during winter leads to the formation of ________ air masses. A) mA B) cM C) mP D) cP E) cT

cP

46) "Lake-effect" snow is associated with the ________ air mass. A) cT B) cP C) mT D) mP

cP

37) The air masses that have the greatest influence on weather conditions in the Midwestern United States are: A) mP and mA. B) mT and cT. C) mP and cP. D) cP and mT. E) cT and cP.

cP and mT

18) In the United States, the air mass most commonly found at the back of a cold front is: A) mT. B) cT. C) cP. D) mP.

cP.

41) In North America the ________ air mass forms only in the summer. A) mP B) cT C) mT D) cP

cT

66) Which air mass causes occasional drought to the southern Great Plains of the United States? A) mP B) cP C) cT D) mT

cT

16) Corals can provide proxy data through the ________ that they extract from seawater while growing.

calcium carbonate

59) Sulfur dioxide aerosols: A) lower cloud albedo. B) are rarely emitted during volcanic eruptions. C) can serve as condensation nuclei. D) do not exist in reality.

can serve as condensation nuclei.

46) The combustion of coal and oil is a major source of which greenhouse gas? A) ozone B) carbon dioxide C) CFCs D) methane

carbon dioxide

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

carbon dioxide

21) The large plates that make up the outer portion of the earth move approximately a few ________ per year.

centimeters

32) 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) variations in the energy emitted by the Sun. E) changes in the shape of Earth's orbit.

changes in the shape of Earth's orbit.

5) On a weather map, ________ fronts are shown with blue triangular points along a blue line. A) cold B) stationary C) occluded D) warm

cold

35) What weather is associated with cA air masses? A) occasional periods of clear, cool weather in the summer B) cold waves in winter C) hot humid conditions leading to cumulus cloud development and showers or thunderstorms D) nor'easters

cold waves in winter

14) You find an old tree stump in a forest and would like to use it for tree-ring analysis, but you don't know when the tree was cut down. The best way to establish dates for the analysis is to:

compare patterns in the tree rings to ring chronologies sampled from nearby trees on known dates.

32) An air mass is often modified as it moves over the earth's surface. This modification is largely due to: A) lifting along fronts. B) contact with the new surface below. C) clouds. D) jet streams above. E) strong pressure gradients.

contact with the new surface below.

19) The cloud type most frequently associated with a cold front is: A) cirrus. B) cumulonimbus. C) altocumulus. D) status. E) cirrocumulus.

cumulonimbus

22) The arrival of a cold front brings: A) mild weather. B) gentle rains. C) higher temperatures. D) cumulonimbus clouds. E) stationary winds.

cumulonimbus clouds

44) Which of the following lists the stages of the mid-latitude cyclone life cycle in the proper order? A) cyclogenesis, open-wave, occlusion, dissipation B) open-wave, occlusion, cyclogenesis, dissipation C) occlusion, dissipation, open-wave, cyclogenesis D) cyclogenesis, open-wave, dissipation, occlusion

cyclogenesis, open-wave, occlusion, dissipation

60) A trough aloft is generally associated with: A) cyclonic flow at the surface. B) convergence of the jet steam. C) clear skies. D) anticyclonic flow at the surface.

cyclonic flow at the surface.

18) Volcanic eruptions can act as agents for climate change since they:

d. reduce the solar energy at earths surface

31) The stability of an air mass can be affected by: A) cyclones. B) mountain ranges. C) anticyclones. D) mountain ranges, cyclones, and anticyclones.

mountain ranges, cyclones, and anticyclones.

9) 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. A) 1 B) 1.5 C) 2.5 D) 2 E) 0.5

1

63) A midlatitude cyclone forms in western Canada, and very rapidly moves through the Dakotas and passes over the Great Lakes region, bringing very cold temperatures with it. This storm would probably be called a(an): A) Alberta Clipper. B) Panhandle Hook. C) Nor'easter. D) Siberian Express.

Alberta Clipper.

40) Sunspot activity tends to follow a cycle of roughly: A) 500 years. B) 100 years. C) 30 years. D) 11 years. E) 26,000 years.

11 years

6) Past climate data measured with instruments extends back about A) 30 yrs. B) 200 yrs. C) 100 yrs. D) 500 yrs.

200 yrs

30) What is the current axial tilt of the earth? A) 23.5 degrees B) 21.5 degrees C) 24 degrees D) 45 degrees

23.5

31) Astronomical causes of climate change occur with cycles of: A) 1 - 5 million yrs. B) 20,000 yrs. C) 450,000 yrs. D) 100 million yrs. E) 26,000 - 100,000 yrs.

26,000 - 100,000 yrs.

22) When did the supercontinent Pangaea exist? A) 1 billion years ago B) 4.2 billion years ago C) 300 million years ago D) 100,000 years ago

300 m years ago

41) The width or horizontal extent of a typical mid-latitude low pressure system would be: A) 50 - 100 km. B) 5 - 10 km. C) 1000 km. D) 10,000 km. E) 20,000 km.

? 500-1000km

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

Aerosols produced by sulfur dioxide emitted from the volcano

49) Which of the following statements is TRUE of lake-effect snowfall? A) Lake-effect snowfall accounts for only a small portion of seasonal snowfall along the eastern edges of the Great Lakes. B) Along the Great Lakes, lake-effect snowfall usually only occurs within 80 km of the leeward lake shores. C) Lake-effect events are not capable of generating more than a centimeter or two of snow. D) Lake-effect events are produced through the modification of mP air masses.

Along the Great Lakes, lake-effect snowfall usually only occurs within 80 km of the leeward lake shores.

34) Where do cA air-masses originate? A) Arctic basin and Greenland ice cap B) Interior Canada and Alaska C) Northwestern Atlantic D) Patagonia

Arctic basin and Greenland ice cap

37) If the tilt of the earth's axis changes, how does this affect the temperature change across the seasons? A) no consistent relation 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

56) 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 nor negative feedback responses to warming.

Clouds provide both positive-feedback and negative-feedback responses to warming.

What changes have increased the risk associated with the Santa Ana winds in southern California? A) Commonly used landscape trees are more flammable than naturally occurring vegetation. B) Climate change has increased the local rainfall, leading to mudslides. C) Very little flammable material exists anymore in the landscape, so houses burn more easily. D) There hasn't been an increased risk — people have started building outside of fire zones now.

Commonly used landscape trees are more flammable than naturally occurring vegetation.

14) As a warm front approaches, which progression of clouds are you most likely to see? A) cirrus, cumulonimbus B) altostratus, cirrostratus, stratus, cumulonimbus C) cirrocumulus, cirrus, nimbostratus, stratus D) cirrus, cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus

D) cirrus, cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus

60) Studies have shown that the sea level: A) has lowered about 10 centimeters over the last 100 years. B) should drop over the next 100 years. C) should not change significantly over the next 100 years. D) has risen at least 10 centimeters over the last 100 years. E) has not changed measurably over the last 100 years.

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

20) Plate tectonics (continental drift):

Is probably responsible for some climatic changes that occur on a time scale of millions of years.May help us better understand the cause of the Ice Age

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

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

59) While on vacation in Florida, you experience several days of weather with maximum temperatures of 90°F and dew points above 65°F. What educated guess could you make about the weather? A) It is caused by an mP air mass. B) It is caused by a cT air mass. C) It is caused by an mT air mass. D) It is not air mass weather.

It is caused by an mT air mass.

26) The person who first developed and strongly advocated the astronomical theory was: A) Thomas Schmidlin. B) Randall Cerveny. C) Stanley Changnon. D) Edward Tarbuck. E) Milutin Milankovitch.

Milankovitch

67) Why are cT air masses of minor importance for the U.S.? A) No large source region is near the U.S. B) Prevailing winds steer them away. C) Mountains block their approach. D) Upper level subsidence limits their formation.

No large source region is near the U.S.

27) What was the name of the volcano that erupted in 1991 in the Phillipines? A) Tambora B) Pinatubo C) El Chichon D) Mt. St. Helens

Pinatubo

24) The volcano that caused "the year without a summer" was: A) Fuji. B) Mt. St. Helens. C) Tambora. D) Krakatoa. E) Mt. Pinatubo.

Tambora

49) Why is the number and intensity of wave cyclones greatest during the late fall, winter and spring months? A) Temperature contrasts are greater. B) Temperatures are below freezing. C) Density of the air is greatest. D) Air is drier then. E) Meteorologists do not know.

Temperature contrasts are greater.

45) Why does occlusion lead to the demise of a mid-latitude cyclone? A) The horizontal temperature gradient at the surface has been eliminated. B) The cold front stops progressing during occlusion. C) The cold cP air mass driving the cyclone has warmed intensely. D) Occlusion stops all precipitation from occurring within the cyclone.

The horizontal temperature gradient at the surface has been eliminated.

43) In 1918, J. Bjerknes published what came to be known as the polar front theory. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding this theory? A) It was shown to be applicable only to winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere. B) The main features of the theory remain an important part of present-day meteorological thought. C) Although it was useful at the time, it is no longer a useful model. D) The polar front theory was largely incorrect from the very beginning.

The main features of the theory remain an important part of present-day meteorological thought.

54) What is the cause-and-effect relationship between the pattern of upper-level winds and surface low- and high-pressure systems? A) Surface systems depend primarily on wind speeds at upper levels. B) Upper level wind patterns strongly control the origin and development of surface systems. C) Surface lows decrease upper level wind speeds, surface highs increase them. D) There is no strong or consistent relationship. E) Surface systems control the upper level wind patterns.

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

36) Rain long foretold, long last; short notice, soon past. The FIRST FIVE words of this weather proverb: A) refer to a warm front. B) refer to an anticyclone. C) refer to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. D) have no basis in fact. E) refer to a cold front.

a warm front.

66) The weather most typically associated with a blocking high is: A) a "backlog" of storms behind the high that leads to intense flooding. B) drought for the entire country. C) snow. D) severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks.

a "backlog" of storms behind the high that leads to intense flooding.

64) What kind of storm was the subject of the 1991 movie The Perfect Storm? A) a Panhandle Hook B) a Siberian Express C) a Nor'easter D) a hurricane

a Nor'easter

48) A mature mid-latitude cyclone cloud pattern most closely resembles what when viewed from a satellite? A) an octopus B) a starfish C) a comma D) a circle

a comma

61) Which of the following is NOT a project 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 decrease in the areas affected by drought

40) The approximate lifetime of a wave cyclone is: A) a month. B) 10 - 24 hours. C) 1 - 2 days. D) 10 - 14 days. E) a few days to a week.

a few days to a week

53) Which one of the following conditions would enhance the development of a lake effect storm? A) moisture advection associated with an mP air mass B) aA cPw air mass C) a large temperature gradient between the lake surface temperature the lower atmosphereD) strong southerly flow

a large temperature gradient between the lake surface temperature the lower

65) A blocking high is caused by: A) an occluded front. B) divergence in the upper atmosphere. C) a cutoff low. D) a persistent anticyclone.

a persistent anticyclone.

55) 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.

a positive feedback mechanism.

4) On a weather map, a line with blue triangles on one side and red semicircles on the other represents: A) a cold front. B) a warm front. C) a stationary front. D) an occluded front.

a stationary front.

21) Compared to warm fronts, cold fronts have: A) the same gradient and a faster advance rate. B) the same gradient and the same advance rate. C) a shallower gradient and a slower advance rate. D) a steeper gradient and a faster advance rate. E) a shallower gradient and the same advance rate.

a steeper gradient and a faster advance rate.

60) All of the following accompany a classic New England nor'easter EXCEPT: A) heavy snowfall B) a strong storm forming in Canada and moving into New England from the North C) widespread power outages and transportation interruptions D) mP air pulled in from the Atlantic Ocean

a strong storm forming in Canada and moving into New England from the North

6) A warm front is said to exist when: A) advancing warm air overrides retreating cold air. B) moving cold air overrides warmer air. C) warm air pushes underneath cold air. D) warm and cold air meet. E) invading cold air pushes underneath warmer air.

advancing warm air overrides retreating cold air.

42) The development of major winter storms in the midwest depends strongly on: A) rainfall amounts during the previous fall. B) wind speed aloft. C) wind speed near the surface. D) amount of snow already on the ground. E) air mass contrasts.

air mass contrasts.

48) Lake-effect snowfall is caused by: A) air mass modification related to the differential heating of land and water. B) ice crystals falling from a cP air mass on the windward side of a lake. C) an mP air mass passing over a cold body of water. D) warm air masses passing over a cold lake in the autumn.

air mass modification related to the differential heating of land and water.

43) 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

alteration of ground cover for grazing and agriculture

52) Methane is naturally produced by bacteria in ________ environments. A) anaerobic B) high pressure C) very cold D) isotopic

anaerobic

59) A ridge aloft is generally associated with: A) cyclonic flow at the surface. B) anticyclonic flow at the surface. C) divergence of the jet stream. D) stormy weather.

anticyclonic flow at the surface.

50) Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas? A) methane B) CFCs C) water vapor D) argon E) carbon dioxide

argon

56) A wind shift in a counterclockwise direction, as from east to north, is termed ________ wind shift. A) frontal B) veering C) cyclonic D) backing

backing

51) When the center of a mature wave cyclone passes to the south, you should expect: A) generally fair weather. B) to experience a veering wind shift. C) backing winds and foul weather. D) absolutely nothing.

backing winds and foul weather.

62) 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.

becoming increasingly acidic.

44) Which of these is the most important cause of the increase in atmospheric CO2? A) decaying vegetation B) burning of coal and petroleum C) wetlands and swamps D) cattle E) deforestation

burning of coal and petroleum

45) The atmosphere's CO2 content is rising. Which one of the following is a significant contributor to this increase? A) refrigerant leakage B) rice paddies C) deforestation D) aerosol spray cans

deforestation

53) The wind direction in a low pressure system is: A) from the east. B) from the northwest. C) from the north. D) from the south. E) dependent on your location relative to the storm center.

dependent on your location relative to the storm center.

42) Extensive tree ring research indicates that the 22-year sunspot cycle may be related to: A) warm periods in northern Europe. B) rainy episodes in North Africa. C) drought in the western United States. D) El Niño.

drought in the western United States.

35) Thunderstorms can be generated when a cT air mass meets an mT air mass and creates a frontal boundary called a: A) cold front. B) warm front. C) dryline. D) humidity front.

dryline.

52) After a cold front passes, which of these does NOT usually occur? A) wind direction shift B) marked temperature drop C) drop in relative humidity D) clearing skies E) falling barometer

falling barometer

28) 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.

have a cycle of about 100,000 yrs

41) Measured variations in the Sun's emission of radiation and observed changes in the earth's climate: A) have not been clearly linked. B) happen on an 11-year cycle. C) happen on a 22-year cycle. D) are well understood.

have not been clearly linked.

21) An mP air mass is: A) humid and cold. B) humid and warm. C) dry and warm. D) dry and cold.

humid and cold

7) Oxygen isotope measurements are made from an analysis of: A) ocean water samples. B) cores from old trees. C) ice sheets. D) packrat middens.

ice sheets

23) Compared to other types of fronts, the weather associated with a cold front usually: A) covers more area. B) involves less precipitation. C) does not involve thunderstorms. D) is less violent but of longer duration. E) is more violent but of shorter duration.

is more violent but of shorter duration.

62) Lines connecting places having equal rainfall on a map are called: A) isotopes. B) isohyets. C) isolines. D) isobars.

isohyets.

33) An air mass moves out of its source region. Two days later, the lower layers of the air mass are found to be warmer than they were originally. What letter should be added to the end of the air mass's classification code? A) k B) w C) m D) c

k

8) Which of these is common to both cold and warm fronts? A) divergence of surface winds B) light to calm winds C) lifting of warm air over cold D) decreasing precipitation rates E) steady barometer readings

lifting of warm air over cold

38) Which of the following is not an air mass that influences North America? A) mA B) cP C) mT D) cA E) mP

mA

52) The ________ air mass often originates as a different air mass in Siberia and is subsequently altered. A) mP B) mT C) cP D) cT

mP

57) Which air mass is unstable in the winter but stable in the summer? A) cP B) mT C) mP D) cT

mP

61) The ________ air mass provides much of the moisture for precipitation in the central and eastern United States. A) cP B) cT C) mP D) mT

mT

63) What air-mass contributes to the formation of thunderstorms in the central U.S.? A) mT B) mP C) cA D) stormy ones

mT

58) Which region of origin for mT air masses has the most impact on North American weather? A) mT air masses from the Gulf of Mexico B) mT air masses from the Northern Pacific C) mT air masses from the subtropical Pacific. D) mT air masses from Australia

mT air masses from the Gulf of Mexico

36) Air mass modifications produced by cyclones or topography rather than surface temperatures are called: A) mechanical modifications. B) thermal modifications. C) synoptic modifications. D) microscale modifications.

mechanical modifications.

51) Which of the following gases may be contributing to a greenhouse warming? A) hydrogen B) methane C) nitrogen D) oxygen E) carbon monoxide

methane

1) Another common term for the wave cyclone is: A) tropical cyclone. B) polar-front cyclone. C) intertropical convergence zone. D) midlatitude cyclone.

midlatitude cyclone

12) Newly formed glacial ice has ________ 18O during warm eras and ________ 18O during cold eras. A) more; less B) less; more C) stable; variable D) variable; stable

more; less

49) Which of the following is a greenhouse gas? A) carbon B) carbon monoxide C) oxygen D) nitrous oxide

nitrous oxide

33) Which of the following is NOT associated with the astronomical theory of climate change? A) precession B) eccentricity C) obliquity D) lunar phases

obliquity

47) An area on the north side of the low-pressure center of a middle-latitude cyclone usually has this type of front for the longest period of time. A) occluded B) warm C) cold D) All three front types stay about the same amount of time.

occluded

50) Where would you expect to find the greatest amount of lake-effect snowfall? A) on the leeward shores of the Great Lakes B) on the western coasts of the Great Lakes C) on the windward side of the Great Lakes D) directly north of the Great Lakes

on the leeward shores of the Great Lakes

10) The general term applied to warm air moving up over a colder air mass is: A) overrunning. B) warm front. C) cold front. D) orographic lifting.

overrunning

3) The process best illustrated in the diagram of a front above is: A) convection. B) convergence. C) overrunning. D) occlusion.

overrunning

19) The most likely explanation for evidence of glacial activity in places such as Africa and Australia is:

plate tectonics

28) Of the stations listed below, which one most likely has the least rain and cloud cover? A) point A B) point H C) point B D) point I E) point G

point H

36) Which association is NOT correct? A) obliquity — 41,000 years B) eccentricity — 100,000 years C) precession — 13,000 years

precession — 13,000 years

8) Oxygen isotope analysis measures the: A) oxygen content of sediment. B) rate of oxygen depletion. C) amount of radioactivity due to oxygen. D) total oxygen present. E) proportion of 2 different types of oxygen atoms.

proportion of 2 different types of oxygen atoms.

Proxy data:

provide climate data representing times when instruments were not available to measure them

13) The glaze that sometimes forms in association with warm fronts occurs when: A) snow melts against a warm surface and later freezes. B) rain freezes as it falls through the air. C) rain strikes a very cold surface and freezes directly to it. D) rain falls during the day and freezes at night.

rain strikes a very cold surface and freezes directly to it.

50) An approaching wave cyclone would be indicated by a ________ barometer reading. A) slowly rising B) very low C) rapidly falling D) high E) variable, rising then falling

rapidly falling

9) 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.

remains of living organisms.

2) If a warm front is approaching, you can expect: A) falling temperatures. B) rising temperatures. C) clearing skies. D) calm winds.

rising temperatures

58) Middle-latitude anticyclones in the Northern Hemisphere: A) rotate clockwise. B) travel from east to west. C) have cold fronts but not warm fronts. D) are large low-pressure systems.

rotate clockwise.

46) Middle-latitude cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere: A) have cold fronts but not warm fronts. B) travel from east to west. C) are large high-pressure systems. D) rotate counterclockwise.

rotate counterclockwise.

47) Which of the following is a possible consequence of a greenhouse warming? A) sea-level rise B) increase in sea ice C) a decrease in global mean precipitation D) lower frequency of hurricanes

sea level rises

62) Which of these best describes the reason most high pressure systems bring clear skies? A) high temperatures aloft B) sinking air aloft C) rising air aloft D) cold air near the surface E) low temperatures aloft

sinking air aloft

39) The energy of a mid-latitude cyclone comes mainly from: A) ocean water. B) Earth's interior. C) sinking cold air and rising warm air. D) greenhouse effect. E) clouds.

sinking cold air and rising warm air

38) The life cycle of a midlatitude cyclone generally has ________ stages. A) one B) two C) four D) six E) ten

six

55) Outside of the Great Lakes region, rising barometric pressure and a wind from the northwest generally mean that: A) severe weather is approaching. B) rain will occur within the next 3 hours. C) skies will clear. D) a blizzard is approaching.

skies will clear.

30) When an air mass is warmer than the surface over which it is moving: A) the letter k is added after the air mass symbol. B) visibility within the air mass is usually very good. C) the air becomes more stable. D) the lapse rate in the air mass is increased.

the air becomes more stable.

13) What property of glacial ice helps climatologists to reconstruct the CO2 concentrations of the atmosphere during the past?

the contents of the air bubbles trapped in the ice

39) We have not yet established the impact of solar variability on the Earth's climate system because: A) we have no way of measuring solar variability directly. B) satellites have not yet been around long enough to provide a data set of adequate length. C) most scientists now agree that solar output is constant and does not vary. D) it is not a legitimate enough theory to gain much attention from the scientific community.

the existing data do not exhibit a statistically-significant relationship between solar variability and climate change

48) Which regions on Earth have displayed the greatest temperature anomalies in 2010 (based on the 1951-1980 average)? A) the oceans B) the subtropics C) the high latitudes D) All regions have warmed equally.

the high latitudes

47) In the United States, lake-effect snows occur over which area? A) the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains B) the windward side of the Mississippi River C) the leeward shores of the Great Lakes D) Lake Champlain

the leeward shores of the Great Lakes

24) A dryline causes uplift to occur because: A) the intruding air mass is colder and more humid than the lifted air mass. B) the lifted air mass is moister than the intruding air mass. C) the lifted air mass is dryer than the intruding air mass. D) the intruding air mass has the same low humidity as the lifted air mass.

the lifted air mass is moister than the intruding air mass.

51) Most mP air masses that influence the U.S. originate over: A) the north Atlantic. B) the Gulf of Mexico. C) the north Pacific. D) the Arctic Ocean.

the north Pacific.

15) The part of a plant that is best preserved and can most easily be used for climate reconstruction is:

the pollen

20) The more violent nature of weather produced by a cold front can be attributed to which two factors? A) the gradual slope and fast forward motion of the front B) the steep slope and fast forward motion of the front C) the gradual slope and slow forward motion of the front D) the steep slope and slow forward motion of the front

the steep slope and fast forward motion of the front

35) 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 precipitation only. D) no data have been found to support their influence on Earth's climate.

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

What is the primary goal of a paleoclimatologist?

to reconstruct past climates

11) Oxygen-isotope analysis is used on all of the following sources of proxy data EXCEPT: A) tree rings. B) coral reefs. C) glacial ice. D) sea floor sediments.

tree rings

34) Which one of the following statements is not related to the astronomical theory of climatic 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 E) distance variations between the earth and the Sun

variations in solar output

57) A wind shift in a clockwise direction, as from south to west, is termed ________ wind shift. A) backing B) frontal C) veering D) anticyclonic

veering

25) 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.

very short

7) The lifting of air and the resulting formation of clouds and rain is more gentle (gradual) for a: A) cold front. B) occluded front. C) warm front. D) divergence zone. E) mesocyclone.

warm front

17) The length of time that a volcanic eruption impacts the climate is largely determined by:

whether the ash or gas reaches the stratosphere.

53) The term anaerobic means: A) highly acidic. B) without air (or oxygen). C) without motion. D) under extreme pressure.

without air (or oxygen).

Haboobs: A) never occur outside of Northern Africa. B) do not occur more than once or twice a year. C) are usually only a few meters high. D) are dust storms triggered by intense thunderstorms.

are dust storms triggered by intense thunderstorms

Which of the following factors contributes to the general subsidence in the latitude zone 20 degrees to 35 degrees? A) both the Coriolis force and radiation cooling B) the Coriolis force C) radiation cooling of the air D) release of latent heat

both the Coriolis force and radiation cooling

26) Which two air masses are bitterly cold and very dry? A) cA and cP B) cT and mP C) cA and mP D) cP and cT

cA and cP

28) Which of these is NOT a process by which air masses are modified? A) calm winds B) lifting over mountains C) evaporation of water D) cooling from below E) heating from below

calm winds

A primary factor causing monsoon circulations is: A) mountain ranges. B) greater temperature changes over continents compared to oceans. C) waves in the westerlies. D) ocean currents. E) Coriolis effect.

greater temperature changes over continents compared to oceans.

19) Compared to continental air masses with the same air temperature, maritime air masses: A) have lower water vapor content. B) have about the same water vapor content. C) have higher water vapor content.

have higher water vapor content.

7) An air-mass source region: A) is characterized by a general stagnation of atmospheric circulation. B) is best typified by the central United States. C) is generally an area characterized by a cyclonic circulation pattern. D) may consist of both land and water.

is characterized by a general stagnation of atmospheric circulation.

11) Air-mass source regions are least likely to exist in: A) subtropical regions. B) middle-latitude regions. C) equatorial regions. D) polar regions.

middle-latitude regions.

The C in ITCZ stands for convergence. What does the convergence refer to? A) surface winds along the equator B) winds aloft near the poles C) surface winds in the mid latitudes D) surface winds in a monsoon

surface winds along the equator

Every year, the clockwise circulation around the subtropical high helps to: A) transport 40 million tons of dust from the Sahara Desert to the Amazon rainforest. B) lead hurricanes eastward across the Atlantic. C) deliver 20 million tons of carbon dioxide generated in Africa into the air above North America. D) speed ozone depletion by lifting CFCs into the stratosphere.

transport 40 million tons of dust from the Sahara Desert to the Amazon rainforest.

A Santa Ana (or Chinook or Foehn) wind is a: A) wind that is peculiar to the China mainland. B) wind associated with a blizzard. C) cold, damp wind blowing off snow fields. D) very dry, warm wind coming down a mountain slope.

very dry, warm wind coming down a mountain slope.

25) Most of the United States is situated in which zone of prevailing winds? A) doldrums B) trade winds C) westerlies D) subpolar easterlies E) northerlies

westerlies

The prevailing winds that tend to influence cities such as Chicago and New York City are A) westerlies. B) polar easterlies. C) doldrums. D) trade winds. E) southerlies.

westerlies.

The term "Hadley cell" applies to: A) 0 degrees to 30 degrees latitude. B) the whole atmosphere. C) 30 degrees to 60 degrees latitude. D) 60 degrees to 90 degrees latitude. E) the poles and the equator.

0 degrees to 30 degrees latitutde

Two of the strongest El Niño events on record began in what years? A) 1984 and 1999. B) 1976 and 2003. C) 1983 and 1997. D) 2004 and 2007.

1983 and 1997.

Which of the following statements about airflow in the middle and upper troposphere is true? A) The flow is west-to-east throughout the midlatitudes. B) The predominant flow is easterly in the midlatitudes and westerly in the tropics. C) The flow is predominantly from the poles toward the equator. D) The predominant flow is from the equator poleward.

A) The flow is west-to-east throughout the midlatitudes.

During the summer season, the subtropical high found in the North Atlantic is also called the: A) Azores high. B) Atlantic high. C) Bermuda high. D) Carolina high.

Bermuda high.

5) An air mass is a body of air with: A) very low humidity in its lower layers. B) very high pressure everywhere. C) similar values of temperature and moisture in the horizontal. D) at least two frontal zones. E) equal density throughout.

C) similar values of temperature and moisture in the horizontal.

The region where the northeast trades meet the southeast trades is known as the: A) ITCZ. B) hot zone. C) high latitudes. D) subtropics. E) rainforest.

ITCZ.

City X experiences very dry conditions in the winter, along with a prevailing northerly wind. In the summer, the prevailing winds shift to southerly and the rainfall at City X increases by a factor of 10. What can you say about the general climate regime of City X? A) It must be located under the ITCZ for most of the year. B) It must be located deep in the interior of a large continent. C) It is probably at a high latitude. D) It has a monsoon climate.

It has a monsoon climate.

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? A) The effects of the Coriolis force vary seasonally. B) Large landmasses heat differently than oceans and interrupt the pressure pattern. C) The oceans experience drastic temperature changes from season to season. D) The intensity of incoming solar radiation varies radically along the same line of latitude.

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

Land-sea breezes and _____ are mesoscale winds. A) Santa Ana winds B) tornadoes C) hurricanes D) cold fronts E) occluded fronts

Santa Ana winds

23) If the lowercase letter k appears at the end of an air mass identification code, what can be said about the changes likely to happen within that air mass? A) The air mass is likely to become more unstable. B) The air mass is likely to become more stable. C) The air mass will not undergo any air mass modifications. D) The expected air mass modifications are impossible to predict.

The air mass is likely to become more unstable.

22) What does the lowercase letter w indicate about an air mass? A) The air mass is drier than the surface over which it is passing. B) The air mass is colder than the surface over which it is passing. C) The air mass is warmer than the surface over which it is passing. D) The air mass is wetter than the surface over which it is passing.

The air mass is warmer than the surface over which it is passing.

8) Which of the following criteria is NOT a characteristic of a good source region? A) It must be very large. B) It must have uniform physical features. C) The air must able to stagnate over the area for long periods of time. D) The area must frequently experience cyclones.

The area must frequently experience cyclones.

Which of the following is a characteristic of deserts located near cold ocean currents? A) They are often cool and shrouded in fog. B) They often have unstable atmospheric conditions. C) They tend to be warmer than inland deserts. D) They receive more rain than other deserts.

They are often cool and shrouded in fog.

25) Why is Maritime Arctic left out of the air-mass classifications? A) They do not occur. B) They only rarely occur. C) They occur every ten years.

They only rarely occur.

Microscale winds generally last for: A) a few seconds. B) 1 to 2 hours. C) 1 to 2 days. D) 3 days or longer.

a few seconds

Which of the following is an example of a mesoscale wind? A) a traveling anticyclone B) waves in the westerlies C) a sea breeze D) hurricane

a sea breeze

The Gulf Stream is the name given to: A) the circulation of water in the Gulf of Mexico B) a counter-clockwise surface current in the Gulf of California C) a warm current carrying water from the equator along the East Coast of the United States. D) the current carrying cold water from the North Pole along the West Coast of the United States.

a warm current carrying water from the equator along the East Coast of the United States.

The subpolar low (polar front) is: A) a zone where the polar easterlies and the westerlies converge. B) a zone where the trade winds of the two hemispheres meet. C) the boundary between frozen and liquid ocean. D) the forward edge of the antarctic ice cap.

a zone where the polar easterlies and the westerlies converge.

What option below best characterizes the rainfall distribution at a station located along the equator? A) summer dry season B) adequate precipitation all year around C) dry all year around D) winter dry season

adequate precipitation all year around

What option below best characterizes the rainfall distribution at a station, such as New York City, located at about 40 degrees N latitude? A) adequate precipitation all year around B) summer dry season C) winter dry season D) dry all year around

adequate precipitation all year around

4) The situation where a region under the influence of an air mass has generally constant weather conditions is called: A) boundary layer weather. B) regional weather. C) air-mass weather.

air-mass weather

1) When an area is experiencing several consecutive days of rather constant weather, it is experiencing: A) warm-front weather. B) air-mass weather. C) occluded front weather. D) cold-front weather.

air-mass weather.

Taken as a whole, the large scale or general circulation patterns of the atmosphere exist: A) as nature's method of balancing heat energy differences. B) as a result of Earth's motion through space. C) because of the earth's rotation. D) as a cause of temperature contrasts. E) as a result of the different landforms on Earth's surface.

as nature's method of balancing heat energy differences.

The usual size of an air mass is: A) at most a few kilometers across. B) between 100 and 200 km across. C) around 1000 km across. D) at least 1600 km across.

at least 1600 km across.

Surface high pressure zones are usually associated with: A) ascending air. B) clear or nearly clear weather. C) converging winds. D) stormy weather.

clear or nearly clear weather.

Urban heat islands induce _____. A) foehn winds B) mistral winds C) country breezes D) city breezes

country breezes

6) The typical amount of time it takes for an air mass to pass over a given area is on the order of a few: A) minutes. B) weeks. C) hours. D) months. E) days.

days

Concerning rainfall patterns, areas of persistent high pressure tend to cause A) desert regions. B) pronounced wet and dry seasons. C) severe flooding. D) moderate rainfall.

desert regions.

According to Hadley, the most important factor causing circulation patterns in the atmosphere was: A) high-low pressure distribution. B) subsidence. C) convection. D) equator-pole temperature contrast.

equator-pole temperature contrast.

Dust devils: A) can last for days. B) are most common in the tropics. C) are associated with convective clouds. D) form from the bottom up. E) do not occur over vegetated surfaces.

form from the bottom up.

The major features of precipitation distribution patterns are determined by: A) general circulation and pressure patterns. B) solar radiation available. C) temperature lapse rates. D) ocean water temperature. E) annual temperature range.

general circulation and pressure patterns.

The greater strength of jet stream winds during winter is due to: A) warmer temperatures at high altitudes. B) lower humidity. C) stronger Coriolis effect. D) greater horizontal temperature contrasts. E) greater air density.

greater horizontal temperature contrasts.

Another name for the subtropical high is: A) horse latitudes. B) doldrums. C) trades. D) prevailing westerlies. E) subpolar calm.

horse latitudes

When are upper air winds fastest? A) anytime surface temperature gradients are weak B) in summer C) in winter D) These winds maintain about the same speed throughout the year.

in winter

17) The cP air-mass in North America originates in: A) the North Atlantic. B) the Arctic basin. C) Siberia. D) interior Alaska and Canada. E) Greenland.

interior Alaska and Canada

The Southern Oscillation: A) is more important to weather in the United States than anywhere else in the world. B) is another name for a La Niña event. C) does not have the ability to drastically alter climate, and is of little concern. D) is a cycle of strengthening and reversing trade winds in the equatorial Pacific.

is a cycle of strengthening and reversing trade winds in the equatorial Pacific.

Which of the following associations is NOT correct? A) sea breeze — day time B) land breeze — blows from the sea onto the land C) mountain breeze — night time D) chinooks — leeward side of mountains

land breeze -- blows from the sea onto the land

Which mesoscale circulation affects Chicago? A) land-sea breeze B) katabatic wind C) anabatic wind D) mountain-valley breeze E) cold fronts

land-sea breeze

Jet streams are associated with fronts because of the: A) higher pressure behind the front. B) reduced friction above the front. C) large temperature gradient. D) clouds forming there.

large temperature gradient.

15) An air mass from the Gulf of Mexico is called: A) mP. B) cT. C) mT. D) cP.

mT

29) An air mass from the Gulf of Mexico that moves northward over the U.S. in winter would be labeled: A) cTw. B) mTk. C) mPw. D) cTk. E) mTw.

mTw

G. Hadley's ideas about atmospheric circulations were concerned with the: A) macroscale. B) synoptic scale. C) microscale. D) mesoscale.

macroscale.

Chinook winds, land-sea breezes and Santa Ana winds are examples of ________ circulations. A) microscale B) vortex C) synoptic D) macroscale E) mesoscale

mesoscale

One type of lake-effect storm that forms over the Great Lakes is characterized by a vortex shape. These vortices can range from 10 km to 100 km across. Based on their size, these storms would be classified as: A) microscale. B) mesoscale. C) synoptic scale. D) planetary scale.

mesoscale

The areas of abundant rainfall on the earth tend to be: A) in midlatitudes. B) in polar regions. C) near the equator and in midlatitudes. D) near the equator. E) over oceans.

near the equator and in midlatitudes.

Jet streams: A) are usually about ten miles wide. B) occur at 25,000 to 40,000 feet in middle latitudes. C) were first detected by George Hadley. D) reverse direction 180 degrees in summer. E) do not go below 50 degrees latitude.

occur at 25,000 to 40,000 feet in middle latitudes.

El Niño events are characterized by: A) strengthening of the NE trade winds. B) a very strong cold current flowing along the eastern edge of South America. C) warm water piling up near Indonesia. D) pooling of unusually warm water in the eastern tropical Pacific.

pooling of unusually warm water in the eastern tropical Pacific.

The amount of precipitation received at a given location is primarily controlled by: A) overnight temperatures. B) annual temperature range. C) the solar energy budget. D) the humidity of the air at that place. E) circulation patterns in the atmosphere.

pressure and temperature patterns...?

Why do westerly winds prevail at upper altitudes? A) rotation of the earth B) lower air density C) absence of friction D) rotation of the earth and equator to pole temperature contrast E) equator to pole temperature contrast

rotation of the Earth and equator to pole temperature contrast

Which of these winds is not influenced very much by the Coriolis effect? A) Northeast trades B) mid latitude westerlies C) sea breeze D) jet stream

sea breeze

13) Air mass source regions tend to be dominated by: A) converging winds. B) dry air. C) fast wind speeds. D) cyclones. E) slow moving anticyclones.

slow moving anticyclones.

The Native American term chinook means: A) mountain wind. B) big storm. C) cold sun. D) snow eater.

snow eater

12) The area where an air mass originates is called a: A) source region. B) site region. C) local region. D) large region.

source region.

Most of the earth's deserts are located in the: A) boundary between liquid and frozen oceans. B) tradewind belt. C) subsidence areas of subtropical highs. D) areas along the polar front. E) doldrum belt.

subsidence areas of subtropical highs.

The Sahara and Australian deserts (among others) are associated with which pressure belt? A) subtropical high B) subpolar low C) equatorial low D) polar high

subtropical high

What option below best characterizes the rainfall distribution at a non-desert station located immediately to the north of the Sahara desert? A) winter dry season B) adequate precipitation all year around C) dry all year around D) summer dry season

summer dry season

What option below best characterizes the rainfall distribution at a station located on an island in the Arctic Ocean at about 80 degrees N latitude? A) winter dry season B) adequate precipitation all year around C) dry all year around D) summer dry season

summer dry season

8) The cyclones and anticyclones of the midlatitudes are part of the ________ circulation. A) microscale B) trade wind C) mesoscale D) synoptic or macroscale E) Hadley

synoptic or macroscale

The large rainfall totals associated with the Indian monsoon occur when: A) the winds shift to the north, blowing off of the Eurasian subcontinent. B) the ITCZ shifts to the north, near the Himalaya Mountains. C) high pressure develops over the Indian subcontinent. D) the ITCZ shifts south towards the Tropic of Capricorn.

the ITCZ shifts to the north, near the Himalaya Mountains.

18) Air masses are identified by a pair of letters, one lowercase and one uppercase. The uppercase letter (P, A, or T) refers to: A) average air pressure within the air mass. B) the approximate latitude of the air mass source region. C) the humidity levels within the air mass. D) the elevation of the air mass source region.

the approximate latitude of the air mass source region.

9) Which of the following is not a good source region for air masses? A) the Gulf of Mexico B) central Canada C) the North Pacific D) the central United States

the central United States

Winds are usually named for: A) the direction or place to which they are heading. B) the direction or place from which they are blowing. C) the approximate latitude of their origin. D) the altitude where they are strongest.

the direction or place from which they are blowing.

The primary force causing ocean currents is: A) the major winds. B) temperature differences between cold water below and warm water above. C) the earth's rotation about its axis. D) the earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun. E) the Coriolis effect.

the major winds.

All of the following can result from a strong El Niño event EXCEPT: A) the suppression of the Southern Oscillation. B) depletion of fish populations as upwelling is suppressed along the western coast of South America. C) weakening or reversing of the Pacific tradewinds. D) abnormally high air pressure over Indonesia.

the suppression of the Southern Oscillation.

Chinook and foehn winds are warm because: A) they are warmed adiabatically as they sink downslope. B) they blow out of areas experiencing intense solar heating. C) they occur primarily in deserts. D) they only occur in the tropics.

they are warmed adiabatically as they sink downslope.

The divergence near the ground that is associated with the subtropical high pressure zone can be cited as the origin of: A) polar easterlies. B) jet streams. C) cyclogenesis. D) sea breeze. E) trade winds.

trade winds

The wave-like or meandering pattern of the upper level winds in middle latitudes is of major importance for: A) reducing wind speeds in the tropics. B) transporting heat between equator and poles. C) reducing the Coriolis effect. D) causing westerly winds. E) causing jet streams.

transporting heat between equator and poles.

The process that brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador is called: A) thermocline suppression B) the Southern Oscillation C) upwelling D) El Niño

upwelling

20) A cT air mass is: A) warm and humid. B) cold and dry. C) warm and dry. D) cold and humid.

warm and dry

What are Rossby waves? A) large movements of warm water associated with El Niño B) paths taken by surface winds as they encounter mountains C) wave patterns in the upper level westerlies and polar jet stream D) weather disturbances triggered by monsoon wind reversal.

wave patterns in the upper level westerlies and polar jet stream

14) Characteristics of an air mass source region include: A) uniformity of temperature and moisture. B) sharp temperature contrasts. C) jet stream winds aloft. D) high elevation.

uniformity of temperature and moisture.