exam 4

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Tundra climates typically have gray brown, strongly leached, semi fertile soils

In Subarctic climates drizzle from gray, overcast skies is typical of winter

In Tundra climates drizzle from gray, overcast skies is typical of winter

The greatest variability in rainfall would generally be associated with C climates

The greatest variability in rainfall would generally be associated with D climates

The humid subtropical climate does not affect the United States

The ice cap climate is also called the tiaga climate

The ice cap climate or EF climate is largely confined to the Northern Hemisphere

The taiga, or boreal forest is characteristic of the A climates

The taiga, or boreal forest is characteristic of the C climates

The temperature range in desert areas is related to lack of humidity and vegetation

The temperature range in desert areas is related to subsiding high pressure

The term cold desert would be most closely associated with Steppe climates

The term cold desert would be most closely associated with Tundra climates

The tropical rainforest is characterized by wet winters and dry summers

The tundra climate is also called the tiaga climate

The vegetation associated with the Aw climate is termed selva

The west coast deserts are characterized by stronger winds than in interior areas

Category 3 only hurricanes do only minimal or moderate damage

false

Category 4 only hurricanes do only minimal or moderate damage

false

In an Aw climate in the Southern Hemisphere, July tends to be drier than December

In comparison with continental climates, maritime climates have cooler winters

In comparison with continental climates, maritime climates have less precipitation

Jungle is synonymous with selva

What are the general weather conditions to be expected when the pressure tendency is falling

A low pressure center is approaching. Since lows are associated with rising air, adiabatic cooling and cloud formation, precipitation is possible. Thus one could expect cloudy, and possibly rainy weather.

Why is the humid continental climate confined to the Northern Hemisphere?

Continentality is a basic feature of this climate. In the Southern Hemisphere, the mid-latitudes are dominated by oceans. Since there are no extensive land areas in the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere, the humid continental climate is missing there.

List three processes that cause air to rise

Convective lifting, orographic lifting, frontal wedging and convergence

List two factors that inhibit the strengthening of tropical disturbances.

Cool water and strong upper level winds.

A damp, humid climate with an abundance of cloud cover is characteristic of a Subarctic climate

A hurricane has slower wind speeds that a tornado, but a hurricane inflicts more total damage. Explain.

Hurricanes are much larger and longer-lived storms.

What is the primary source of heat that keeps a thunderstorm cloud buoyant so that it can grow so high?

Latent heat released by the condensation of water vapor

Name the two air mass types most likely to be involved when severe thunderstorms occur.

Maritime tropical and continental polar.

What climatic data are needed in order to classify a climate using the Koppen scheme?

Mean monthly and annual values of precipitation and temperature.

What is the primary cause for the existence of middle latitude deserts and steppes?

Middle latitude deserts and steppes are found deep in the interior of continents far removed from the oceans. Too, many of these dry lands lie on the dry leeward side of mountains

Why are clouds and precipitation associated with surface low pressure systems?

The converging surface wind pattern of a low causes rising motion.

Briefly describe the influence of continentality as a climatic control.

The differential heating of land and water results in continental climates being more extreme than marine climates.

20 to 40 inches of precipitation, monsoon effect, wide temperature swings daily and especially seasonally is characteristic of a Subarctic climate

The Tropical Monsoon climate is most like the Steppe

The taiga is a Mediterranean forest

Thick, woody vines or lianas and buttressed tree trunks are characteristics of vegetation in Steppe climates

The rainfall distribution at a station located south of the Sahara desert at about 20N latitude exhibits a winter dry season

The subarctic climate is also called the tiaga climate

Why are the wet tropics rainy throughout the year, or nearly so?

The climate is rainy because it is constantly under the influence of the ITCZ.

Other than latitude, what other factor(s) contribute to the extremely low temperatures that characterize the EF climate?

The presence of the ice also influences temperature. Since the albedo of ice is high, most incoming solar radiation is reflected. Too, most of the energy that is absorbed goes to melting the ice and not to heating the air.

Why are the wet tropics considered oppressive and monotonous?

The temperature and humidity are consistently high throughout the year.

Distinguish between the jungle and the tropical rain forest.

The tropical rain forest is characterized by its towering trees that shade the forest floor. Thus plant foliage on the floor of the tropical rain forest is sparse. Jungle refers to the almost impenetrable growth of vines, shrubs and short trees found where light is able to penetrate to the ground, such as along rivers and in man-made clearings.

Briefly describe the influence of mountains and highlands as climatic a control.

These act in several different ways. Temperature drops with an increase in altitude, mountains block and/or restrict marine influence, they may cause excessive precipitation on their windward slopes while creating rainshadows on their leeward sides.

Dry summer subtropical climates are often referred to as Mediterranean climates. Why?

This climate is most extensive around the Mediterranean Sea.

What are the general weather conditions to be expected when the pressure tendency is rising?

This indicates a high pressure center is approaching. Highs are associated with descending, adiabatically warming air - this precludes cloud formation. Thus one should expect clear, fair weather.

Why is spring the season of maximum tornado activity?

This is the season when air masses have the greatest temperature contrast. The greater the temperature contrast, the more intense the storms.

What is the primary control for the existence of the dry tropical climates (BWh and BSh)?

This region is dominated by the dry subsiding air of the subtropical highs.

What atmospheric conditions are most conducive to the formation of tornadoes?

Tornadoes are produced along the cold front of a mid-latitude cyclone in association with severe thunderstorms.

What is the primary requirement for the development of a severe thunderstorm?

Warm, moist unstable air.

West coast tropical deserts deviate considerably from the stereotype of deserts. How?

West coast tropical deserts are cooler and often characterized by fog, stratus clouds and fairly high relative humidities. All of these characteristics result from the presence of cold ocean currents that parallel these deserts. These currents chill the air and cause the relative humidities to rise and often creates advection fogs.

Briefly describe the influence of geographic position and prevailing winds as a climatic control.

Whether a place is located on the windward or leeward side of a continent will strongly affect the degree of marine influence a place will experience

20 to 40 inches of precipitation, monsoon effect, wide temperature swings daily and especially seasonally is characteristic of a Tundra climate

A Desert climate typically straddles the Equator and has year round precipitation

A Savanna climate would be generally characterized by a well defined dry season during the high Sun or summer season

A desert soil is likely to be deep

A typical characteristic of Tropical Rainforest climates is several months with less than 25 inches of rainfall

Cool summer climates are found at east sides of continents

Deserts such as the Sahara exist because of the drying influence of the trade winds

Evaporation sources are closely linked to the location of the major pressure and wind systems

High humidity is less likely to be the most persistent climatological problem for people, not necessarily their activities, in an Af climate

High humidity, rainfalls of 60 to 80+ inches, an evergreen forest and heavily leached soils would be most characteristic of which of the Humid Subtropical climates

High humidity, rainfalls of 60 to 80+ inches, an evergreen forest and heavily leached soils would be most characteristic of which of the Steppe climates

High precipitation is less likely to be the most persistent climatological problem for people, not necessarily their activities, in an Af climate

High temperatures are less likely to be the most persistent climatological problem for people, not necessarily their activities, in an Af climate

Humid Continental climates are associated with cyclonic storms, mP air masses and moderate temperatures

Humid Subtropical climates are distinguished from Mediterranean climates by having no cyclonic precipitation at any season

Humus is best described as a thin band of old, black pine needles

Humus is best described as black, inorganic vegetative material

In C climates, evaporation generally exceeds precipitation

In Desert climates land is the dominant control and wide ranges in temperature both daily and seasonally are typical

In Europe, the warmest period since the last glacial advance was about 400 AD to 900 AD

In Humid Continental climates drizzle from gray, overcast skies is typical of winter

In a Humid Continental climate at least one month, the temperature averages above 32F, and it is dominated by the Polar Easterlies wind belt

In a Tropical Rainforest climate intervals between rains are frequent and relative humidities are low

In a region where potential precipitation exceeds potential evaporation one would expect the prevailing conditions to be humid

In an Aw climate in the Southern Hemisphere, December tends to be drier than July

In comparison with the west coast of the United States, the east coast has a climate that is milder in both summer and winter

In most deserts there is characteristically not much temperature change from midnight to noon

In the Koppen classification, many of the climatic boundary lines are designed to match soil boundaries

In the Koppen classification, many of the climatic boundary lines are designed to match topographic boundaries

In the humid continental climate, shifts in wind directions sometimes cause rapid and large temperature changes. This is most pronounced during the summer season

In the wet tropics daily and annual temperature ranges are nearly identical

In the wet tropics the annual temperature range usually exceeds daily temperature ranges

In the wet tropics the warmest month is always June or July

Increase in relative humidities with increases in insolation and decreases in temperature would be typical characteristics of Desert climates

Increase in relative humidities with increases in insolation and decreases in temperature would be typical characteristics of Marine climates

Marine West Coast climates are located on the fringe of continents between the Arctic Circle and 75N

Mountain and Plateau climates are characterized by relative hot summers, relatively cold winters, summers are periods of highest absolute humidities but precipitation is minimal

Mountain ranges play an important role in determining climates because of their influence upon air density

Mountain ranges play an important role in determining climates because of their influence upon air pressure

Movement of cyclonic storms is the most important factor controlling the seasonal distribution of precipitation in the Aw or Tropical Wet and Dry realm

Ocean currents are closely linked to the location of the major pressure and wind systems

One difference between a Tundra climate and an Icecap climate is that an Icecap climate has only one month warmer than 32F

One difference between a Tundra climate and an Icecap climate is that one month is warmer than 50F in a Tundra climate

One difference between a Tundra climate and an Icecap climate is that there is considerably less precipitation in a Tundra climate

Other than dryness, what characteristic distinguishes the low latitude B climates from the A climates a definite, cold winter

Permafrost conditions are associated with the continental climates

Permafrost conditions are associated with the mid-latitude climates

Permafrost conditions are associated with the tropical savannas

Places having humid subtropical climates typically experience the highest annual temperature range of any climatic type

Polar climates are found only near the north pole

Polar climates have a small annual temperature range

Precipitation in desert areas is infrequent but at least predictable

Rainfall would be most reliable, that is, the amount received each year would vary the least, in BS climates

Rainfall would be most reliable, that is, the amount received each year would vary the least, in BW climates

Rainfall would be most reliable, that is, the amount received each year would vary the least, in Cf climates

Rainfall would be most reliable, that is, the amount received each year would vary the least, inn Aw climates

Seasonal variation of temperature is at a maximum for monsoon climates

Seasonal variation of temperature is at a maximum for subtropic climates

Seasonal variation of temperature is at a maximum for tropical dry climates

Semiarid climates are also called desert climates

Small daily and seasonal ranges in temperature, year round cloudiness are characteristic of Desert climates

Small islands and along windward coasts are characteristic of Continental climates

Steppe climates are most closely associated with the jungle vegetation type

Summer in a Humid Subtropical climate is uncomfortable because of low humidity, which dries the skin

Tall, 100 feet or more, closely set, broadleaf, evergreen trees are characteristics of Desert climates

Tall, 100 feet or more, closely set, broadleaf, evergreen trees are characteristics of Steppe climates

Tall, three story, deciduous evergreen trees underlain by little brush best describes which of the following climatic environments are characteristics of Taiga climates

Temperate rainforest vegetation is characteristic of Tundra climates

Ten months of winter and two months of bad sleighing would be most characteristic of Icecap climates

The A climates are characterized by 2 to 3 months during which a frost is possible

The B climates are characterized by heavy summer precipitation that evaporates quickly

The C climates are characterized by seasons based on precipitation rather than temperature

The Doldrums, precipitation most afternoons between 2 and 4PM would be very characteristic of Steppe climates

The Tropical Rainforest, or selva, gives way to other types of tropical forest in areas where there is at least one month of freezing temperatures

The basic difference between a BW climate and a BS climate is the BW is more moist

The cause of the dry season in Aw climates is the break up of the intertropical front in the fall

The coldest spot on Earth, with respect to a daily temperature reading, would most likely be found in a Tundra climate

The distinct wet dry season in the Mediterranean Sea Basin is caused by a seasonal reversal of winds

The latitude of a place is important for its climate since latitude determines elevation

The location of mountains and highlands are closely linked to the location of the major pressure and wind systems

The locations of the major pressure and wind systems on the Earth are denoted by parallels of latitude

The main reason for the moderate climate of Iceland is the frequent outbreak of mild mT air masses in winter

The main reason for the moderate climate of coastal southern Alaska is the large amounts of winter cloud cover

The rainfall distribution at a station located south of the Sahara desert at about 20N latitude has a summer dry season

The rainfall distribution at a station located south of the Sahara desert at about 20N latitude is dry all year around

The rainfall distribution at a station, such as New York City, located at about 40N latitude has a summer dry season

The subarctic and tundra climates generally have small precipitation totals, they are considered humid. The reason for this is most of the precipitation falls in the winter

The west coast deserts are characterized by more precipitation than in interior areas

This climate type covers the largest amount of the land area of the Earth is the humid continental climate

This climate type covers the largest amount of the land area of the Earth is the humid subtropical climate

This climate type covers the largest amount of the land area of the Earth is the subarctic climate

This climate type covers the largest amount of the land area of the Earth is the wet tropics

Tiaga forest is a typical vegetative type associated with Marine West Coast climates

Tropical Savanna climates are characterized by leached soil, large meandering streams, year round water surplus

Tropical Savanna climates are characterized by numerous tree species, dimly lit forest floor, trees never bare

Tundra climates have the greatest annual temperature ranges on Earth

We would normally expect more snow to fall each winter in the subarctic climate than in the humid continental climate

A tornado is a large tropical cyclone

false

A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for tornado development

false

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service after a tornado has been sighted in an area

false

A very strong pressure gradient force causes the winds of a hurricane to be so fast

false

About 50 percent of North American tornadoes are classified as violent as F4 or F5

false

Although detection and tracking of hurricanes is now quite accurate, damage from these storms continue to increase because hurricane intensity is greater than in the pas

false

Coriolis effect causes hurricanes in the Atlantic to move toward the west during their early stages

false

Coupling with the jet stream causes the winds of a hurricane to be so fast

false

Desert locations cool off rapidly at night due to the high specific heat of sand

false

Deserts such as the Sahara exist because of the rain shadow effect of mountains

false

Diameter determines when a tropical depression or storm is given hurricane status

false

Doppler radar can now provide adequate warning of impending tornadoes at least 95 percent of the time

false

During April to May hurricane formation in the North Atlantic is at a peak

false

Easterly waves, also called tropical disturbances, are usually associated with the formation of extratropical cyclonic storms

false

Hurricanes initially form only in the tropics because Coriolis is weaker there

false

North Carolina is struck by the largest number of tornadoes

false

North Dakota is struck by the largest number of tornadoes

false

Northern California has historically proven most susceptible to large losses of life from hurricane storm surge in the twentieth century

false

Oklahoma is struck by the largest number of tornadoes

false

South Carolina has historically proven most susceptible to large losses of life from storm surge in the twentieth century

false

Storm Surge is most closely associated with extra tropical cyclonic storms

false

Storm Surge is most closely associated with tidal waves

false

Storm Surge is most closely associated with tornadoes

false

Suction spots are a phenomenon associated with tsunamis

false

Surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane because Coriolis effect is minimal here

false

Surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane because of reduced friction at the center

false

Surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane because warmer water is found here

false

The Coriolis force does not play a role in hurricane circulations

false

The Fujita Intensity Scale or F scale is applied to lightning

false

The Fujita Intensity Scale or F scale is applied to thunderstorms

false

The Fujita Intensity Scale or F scale is applied to typhoons

false

The Fujita scale is used to establish categories of hurricane intensity

false

The Johnson scale is used to establish categories of hurricane intensity

false

The ability to predict severe thunderstorms and tornadoes by the National Weather Service is limited because the structure of thunderstorms is not well known

false

The chief source of energy for hurricanes is cool water surfaces

false

The chief source of energy for hurricanes is moist land surfaces

false

The chief source of energy for hurricanes is the jet stream

false

The cloud free area within a tornado is called the eye

false

The eye region of a hurricane is largely free of precipitation and clouds because the pressure gradient is weaker

false

The eye wall of a hurricane lies at the hurricanes outer edge

false

The eye wall of a hurricane has the lightest precipitation

false

The general circulation wind belt that is the place of origin for hurricanes is the doldrums

false

The general circulation wind belt that is the place of origin for hurricanes is the westerlies

false

The largest of the severe thunderstorm systems is the supercell

false

The largest of the severe thunderstorm systems is the tornadic

false

The left front quadrant of a hurricane usually does the most damage

false

The most common cloud type in a hurricane is stratus

false

The most costly hurricane in terms of money between 1985 and 1996 was Hurricane Hugo

false

The most costly hurricane in terms of money between 1985 and 1996 was Hurricane Iniki

false

The most costly hurricane in terms of money between 1985 and 1996 was Hurricane Opal

false

The most severe hurricane is a category 1 on the Saffir Simpson scale

false

The most violent, erratic, and unpredictable type of cyclonic storm known is the hurricane

false

The most violent, erratic, and unpredictable type of cyclonic storm known is the typhoon

false

The northwest quadrant of a hurricane usually does the most damage

false

The prime season for the occurrence of tornadoes in the southeastern United States is July, August and September

false

The proper order of storm intensity in terms of increasing wind speed is hurricane, tropical depression, tropical storm

false

The proper order of storm intensity in terms of increasing wind speed is tropical storm, hurricane, tropical depression

false

The proper order of storm intensity in terms of increasing wind speed is tropical storm, tropical depression, hurricane

false

The southeast quadrant of a hurricane usually does the most damage

false

The west coast deserts are characterized by higher temperatures than normal for the latitude

false

Tornadoes are most frequent during the October to December period

false

Tornadoes are most frequent during the month of September

false

Tornadoes are rarely associated with cumulonimbus clouds

false

Tornadoes most often move toward the northwest

false

Tropical cyclones do NOT form at the Equator because water is cold there

false

Tropical cyclones do NOT form at the Equator because water is too warm there

false

Tropical depressions have wind between 37 and 73 mph

false

Very humid air near the surface is a necessary ingredient for severe thunderstorms because high humidity makes the air more dense

false

Very humid air near the surface is a necessary ingredient for severe thunderstorms because high humidity strengthens the cold front

false

Very humid air near the surface is a necessary ingredient for severe thunderstorms because high humidity makes the rising air cool more rapidly

false

Water temperature determines when a tropical depression or storm is given hurricane status

false

Weak tornadoes, from F0 to F1 are responsible for the majority of tornado deaths because they are far more common than stronger tornadoes of F2 and above

false

Weaker Coriolis force determines when a tropical depression or storm is given hurricane status wind speed

false

When a hurricane moves onto land, it declines in intensity. Heating from below by the land surface is the most important factor contributing to this loss of punch

false

When tornadoes develop it is usually in association with air mass thunderstorms

false

Wind speeds at the eye of a hurricane drop to near zero

false

Under certain conditions, a cold front can be forced aloft by a warm front

false A cold front is composed of more dense air than a warm front. Denser air will always seek the lowest level

It is virtually impossible to fly an airplane into a hurricane

false Aircraft reconnaissance is an important source of information about hurricanes

Tornadoes are cyclonic, while hurricanes are anticyclonic

false Both tornadoes and hurricanes are cyclonic. Not only the rotary motion, but think ascending air, clouds, precipitation and the like

Hurricanes always move eastward with the Trades

false Hurricanes have a general tendency to move westward with the Trades, but they are generally unpredictable in movement

Atlantic hurricanes, in their final stages, often work their way northwest and die

false Hurricanes often work their way up the east coast of the United States. They are pushed northeast, by the Prevailing Westerlies, into the cold waters of the north Atlantic and die

Hurricanes tend to form between the Tropics of either Cancer or Capricorn, poleward to approximately 30 degrees latitude

false Hurricanes tend to form between 5 degrees and 20 degrees latitude

Tornadoes occur frequently in areas to the west of the Rocky Mountains

false In fact tornadoes are relatively rare west of the Rocky Mountains -- the primary reason for this is a relative lack of humid air

In the United States, in order for a cyclonic storm to intensify, the convergence inward flow of air at the surface must be more than the outward flow above

false In order for the cyclone to intensify, the outflow or divergence aloft, above must be greater than the convergence at the surface. If not, then the center will FILL and die

We would normally expect more snow to fall each winter in the Subarctic climate than in the Humid Continental climate

false More snow is expected in the Humid Continental climate. Although snowfall in the Subarctic climate is not excessive, melting does not occur for months at a time so the entire winter accumulation is visible all at once. Keep in mind that in order to have a lot of snow, the air needs to contain a lot of water vapor. In the Subarctic climate, the air is too cold to hold large quantities of water vapor

About 50 percent of North American tornadoes are classified as violent -- F4 or F5

false Only about 2 percent of tornadoes are classified as F4 or F5, however, these do account for nearly 70 percent of the deaths. Big trouble if most were of the F4 and F5 size

All deserts are affected by subsidence due to subtropical highs

false Some deserts in middle latitudes are caused by mountain ranges intercepting humid air masses. Such air masses containing moisture rise by orographic lifting, condense, and heat as they subside down the leeward side of mountains resulting in dry conditions

Deserts are typically found on the windward side of a mountain

false Sorry, this is incorrect, think again about the characteristics of the windward side of a mountain. Do these characteristics typically fit the description of a desert.

Within the center of the eye, skies are cloudless

false Subsidence within the eye is not strong enough to produce cloudless conditions

Weather radar, satellites, and reconnaissance aircrafts helped predict the Galveston hurricane of 1900

false The 1900 hurricane of Galveston occurred long before weather tracking instruments were developed. This storm resulted in some 6,000 deaths, and is known as the deadliest natural disaster in the 20th century

The Saffir Simpson Scale is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes

false The Saffir Simpson Scale is used to measure the intensity of hurricanes, not tornadoes. The scale ranges from a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 74 to 95 mph, to a Category 5 hurricane with winds in excess of 155 mph

The Tropical Rainforest consists primarily of jungle

false The Tropical Rainforests are dominated by broadleaf trees that form an almost continuous canopy. As a result plant foliage is relatively sparse on the dimly lit forest floor. Selva yes, but not a jungle

Desert locations cool off rapidly at night due to the high specific heat of sand

false The cloudless sky and low humidity allow an abundance of solar radiation to reach the ground during the day, but they also permit the rapid exit of ground radiation at night

Tornadoes are always composed of dark or black funnels

false The color of tornado funnels is a result of the debris taken into the funnel. Thus, they can be black, or tan, red or, if over water, almost transparent

Water surge -- the rising water associated with an approaching hurricane which causes much more death and greater destruction than the more visible winds and rain

false The correct term for this occurrence is a Storm Surge -- not a water surge

Hurricane wind speeds are fastest near the center of the eye

false The fastest recorded wind speeds are located in the eye wall. The center of the eye of the storm tends to be relatively calm

The icecap or EF climate is largely confined to the Northern Hemisphere

false This climate of perpetual frost covers more than 6 million square miles and is largely confined to the ice sheets of Greenland in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica located in the Southern Hemisphere

The tornado look-alikes known as dust devils are the result of water surface heating and cooling.

false This is the definition of a water spout. Dust devils occur over land.

A tornado consists of one large funnel

false Tornadoes may well give the appearance of being one large funnel -- but even this is not always correct, however, they are actually made up of many smaller suction vortices

Tropical depressions have higher sustained winds than tropical storms

false Tropical storms have sustained winds of between 40 and 73 miles an hour -- higher than the winds of a tropical depression where sustained winds run between 23 and 39 miles per hour

Hurricanes are measured on a category scale from 1 to 5 based on intensity, and category 4 and 5 storms are the most common

false While hurricanes are measured on the Saffir Simpson hurricane intensity scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most destructive, it is the lower category storms that are most common

Ice cap climate locations tend to maintain themselves because they have high albedos

In a Tropical Rainforest climate annual temperature ranges are usually less than daily temperature ranges

In a Tundra climate at least one month, the temperature averages above 32F, and it is dominated by the Polar Easterlies wind belt

In an Aw climate in the Southern Hemisphere, December tends to be wetter than July

In comparison with continental climates, maritime climates have lower humidity

It is generally true that the lower the mean annual precipitation of an area the greater the variability of the precipitation

It is in the D climates that would one find the greatest annual temperature range

Leaching of soils would be a minor problem in the Steppes climates

Leaching of soils would pose a serious problem in the Tropical Rainforest climate

Mid-latitude marine climates are affected most the westerlies

Temperate rainforest vegetation is characteristic of Marine West Coast climates

The Tropical Monsoon climate is most like the Tropical Rainforest

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by dense vegetative growth with trees often exceeding 100 feet in height

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by leached soils

The Tropical Rainforest, or selva, gives way to other types of tropical forest in areas where precipitation is less and more seasonal

The Variable Sun Theory of climatic change has, to this point, been difficult to test because of the difficulties of acquiring valid data

The absence of E climates in the Southern Hemisphere is explained by lack of land mass poleward of 30 degrees latitude

A hurricane has slower wind speeds than a tornado, but inflicts more total damage

true

A mesocyclone often precedes tornado development

true

Easterly waves, also called tropical disturbances, are usually associated with the formation of tropical cyclones

true

Hurricanes generally are larger than tornadoes

true

The chief source of energy for hurricanes is warm water surfaces

true

The cost of the damage of one hurricane can exceed 1 billion dollars

true

The diameter of a typical tornado funnel cloud would be 200 meters

true

The easterly wave or tropical disturbance travels from east to west

true

The eye of a hurricane is warmer than the rest of the storm

true

The eye region of a hurricane is largely free of precipitation and clouds because of sinking air motion

true

The eye wall of a hurricane has the greatest wind speeds

true

The formation of tornadoes is associated with cold fronts

true

The formation of tornadoes is associated with middle latitude cyclones

true

The formation of tornadoes is associated with severe thunderstorms

true

The general circulation wind belt that is the place of origin for hurricanes is the trade winds

true

The most common cloud type in a hurricane is cumulonimbus

true

The prime season for the occurrence of tornadoes in the southeastern United States is March, April and May

true

The proper order of storm intensity in terms of increasing wind speed is tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane

true

The right front quadrant of a hurricane usually does the most damage

true

Tornadoes form in association with tall cumulonimbus clouds

true

Tornadoes most often move toward the northeast

true

Tornadoes occur most frequently in the spring of the year

true

Tropical cyclones do NOT form at the Equator because Coriolis force is too weak

true

Tropical depressions have wind of less than 38 mph

true

Very humid air near the surface is a necessary ingredient for severe thunderstorms because more latent heat is then available as energy for the storm

true

When a hurricane moves onto land, it declines in intensity. Friction is the most important factor contributing to this loss of punch

true

When a hurricane moves onto land, it declines in intensity. Lack of warm, moist air is the most important factor contributing to this loss of punch

true

Most North Atlantic hurricanes eventually swing northward

true After the initial development of the hurricane within the trade winds, the Westerlies will deflect the hurricane poleward over land or into colder water

A hurricane has slower wind speeds than a tornado, but causes more total damage

true Although tornadoes can be very destructive locally, due to their lack of size they generally do not inflict more total damage when compared to that of a hurricane

The central United States sees more tornadoes than any other region in the world

true Due to the meeting in the central United States of cold polar Canadian air and warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, this area has the majority of tornado activity

Climate zones near the Equator have larger temperature changes from day to night than from month to month

true Due to the rays of the Sun always being vertical or nearly vertical, changes in the length of day are slight throughout the year. Once the Sun sets, the temperatures at night represent the greatest amount of temperature change for this climate

Regarding fronts -- the period of maximum humidity tends to be just before the front passes

true It is at this time that we have the strongest inflow warm, humid air into the cyclonic system

In terms of geographic extent, Koppen's C climates represent the least expansive climatic type -- occupying only 10 percent of the land surface of the Earth

true Koppen's C climates only are found on approximately 10 percent of the land surface.

When a warm front passes, temperature rises and the wind usually shifts

true Once a front passes, you are under the influence of a different air mass -- in this case a warm air mass. Since it was called a warm front, the air behind the front was warmer than the air in front of the front. The passage of any front normally brings a change of wind direction

Permanently frozen subsoil characteristic of the Tundra is termed permafrost

true Permafrost is the permanently frozen layer of soil most closely associated with the Tundra climatic region

In the United States and Canada, thunderstorms are most frequent in the western margin of these countries

true Thunderstorms need warm humid air to form. Maritime tropical air seldom penetrates these areas. These areas are dominated by maritime polar and continental polar air masses which are colder. Conditions are not favorable for thunderstorms

Tornadoes take an average of 73 lives each year whereas hurricanes are responsible for about onethird as many deaths

true Tornadoes do cause more deaths than hurricanes which most find shocking. Surprisingly, lightning and flash floods are responsible for more deaths than either tornadoes or hurricanes.

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A watch means that conditions are right for the formation of tornadoes. A warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted in an area.

The amount of rotation exhibited by a mass of moving air is called _________ A. Vorticity B. Directional Divergence C. Speed Divergence D. Cyclogenesis

A. Correct, vorticity can either enhance or inhibit divergence of air aloft B. Incorrect, this is the horizontal spreading of an air stream C. Incorrect, this is the effect that wind speeds have on divergence aloft D. Incorrect, think of the word genesis, which means beginning. Cyclogenesis is the beginning of a cyclone

Which one of the following is NOT a climatic control A. Air Masses B. Pressure Cells C. Storms D. Temperature

A. Incorrect, air masses are large bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity characteristics. As they move from one area to the next, considerable changes in the weather can be experienced B. Incorrect, the pressure pattern created causes a world wind system that is responsible for driving the weather systems of Earth and creating the climate pattern C. Incorrect, as a climatic control, storms does not mean wild weather. This is a broad control that essentially deals with moisture D. Correct, temperature has a major influence on climate classification, but is not one of the climatic controls, however, all of the eight climatic controls affect temperature in some way

Which one of the following does NOT affect storm surge heights A. Slope of Sea Floor B. Gravitational Pull of the Moon C. Forward Speed of the Storm D. Tides

A. Incorrect. This is a major contributor. The especially dangerous are the costal locations where the sea floor gradually becomes shallower as one moves toward the beach B. Incorrect. As crazy as it may sound, but the gravitational pull of the moon has a major effect on the hydrosphere. It also affects the tides C. Incorrect. This generates the power behind the storm surge D. Correct, these have nothing to do with storm surge heights. Although it may seem that a high tide would cause a higher storm surge, the power of the storm is generally enough to make that factor irrelevant

___________ alert the public to the possibility of tornadoes over a specified area for a particular time interval A. Tornado Warnings B. Doppler Radar systems C. Flashs D. Tornado Watches

A. No, there is a better answer. A tornado warning is issued by local offices of the National Weather Service when a tornado has actually been sighted in an area or is indicated by weather radar B. No, try again. The Doppler Radar is used to track thunderstorms and issue warnings based on their potential to produce tornadoes C. No, this is not correct. A flash is the total discharge that appears as a bright streak in lightning D. Yes, this is the correct answer. They alert the public to the possibility of tornadoes over a specified area for a particular time interval

The typical hurricane has atmospheric motions that lie within the A. macroscale B. mesoscale C. microscale D. all of the above

A. Sorry, please try again. Maybe, but there is a better answer. Think atmospheric MOTIONs B. No, this answer is incorrect. Maybe, but there is a better answer. Think atmospheric MOTIONs C. No, please try again. Maybe, but there is a better answer. Think atmospheric MOTIONs D. You are correct. From beginning to end, the typical hurricane will exhibit a variety of winds of varying scales and durations

Middle latitude deserts and steppes A. are more common in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere B. are usually located deep in the interior of a continent C. are dominated by the subtropical highs D. both A and B

A. Sorry, please try again. Maybe, but this is most likely due to the greater land area in the Northern Hemisphere. There is a better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. Many mid-latitude desert and steppes are located in continental interiors, but there is a better answer C. No, please try again. Subtropical means toward the Equator from the middle latitudes does it not D. You are correct. Take a look at the climate map in your text

A generally accepted boundary beyond which trees will NOT grow is A. 55 degrees longitude B. the 32 degree F isotherm C. the selva D. the 50 degree F isotherm

A. Sorry, please try again. Maybe, but this will largely be determined by local conditions. There is a better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. This is the freezing line and trees stop growing long before you get to freezing C. No, please try again. This is another name for the rainforest and as we know, there are lots of trees in the rainforest. D. You are correct. The 50 degrees F isotherm marks the poleward limit of tree growth. Poleward of this line we find tundra vegetation

Why do surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane A. reduced friction B. stronger Coriolis effect C. warmer water D. conservation of angular momentum

A. Sorry, please try again. There is a better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. Wind speed has no effect on Coriolis effect as regards intensity C. No, please try again. Maybe, in the sense warmer water tends to intensify hurricanes, but there is a better answer D. You are correct. Think about an ice skater or ballerina

The taiga is a A. monsoon forest B. broadleaf, coniferous forest C. Mediterranean forest D. coniferous forest

A. Sorry, please try again. There is a much better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. There is a better answer C. No, please try again. These forest are fairly scrubby D. You are correct. This is a term often used to describe the forests of the Subarctic climatic realm

n order to qualify as a hurricane, winds in a tropical disturbance must reach A. 50 mph B. 100 mph C. 35 mph D. 74 mph

A. Sorry, please try again. This is tropical storm wind speed B. No, this answer is incorrect. We have a hurricane here. The minimum is somewhat less than this C. No, please try again. Tropical depression wind speeds D. You are correct. At least 74 miles per hour

Polar climates A. dominated by taiga forests B. lose much solar radiation heat to reflection and ice melting C. have a small annual temperature range D. are found only near the North Pole

A. Sorry, please try again. Tiaga forest are associated with Subarctic climates B. You are correct. Remember our earlier discussion of albedo C. No, this answer is incorrect. They may be cold the year round, but summer are pretty cold and winters are REALLY cold. This produces a fairly substantial temperature range D. No, please try again. What about the South Pole

If you turn on the radio and there has been a tornado warning issued for your county, what are they trying to tell you A. Conditions are conducive for a tornado B. Nothing at all, just be alert C. There is a high likelihood that a tornado has been spotted or is indicated by radar D. No danger, just really windy conditions

A. Sorry, this answer is not correct. This would more likely be a tornado watch B. No, they are trying to tell you a lot more than this. They are telling you they have very good indications an actual tornado has touched down in the area C. Correct. This means you might want to take some evasive action D. No, there is a better answer. Imminent danger is a high probability

In which of the following climatic environments would you most likely experience a monsoon A. Subarctic Climate B. Dry Climate C. Humid Subtropical D. Tropical Wet and Dry

A. Sorry, this climate is not associated with monsoons B. No, there is a better answer. This is the desert climate in which yearly precipitation is less than potential water loss by evaporation. Excess moisture is not generally a problem C. This answer is incorrect. Humid Subtropical climates do produce their share of rain, but these rains do not fit the typical monsoonal pattern D. Yes, this is the correct answer. A large portion of India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia experience alternating periods of rainfall and drought

Using the Fujita Intensity Scale, we measure a tornado that tears roofs off of frame houses and demolishes mobile homes. This would be rated a _____ tornado A. F2 B. F3 C. F4 D. F5

A. The correct answer is F2, Considerable Damage, because the winds affiliated with F2s are known to cause such damage B. F3, Severe Damage, is incorrect because this wind speed is known to overturn trains, uproot trees, throw cars and damage roofs and walls of well-constructed houses C. F4, Devastating Damage, is incorrect because such tornadoes are known to have winds that level well-constructed houses D. F5, Incredible Damage, is also incorrect because the winds associated with these tornadoes are known to lift houses off their foundations and disintegrate them

Temperate rainforest A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. You are correct. This is a term often applied to the vast forests of these climatic zones B. No, this answer is incorrect. Most would not think of these climates as being temperate -- we are dealing with a continental climate C. Sorry, please try again. Temperate these climates are not D. No, please try again. There is a much better answer

List four of the most common misconceptions about deserts.

Always hot, lifeless, sand covered, wind as the most important erosional agent.

List two tools used to study and observe hurricanes

Any two of the following: meteorological satellites, aircraft reconnaissance, radar, data buoys.

What is the difference between an Af and Am climate?

Areas that are designated Am have a short dry season and areas designated Af do not. Af regions receive at least 2.5 inches of rain each month.

What primary factor distinguishes Aw climates from Af and Am climates?

Aw climates generally receive less total rainfall and the rainfall is markedly seasonal - wet summers and dry winters.

Why do coastal locations like New York City experience primarily continental climatic conditions?

Because New York City is on the leeward side of the continent. Therefore, prevailing winds blowing from the continent toward the ocean give this city more of a continental temperature regime.

Polar regions experience long periods of almost perpetual sunlight in the summer, yet temperatures are cool. Why?

During the summer months the temperatures remain cool despite the long days because the Sun is so low in the sky that its oblique rays are not effective in bringing about a genuine warming.

What makes the narrow, rotating air column or vortex of a tornado visible?

Either the condensation of water vapor (which forms a cloud) or the debris suspended in the air, or some combination of these.

Cloudiness that may average 50 to 70% annually is characteristic of a Subarctic climate

Four of the five major climatic groups listed below have temperature characteristics as their basis. The C climates do not

Generally, the D climates are found Equatorward of the A climates

Marine West Coast climates are closely associated with the Dairy, wheat and corn belts of the United States

Small islands and along windward coasts are characteristic of Desert climates

Steppe climates are are characterized by night is winter, temperature rarely above 95F

Steppe climates are characterized by numerous tree species, dimly lit forest floor, trees never bare

Subarctic climates are closely associated with the Dairy, wheat and corn belts of the United States

Subarctic or E climates tend to be more humid than Humid Continental climates

Temperate rainforest vegetation is characteristic of Subarctic climates

The A climates are characterized by a small daily, but large seasonal, temperature range

The vegetation associated with the Aw climate is termed jungle

Thick, woody vines or lianas and buttressed tree trunks are characteristics of vegetation in Desert climates

Thick, woody vines or lianas and buttressed tree trunks are characteristics of vegetation in Tropical Savanna climates

Tiaga forest is a typical vegetative type associated with Humid Continental climates

Wide DAILY ranges of temperature would be most closely associated with Tropical Rainforests

Wide DAILY ranges of temperature would be most closely associated with Tundra climates

How does the flow of air aloft maintain cyclones at the surface?

In order for cyclones to be maintained at the surface, surface convergence must be offset by outflow aloft. As long as divergence aloft is equal to or greater than the surface inflow, the cyclone can be maintained.

Describe the differences between the causes of summer and winter precipitation in the humid subtropical (Cfa) climate.

In the summer these climates resemble the humid tropics. Unstable mT air masses dominate and precipitation is often in the form of convectional thunderstorms. In winter, precipitation is usually generated along mid-latitude cyclones, Convectional showers are rare.

Why do humid continental climate precipitation totals decrease with increases in latitude?

Increases in latitude in these climates means increasing distance from the source regions for humid mT air masses. Too, places at higher latitudes are influenced for a greater part of the year by relatively dry polar air masses.

Why do you think desert and steppe areas are uncommon in the middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere?

Large landmasses do not exist in the middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere.

Briefly describe the influence of latitude as a climatic control.

Latitude is the greatest single cause of spatial and seasonal temperature variations; it greatly influences the annual temperature range as well as the annual mean.

Name 3 factors that cause the reduction of hurricane intensity after it makes landfall.

Loss of warm moist air, reduced temperatures, greater friction.

Why is the marine west coast (Cfb, Cfc) climate represented by only slender strips of land in both North and South America?

Mountains parallel the coast and prevent the marine influence from penetrating far inland.

Should climatic boundaries be regarded as fixed?

No, such boundaries simply represent average positions based on data collected over many years. On a year to year basis, these boundaries may fluctuate considerably.

In the dry (B) climates there are usually more years when rainfall totals are below the average than above. Why?

Occasional wet periods tend to lift the average rainfall, Because the averages are so low, even one or two semi-wet years can lift the average dramatically.

Why is the tundra landscape characterized by poorly drained, boggy soils?

Permafrost blocks the downward movement of water.

Why are the wet tropics restricted to elevations below 3000 feet or so?

Since temperatures are always high and temperature decreases with an increase in altitude, this climate is restricted to lowlands.

Why don't arid and semiarid climates exist in the high latitudes?

Temperatures are too cold to cause evaporation rates to exceed precipitation rates.

Where are the EF climates most extensively developed?

The EF climate is most extensive on the ice caps of Greenland and Antarctica.

What kind of vegetation is most closely associated with a desert A. Plants have waxy leaves, stems or thickened outer layer B. The roots of desert plants are deep or spread wide under the surface of the soil C. Very few kinds of plants D. Both A and B

A. Good choice, but there is a better one. These characteristics help prevent water loss B. Good choice, but there is a better one. This characteristic enables desert plants to get water C. Sorry, Please try again. Even though the plants are usually isolated, there are many kinds of plants found in deserts D. You are correct. Water absorption and retention are a priority in the dry climates

If you experience a category 5 hurricane, what type of damage are you most likely to encounter at the point of impact A. Minimal damage B. Extensive damage C. No damage, just minor flooding D. Catastrophic

A. I do not know about that. Actually probably just the opposite. A category 5 is the most powerful hurricane. A category 1 would produce minimal damage B. I know we are into semantics here, but, this type of damage is actually associated with a category 3 hurricane. There is a better answer C. Not a very good choice. Category 5 is the strongest possible hurricane and would produce immense damage D. Yes, this is the best answer. Massive evacuations, major damages to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 1500 feet of the shoreline. Some complete building failures

Which Koppen climate classification takes up the most land area compared to any other A. C climates B. A climates C. E climates D. B climates

A. Incorrect, it takes up 10 percent of the land area of the Earth B. Incorrect, it takes up 25 percent of the land area of the Earth C. Incorrect, it takes up 15 percent of the land area of the Earth D. Correct, it takes up 30 percent of the land area of the Earth

There are only two Koppen climates that cover land areas not in the prevailing westerlies. One of these is Koppen E -- what is the other one A. Koppen B B. Koppen C C. Koppen A D. Koppen D

A. Incorrect, this climate covers land area in the westerlies and the trades B. Incorrect, this climate covers land area in the westerlies C. Correct, this climate covers land area in the trades, ITCZ, and is affected by monsoons D. Incorrect, this climate covers land area in the westerlies and the polar easterlies

Activity -- lifting of air -- caused by intense heating of the surface is called ________ A. Orographic Lifting B. Convectional Activity C. Frontal Activity D. Lifting by Convergence

A. Incorrect, this is activity caused by the lifting of an air mass over a mountain barrier B. Correct, this is intense heating of the surface, which causes the air parcel to rise and form thunderstorms C. Incorrect, this is activity caused by interactions of different air masses D. Incorrect, this is a pileup of horizontal airflow that results in upward movement, or lifting

Which one of these is a hazard of a hurricane A. Coastal Flooding B. Lighting C. High Winds D. All of the above

A. Maybe, but there is a better answer B. Maybe, but there is a better answer C. Maybe, but there is a better answer D. Yes, you are correct. All of these are hazards of a hurricane. Some other hazards include inland flooding, coastal erosion, and tornadoes

What general circulation wind belt is the place of origin for hurricanes A. westerlies B. doldrums C. trade winds D. horse latitudes

A. No, please try again. Going the wrong way. This tends to be where they die B. No, this answer is incorrect. Coriolis effect is minimal in these latitudes C. You are correct. Here we have the warm water and Coriolis effect. D. Sorry, please try again. These are high pressure areas located at approximately 30 degrees latitude

A Mountain or H climate is A. similar to Tundra climates B. a climate in which rainshadow conditions are the primary cause of drought C. a complex of miniature climatic regions often too difficult to map D. found in any area located over 1,000 feet above sea level

A. No, please try again. In the higher elevations maybe, but these climates are very different in their lower elevations B. No, this answer is incorrect. The rainshadow, or leeward, side may well be drier than windward locations, but there is a much better answer C. You are correct. Think about a mountain in a desert. A desert in the lower elevation, but as one moves higher a great variety of climatic types are to be found, culminating in just rock and ice if the mountain is high enough D. Sorry, please try again. Mountains have more to do with relief, the difference between highest and lowest elevations, than with height

The ____ supports some plant life but no trees A. Humid Subtropical climate B. Subarctic climate C. Tundra climate D. Icecap climate

A. No, please try again. Lots of trees in southeast Texas B. No, this answer is incorrect. Most would associate these areas with vast forests -- the tiaga C. You are correct. Too cold to support trees. The vegetation is just grass, and shrubs D. Sorry, please try again. Very cold, but there is plant life -- just no trees

Greatest annual temperature ranges on Earth A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. No, please try again. Marine influence means moderated temperatures B. No, this answer is incorrect. There are some fairly substantial temperature ranges in these climates, but there is a better answer C. You are correct. Warm but not hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter makes for wide ranges D. Sorry, please try again. Cold and very cold does not provide as wide a range as one of the other possibilities

What does the term mesocyclone refer to in reference to a tornado A. a false alarm tornado warning B. a very large tornado C. the rotation motion of the parent thunderstorm D. a high altitude tornado

A. No, please try again. Not very likely. Re-read your text B. No, this answer is incorrect. Certainly present in a very large tornado, but there is a better answer C. You are correct. This is the cylinder of cyclonically rotating air that develops in the updraft of a severe thunderstorm. A mesocyclone often precedes the development of damaging hail or tornadoes D. Sorry, please try again. Good shot, but there is a much better answer

Summer in a Humid Subtropical climate is uncomfortable because of A. high winds and high temperatures B. low humidity, which dries the skin C. high temperatures and high humidity D. frequent precipitation and fog

A. No, please try again. That we could have a little wind here in east Texas during the summer months B. No, this answer is incorrect. Low humidity and dry skin. You must be thinking Arizona C. You are correct. Sounds just like east Texas does it not D. Sorry, please try again. There is a much better answer. How often do you see fog in the summer

Northern boundary coincides with the poleward limit of tree growth A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. No, please try again. The forest continues poleward of these climates, their growth is just slowed by the colder temperatures B. No, this answer is incorrect. There are lots of trees poleward of this climatic zone C. You are correct. Trees gradually get smaller and ultimately disappear on the poleward margins of this climatic zone D. Sorry, please try again. Too cold for trees in this climate. A tundra is a grass land and shrub vegetation zone. The trees play out before you get to the tundra boundary

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the Subarctic climates A. warm, short summer B. cold, long winters C. heavy winter snow D. short growing season

A. No, please try again. These climates have warm, but fairly short summers B. No, this answer is incorrect. At these latitudes, winters are very, very cold and tend to last a long time -- remember, the vertical ray of the Sun is a long way away C. You are correct. One might think of high latitude climates as being snowy, and snow does fall, but keep in mind that to have a lot of snow you have to have moisture. In these cold winters the air is too cold to hold a great deal of moisture D. Sorry, please try again. While the number of days may be limited, the period of daylight is considerable -- 18 plus hour days. Agriculture is possible, but it is based on the long hours found in a relatively few number of days

Mediterranean climates are noted particularly for A. having a summer temperature maximum B. having a summer rainfall maximum C. having summers that are virtually rainless D. having summers that are relatively cold

A. No, please try again. They do have warm summers, but so do most climate B. No, this answer is incorrect. Actually these climates have dry summers C. You are correct. The high pressure cells dominate these climates in summer and tend to keep rainfall to a minimum D. Sorry, please try again. Hardly. Clear skies dominate and the temperatures can be quite high

Which of the following can diminish the intensity of a hurricane A. moving over land B. moving over cooler water with less moisture above it C. significant decrease in large scale air flow aloft D. all of the above

A. No, please try again. Yes, somewhat via friction, but there is a much better answer. B. No, this answer is incorrect. Cold water can diminish the amount of moisture available to the storm, but there is a better answer C. Try again. Upper air movement can have an effect on hurricanes, but there is a better answer D. You are right. All of the above are correct. Friction, any reduction in the amount of water vapor available or any reduction in the ability of the storm to exhaust the waste air aloft will cause a hurricane to be reduced in intensity

What type of storm was the Storm of the Century A. Hurricane B. Blizzard C. Tornado D. Monsoon

A. No, the Storm of the Century was not a hurricane. There have been many hurricanes that have caused horrendous damages, but none were coined The Storm of the Century B. Yes, this is the best answer. This storm struck in 1993 and brought record low temperatures, record low barometric pressure readings, and record high snowfalls to an area that stretched from Alabama to Eastern Canada C. No, there is a much better answer. Tornadoes do not have the longevity or areal extent to cause the extensive damage caused by the Storm of the Century. D. Sorry, your answer is incorrect. Monsoons do not have a devastating impact on the United States, where the Storm of the Century occurred

One difference between a Tundra climate and an Icecap climate is that one month is warmer than 32F in a Tundra climate

Permanently frozen subsoil characteristic of the Tundra is termed permafrost

Polar climates lose much solar radiation heat to reflection and ice melting

Poleward from the Equator the water requirements for plants generally decrease

Precipitation in desert areas is infrequent and highly variable as to amount and time

Rainfall patterns are closely linked to the location of the major pressure and wind systems

Seasonal variation of temperature is at a maximum for subarctic climates

Small daily and seasonal ranges in temperature, year round cloudiness are characteristic of Marine climates

Small islands and along windward coasts are characteristic of Marine climates

Snow is rare except in the higher elevations, adequate rainfall at all seasons are characteristics of Marine West Coast climates

Steppes, the drier neighbors of Prairies, eventually grade into Deserts

Subarctic climates are located on continental interiors between 50 to 65 degrees latitude

Subarctic climates are source regions for cP air masses

Summer in a Humid Subtropical climate is uncomfortable because of high temperatures and high humidity

Tall, 100 feet or more, closely set, broadleaf, evergreen trees are characteristics of Tropical Rainforest climates

Temperature and precipitation are terms used in describing climate

Temperatures of 90 to 100F in summer, precipitation of 40 to 60 inches, trees generally too scrubby to be of commercial value are characteristics of Tropical Savanna climates

Ten months of winter and two months of bad sleighing would be most characteristic of Subarctic climates

The 10 degrees C summer isotherm marks the Equatorward limit of the tundra climate

The A climates are characterized by precipitation which will always support tree growth

The A climates are characterized by a high Sun angle

The Astronomical Theory of climatic change, which appears gaining acceptance among scientists, is concerned with variations in the shape of the Earth's orbit about the Sun

The Astronomical Theory of climatic change, which seems to be gaining acceptance among world scientists, is concerned with changes in the inclination or tilt of the Earth's axis

The Astronomical Theory of climatic change, which seems to be gaining acceptance among world scientists, is concerned with precession or a wobbling of the Earth upon its axis

The B climates are characterized by erratic precipitation

The B climates are characterized by wide DAILY temperature ranges

The C climates are characterized by varied weather

The Doldrums, precipitation most afternoons between 2 and 4PM would be very characteristic of Tropical Rainforest climates

The Humid Subtropical climate is warmer than the Marine West Coast climate

The Koppen Marine West Coast climate influenced by warm ocean currents all year

The Koppen Marine West Coast climate located on the western sides of continents in middle latitudes

The Savanna climate is characterized by leached soils

The Savanna climate is characterized by summer temperatures that may run 95 to 100F during the day

The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle are examples of locations determined by astronomy

The basic difference between a BW climate and a BS climate is the BS is more moist

The best known system for determining world climate patterns is the Koppen climate system

The cause of the dry season in Aw climates is the annual migration of the ITCZ out of the area

The dry summer subtropical climate is also called the Mediterranean climate

The first known attempt at classifying climates was made by ancient Greeks

The forests of the Tropical Rainforest climates are broadleaf evergreen

The general characteristics of C climates include a definite winter with no ANNUAL moisture deficiency

The greatest variability in rainfall would generally be associated with B climates

The humid continental climate is affected by polar air masses

The humid continental climate is affected by tropical air masses

The humid subtropical climate sees significant rainfall throughout the year

The influence of the ocean on the climate of most any coastal area is likely to make that climate milder

The latitude of a place is important for its climate since latitude determines length of daylight

The locations of the major pressure and wind systems on the Earth move as they follow the vertical rays of the Sun

The main difference between Cw and Aw is that Cw has lower temperatures

The main reason for the moderate climate of western coastal Norway is the presence of a warm ocean current flowing past these coastal areas

The marine west coast climate most extensive on the continent of Europe

The most important determinant of temperature overall is latitude

The northern boundary of Subarctic climates coincides with the poleward limit of tree growth

The only humid climate that has a strong winter precipitation maximum is the Mediterranean climate or Koppen's Csa and Csb climates

The potato would be most closely associated with D climates

The primary factor which determines whether a place will have a dry climate is whether evaporation exceeds precipitation

The principal reason for aridity in cold deserts or BW climates is subsidence of air associated with winter highs over continents

The rain shadow effect is very significant in the creation of arid climates

The rainfall distribution at a non-desert station located immediately to the north of the Sahara desert has a summer dry season

The rainfall distribution at a station located along the Equator has adequate precipitation all year around

The rainfall distribution at a station located on an island in the Arctic Ocean at about 80N latitude is dry all year around

The subarctic and tundra climates generally have small precipitation totals, they are considered humid. The reason for this is low temperatures mean only a small loss to evaporation

The subarctic climate supports some plant life but no trees

The temperature range in desert areas is related to nearness to the Equator

The term cold desert would be most closely associated with Icecap climates

The tropical rain forest it is also called selva

The tropical rainforest is characterized by a great diversity of plant species

The tundra climate supports some plant life but no trees

The vegetation associated with the Aw climate is termed savanna

The west coast deserts are characterized by higher humidity and some fog

Tiaga forest is a typical vegetative type associated with Subarctic climates

To establish the boundary between humid and dry climates using the Koppen classification, average annual precipitation information is needed

To establish the boundary between humid and dry climates using the Koppen classification, average annual temperature information is needed

To establish the boundary between humid and dry climates using the Koppen classification, the average precipitation for each month is needed

Tropical Rainforest climates are are characterized by night is winter, temperature rarely above 95F

Tropical Rainforest climates are most closely associated with the jungle vegetation type

Tundra climates are closely associated with mosses, lichens, permafrost, less than 10 inches of precipitation

Tundra climates are located on the fringe of continents between the Arctic Circle and 75N

West coast of landmasses between 40 and 60 degrees latitude are characteristic of Marine West Coast climates

When comparing west coast tropical deserts like the Namib and Atacama typical tropical deserts like the Sahara, west coast tropical deserts are foggier

When comparing west coast tropical deserts like the Namib and Atacama with tropical deserts like the Sahara, west coast tropical deserts are drier

A tornado is a small, very intense example of the cyclone

true

About one half of the U.S. population lives near a seacoast

true

Although detection and tracking of hurricanes is now quite accurate, damage from these storms continue to increase due to continued development of coastal areas

true

Approximately 30 percent of the land surface of the Earth is desert and steppe

true

April to June is the period of greatest frequency for tornadoes in the United States

true

As a strong hurricane moves ashore, storm surge causes the most devastating damage in the coastal zone

true

Bangladesh has historically proven most susceptible to large losses of life from storm surge in the twentieth century

true

Between a tornado, middle latitude cyclone or hurricane, the tornado will typically have the steepest pressure gradient

true

Category 1 and 2 hurricanes do only minimal or moderate damage

true

During August to September hurricane formation in the North Atlantic is at a peak

true

Humid Subtropical climates are distinguished from Mediterranean climates by having a different season of precipitation maximum

true

Hurricanes and mid latitude cyclones are similar in that both are areas of low pressure

true

Hurricanes and typhoons are both names for large, low pressure cells of tropical origin

true

Hurricanes are responsible for more property damage than tornadoes

true

Hurricanes do not form within about 5 degrees latitude of the Equator

true

Hurricanes form between 5 degrees and 20 degrees latitude

true

Hurricanes generally are areas of heavy rainfall and strong winds

true

Hurricanes generally are most common in late summer and early fall

true

Hurricanes generally are smaller than mid latitude cyclones

true

Hurricanes in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones

true

Hurricanes initially form only in the tropics because warm water temperatures are found there

true

In order to qualify as a hurricane, winds in a tropical disturbance must reach 74 mph

true

In terms of overall damage, the most destructive agent associated with a hurricane is water

true

In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons

true

Most North Atlantic hurricanes eventually swing northward

true

Most tornadoes in the central U.S. occur during the spring months because at this time of year air mass contrasts are greatest

true

Most tornadoes occur in the spring and early summer

true

Most tropical cyclones originate in the latitude range 10 to 20 degrees of latitude

true

Moving over cooler water can diminish the intensity of a hurricane

true

Permafrost conditions are associated with the polar climates

true

Saffir Simpson Scale is used to measure the intensity of hurricanes

true

Storm Surge is most closely associated with hurricanes

true

Strong hurricanes have a central pressure about 10 percent below normal sea level pressures

true

Suction spots are a phenomenon associated with tornadoes

true

Surface wind speeds increase toward the center of a hurricane because of conservation of angular momentum

true

Texas is struck by the largest number of tornadoes

true

The C climates are characterized by occasional killing frosts

true

The Fujita Intensity Scale or F scale is applied to tornadoes

true

The Humid Subtropical climate is warmer than the Humid Continental climate

true

The Saffir Simpson scale is used to establish categories of hurricane intensity

true

The ability to predict severe thunderstorms and tornadoes by the National Weather Service is limited because weather stations are widely spaced compared to the size of the storm

true

The approximate diameter of a mature hurricane is about 600 km

true

The central United States sees more tornadoes than any other region in the world

true

The greatest number of hurricane related deaths may be attributed to storm surge

true

The initial detection and monitoring of tropical storms that may become hurricanes is accomplished by satellites

true

The largest of the severe thunderstorm systems is the mesoscale convective complex

true

The most costly hurricane in terms of money between 1985 and 1996 was Hurricane Andrew

true

The most important tool for detecting and monitoring hurricanes is satellites

true

The most likely season for hurricanes to occur in the North Atlantic is August to October

true

The most violent, erratic, and unpredictable type of cyclonic storm known is the tornado

true

The tallest and most vigorous part of the hurricane is the eyewall region

true

To officially be a hurricane, the disturbance must have rotary circulation and have wind speeds of at least 119 kilometers per hour

true

Tornadoes and mid-latitude cyclones are similar in that both are areas of low pressure

true

Tornadoes are most common in the Midwest and Great Plains

true

Tornadoes are most frequent during the April to June period

true

The C climates are characterized by occasional killing frosts

true Although winters are mild, frosts are common in higher latitude C climate areas and do occasionally plague the tropical margins of the climates

With respect to hurricanes, satellites are primarily used to provide data from early stages of a cyclone in the tropics and subtropics

true Since cyclones form in the tropics and subtropics, this area consists of much open ocean, and observation of these areas are limited.

Tornadoes are most often associated with middle latitude cyclones

true Some 80 percent of all tornadoes are associated with middle latitude cyclones. The remaining percentage of tornadoes are associated with hurricanes, and few tornadoes are associated with tornadic thunderstorms or supercell thunderstorms

Some deserts have high humidity levels

true Some deserts are located off western coasts of continents where cold ocean currents exists. These cold currents can reduce temperature, lower annual mean temperatures, and reduce annual daily averages. Thus, cold ocean currents help raise humidity levels.

Africa holds the world record for the highest temperature, and Antarctica holds the world record for the lowest temperature

true The African record is 136 degrees F and the record for Antarctica is -129 degrees F

The A climates are characterized by a high sun angle

true The equatorial location of the A climates means that these climates are characterized by a high sun angle the year round since the vertical ray of the Sun is only found between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn

The Savanna climate is characterized by leached soils

true The high summer rainfall totals of Savanna climates cause considerable soil leaching

Cold fronts have steeper slopes than warm fronts

true The slopes of cold fronts are typically about twice as steep as those of warm fronts. Friction slows the surface position of the cold front compared to the warm front. The outcome is steepness in slope as the front progresses forward.

When warm fronts are accompanied with cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms, this is usually due to the drastic temperatures differences between the air masses

true The thunderstorms are a result of the warm air flowing over the colder wedged air and having temperatures that contrast sharply with the cold air.

Tornadoes are intense low pressure cells that have, on a seasonal basis, a tendency to follow the Sun

true These low pressure cells do have a tendency to follow the Sun -- beginning in Texas in early spring and slowly working their way poleward as spring wears on

Warm air that is lifted along the leading edge of a gust front is called a roll cloud

true This is essentially the definition of a roll cloud.

A stationary front occurs when nothing is happening with respect to the movement of a cold air mass

true This is the definition of a stationary front

What was the name of the largest hurricane ever to occur in Texas. In what year did it occur, and how many lives did it claim A. Alicia, 1983, 200 deaths B. Camille, 1969, 256 deaths C. Floyd, 1999, 75 deaths D. No Name, 1900, 8,000 deaths

A. No, this was a big one, but not THE big one. It was not even close to the worst Texas has ever experienced B. No, this was not actually even a Texas hurricane. This was a deadly hurricane that swept across Mississippi and Louisiana C. Sorry, this is not the right answer. This storm occurred almost one hundred years after the big hurricane in Texas and it for the most part was a North Carolina storm D. You got it. Almost unbelievably, as many as 12,000 might have perished in this hurricane that hit Galveston before the sea wall was constructed. It did not have a name because hurricanes were not named until much later in the century

In the Koppen classification, the letter D represents what type of climate A. Humid Tropical B. Humid Middle latitude severe winters C. Polar D. Dry

A. No, try again. The letter A represents the Humid Tropical climate. A climates are winterless with all months having a mean temperature above 64 degrees F B. Yes, this is correct. In the D climates, the average temperature of the coldest month is below 27 degrees F, and the warmest monthly mean exceeds 50 degrees F C. No, this is not right. The letter E represents polar climates. These climates are summerless and the average temperature of the warmest month is below 50 degrees F D. No, this is incorrect. The letter B represents dry climates. These are climates where evaporation exceeds precipitation and there is a constant water deficiency

For a thunderstorm to be officially classified as severe by the National Weather Service, it must have winds in excess of A. 74 mph B. 58 mph C. 10 mph D. 50 mph

A. No, try again. These are the winds necessary to become a hurricane B. Yes, you are correct. Winds have to be at least 58 mph for a severe thunderstorm to occur C. No, that is not correct. We are talking about a severe thunderstorm. Winds have to be higher than that D. No, there is a better answer. These are winds found in a tropical storm

Lighting we see as a single_______ is really several rapid strokes between the cloud and the ground. Individual components that make up each flash are termed ___________. A. Stroke, Flash B. Flash, Stroke C. Dryline, Flash D. Squall Line, Flash

A. Something does not look right here. Try again B. I like this answer C. Sorry. A dryline is a boundary where a squall line with severe thunderstorm can form. Flash is correct D. Sorry. This is a relatively narrow band of thunderstorms, some of which may be severe, that develops in the warm sector of a middle-latitude cyclone, usually 100 to 300 kilometers in advance of the cold front. Flash is Correct

A cyclone is A. air turning spirally inward round a center of high pressure B. air turning spirally inward round a center of low pressure C. air turning spirally outward round a center of high pressure D. air turning spirally outward round a center of low pressure

A. Sorry, please try again. A cyclone is a low pressure cell is it not B. You are correct. Counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere C. No, this answer is incorrect. This sounds like what air does around a high pressure or anticyclonic cell D. No, please try again. Air does not move away from a low pressure cell does it

Why is very humid air near the surface a necessary ingredient for severe thunderstorms A. high humidity makes the air more dense B. more latent heat is then available as energy for the storm C. high humidity strengthens the cold front D. high humidity makes the rising air cool more rapidly

A. Sorry, please try again. Actually less dense B. You are correct. The energy is contained in the water molecule. Condensation releases this energy C. No, this answer is incorrect. A cold front is a cold front. The moisture in the air ahead of the cold front has no bearing on the intensity of the cold air D. No, please try again. The rate of cooling is dependent upon the rate of ascent of the air

The dry-summer subtropical climate is also called the ____ climate A. Savanna B. Mediterranean C. taiga D. monsoon

A. Sorry, please try again. Actually these climates experience a wet summer B. You are correct. This is the more common name given to these climates C. No, this answer is incorrect. These climates are not located in subtropical latitudes D. No, please try again. I think the summer season is the wet season in monsoon climates

At least one month, the temperature averages above 32 degrees F, dominated by the Polar Easterlies wind belt A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. Sorry, please try again. All months in this climate are above 32 degrees F. Remember, this climate is dominated by marine influences B. No, this answer is incorrect. There are some very cold months in these climates, but where are the Polar Easterlies C. No, please try again. Very cold. Not many months above 32, but where are the Polar Easterlies D. You are correct. The one month above 32 degrees F means some vegetative growth and these climates are located sufficiently poleward to be dominated by the Polar Easterlies

Of the following states, which is struck by the largest number of tornadoes A. New Mexico B. Oklahoma C. North Carolina D. North Dakota

A. Sorry, please try again. Dust devils maybe, but not tornadoes B. You are correct. Right in the middle of tornado alley C. No, this answer is incorrect. Are you thinking hurricane here D. No, please try again. An occasional tornado, but generally too far poleward

Hurricanes generally are A. larger than tornadoes B. smaller than mid-latitude cyclones C. areas of heavy rainfall and strong winds D. all of these

A. Sorry, please try again. Hurricanes are big, but there is a better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. While hurricanes tend to be smaller than mid-latitude cyclones, there is a better answer C. No, please try again. Yes this can occur, but are you sure there is not a better answer D. You are correct. All of these statements regarding hurricanes is true

The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle are examples of locations determined by A. climate B. astronomy C. measuring systems D. the Koppen classification system

A. Sorry, please try again. I do not see any connection B. You are correct. Remember way back in Latitude. These locations are tied to the seeming movements of the vertical ray of the Sun C. No, this answer is incorrect. Wonder what you are thinking about D. No, please try again. Sure better re-read the text

Hurricanes and typhoons are both names for A. storms that develop wind speeds of over 250 miles per hour B. large, low pressure cells of tropical origin C. storm systems at the polar front D. fronts

A. Sorry, please try again. I would certainly call such a storm a hurricane or typhoon, and maybe even sir, but there is a better answer B. You are correct. Keep in mind that while we here in the middle latitudes may experience an occasional hurricane, they are actually TROPICAL low pressure cells C. No, this answer is incorrect. Hurricanes are not typically found along the polar front D. No, please try again. Fronts do not occur with hurricanes. Hurricanes are too small a storm to offer air masses of great contrast

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

A. Sorry, please try again. It may slow the storm somewhat, but there is a much better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. An important part of any hurricane, but there is a better answer C. No, please try again. If anything this might increase the intensity of the storm D. You are correct. Friction does slow the movement, and as the storm moves inland it is more distant from the warm, moist air which is so important as a source of storm energy

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

A. Sorry, please try again. It snows a good deal in New York City does it not? The operative word here is BEST B. No, this answer is incorrect. While some summers are dry, New York does not tend to be dry in most summers. The operative word here is BEST C. No, please try again. Better re-read the text D. You are correct. New York City is humid the year round

Jungle A. Tropical Rainforest B. Tropical Savanna C. Desert D. Steppe

A. Sorry, please try again. Lush, but not a jungle. Keep in mind that in the true rainforest there is relatively little light on the forest floor-- and vegetation needs light to thrive B. You are correct. Especially on the wetter margins. The trees are not as dominant thus more light can get to the ground and encourage growth C. No, this answer is incorrect. Give me a break D. No, please try again. Grasslands rarely have anything that would even resemble a tree

Which of the following has historically proven most susceptible to large losses of life from storm surge in the twentieth century A. northern California B. South Carolina C. Galveston, Texas D. Bangladesh

A. Sorry, please try again. Maybe an occasional one, but there is a much better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. They do get their share, but there is a better answer C. No, please try again. Very large loss of life in the storm of 1900, but the loss pales to that of the correct answer D. You are correct. 200,000 officially dead, unofficial estimates to have exceeded 500,000 in the storm of 1970

The principal reasons for aridity in cold mid-latitude deserts is A. subsidence of air associated with subtropical high pressure cells B. remoteness from sources of moisture C. cold ocean currents offshore D. convergence of unlike air masses

A. Sorry, please try again. Most of these deserts are located under the subtropical high pressure cells found at 30 degrees or so latitude B. You are correct. Inland locations place them far from a moisture source. Too, the interior locations make for severe winters due to the continental effect C. No, this answer is incorrect. Doubtful any ocean current would be cold enough to make a distant interior landmass cold D. No, please try again. This sounds like a recipe for frontal activity. There is a better answer

Although the Subarctic and Tundra climates generally have small precipitation totals, they are considered humid. The reason for this is A. most of the precipitation falls in the winter B. these regions have great reserves of underground water that can be used for irrigation C. permafrost does not let the water escape D. low temperatures mean only a small loss to evaporation

A. Sorry, please try again. Most probably falls in the summer does it not. Winters are very cold and the air cannot hold a great deal of moisture in winter B. No, this answer is incorrect. Maybe, but it would all depend on the geology of the area C. No, please try again. That may well be true and as a result the land is often very water-logged, but there is a better answer D. You are correct. Little falls and little evaporates. Too, the cool to cold temperatures often cause relatively high relative humidities

The formation of tornadoes is associated with A. severe thunderstorms B. cold fronts C. middle latitude cyclones D. all of the above

A. Sorry, please try again. Not bad, but there is a much better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. Yes in the sense that the associated squall line thunderstorms do generate tornadoes. But there is a much better answer C. No, please try again. Maybe, if we include squall line thunderstorms associated with middle latitude cyclones. But there is a much better answer D. You are correct. Severe thunderstorms associated with cold fronts and middle latitude cyclones generate many tornadoes

A typical characteristic of Tropical Rainforest climates is A. continually cloudless skies B. constant high humidity C. vegetation that contains only a small number of species D. several months with less than 25 inches of rainfall

A. Sorry, please try again. Rainforests experience a great deal of rainfall, clouds and high humidity. Remember the ITCZ B. You are correct. Plenty of this C. No, this answer is incorrect. Rainforests are in fact characterized by many, many species -- widely separated D. No, please try again. If this were the case, we would not have a rainforest -- the dry months would make for a very different vegetation

The ____ scale is used to establish categories of hurricane intensity A. Fujita B. Saffir-Simpson C. Stormfury D. Johnson

A. Sorry, please try again. Ted Fujita developed the scale used with tornadoes B. You are correct. This scale, 1 to 5, is used to classify hurricanes C. No, this answer is incorrect. This was an effort by the American government to modify hurricane intensity D. No, please try again. He was a president was he not

What of the following reduces vegetative growth in the Polar climates A. It is too cold for plants to survive B. Permafrost C. It is too dry D. Annual temperature ranges are too extreme

A. Sorry, please try again. The Tundra has many plants such as grasses, sedges, mosses and lichens B. You are correct. Permafrost is permanently frozen subsoil C. No, this answer is incorrect. As a matter of fact, the water often has a difficult time draining off resulting in soggy, often water logged soils D. No, this answer is incorrect. The short summer only leads to the adaptation of plants to grow and produce seeds quickly

Which of the following statements is NOT true of tornadoes A. occur most frequently in the spring of the year B. usually occur along the warm front of a mid-latitude cyclone C. most common in the Midwest and Great Plains D. associated with cumulonimbus clouds

A. Sorry, please try again. The operative word here is NOT B. You are correct. Warm front weather usually does not possess sufficient energy to generate tornadoes C. No, this answer is incorrect. The operative word here is NOT D. No, please try again. The operative word here is NOT

Storm Surge is most closely associated with A. tornadoes B. hurricanes C. tidal waves D. extra tropical cyclonic storms

A. Sorry, please try again. There is a much better answer B. You are correct. The storm surge is the abnormal rise of the sea along a shore as a result of the hurricane force winds C. No, this answer is incorrect. Not the same cause D. No, please try again. Just threw this in

In terms of a daily reading, the coldest spot on Earth is the ____ climate realm A. Subarctic B. Humid Continental C. Tundra D. Icecap

A. Sorry, please try again. These climates are very cold in winter, but there is a better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. These snowy climates are very cold in winter, but there is a better answer C. No, please try again. Cold for sure, but there is a better answer D. You are correct. With essentially 6 months of no or very little light, these climates are the coldest in terms of daily readings. Think Antarctica

East sides of continents, 40 to 55 degrees latitude A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. Sorry, please try again. These mid-latitude climates are located on the west sides of continents are they not -- thus the Prevailing Westerlies influence B. You are correct. 40 to 55 or so degrees latitude and on the east sides of continents -- think the United States C. No, this answer is incorrect. These climates tend to have a latitudinal bent to them, running east to west from coast to coast. They are outside the mid-latitudes D. No, please try again. These climates tend to have a latitudinal bent to them, running east to west from coast to coast. They are outside the mid-latitudes

Why do most tornadoes in the central United States occur during the spring months A. upper air temperatures are warmest B. air mass contrasts are greatest C. divergence of air aloft is greatest D. surface air is most humid

A. Sorry, please try again. They actually tend to be fairly cool -- winter is still in the air to some extent B. You are correct. The upper air is much cooler than the surface air which is being warmed by the approach of spring C. No, this answer is incorrect. Just threw this in D. No, please try again. It will be a lot more humid in the summer months when temperatures are even warmer

Dairy, wheat and corn belts of the United States A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. Sorry, please try again. Trees, and maybe some fruit -- think Harry and David -- but there is a much better answer B. You are correct. Much of the Dairy, Corn and Wheat belts of the United States are located in this climatic zone C. No, this answer is incorrect. Not much agriculture in this zone as it is too cold D. No, please try again. Just think about this answer for a moment

The most violent, erratic, and unpredictable type of cyclonic storm known is the A. hurricane B. tornado C. typhoon D. cold front

A. Sorry, please try again. Violent for sure, but there is a much better answer B. You are correct. Tornadoes have wind speeds of 50 to 75 miles per hour greater than hurricanes. Damage is typically total, and unlike hurricanes which we can follow for days at a time, tornadoes tend to be much more erratic in terms of their occurrence C. No, this answer is incorrect. This large tropical cyclone, though violent, is fairly predictable in terms of where they will occur D. No, please try again. We can track cold fronts for days. They tend to offer few surprises

Seasonal variation of temperature is at a maximum for ____ climates A. subtropic B. subarctic C. monsoon D. tropical dry

A. Sorry, please try again. Warm summers and mild winters. Not a real big seasonal variation B. You are correct. Short coolish summers and very long cold winters C. No, this answer is incorrect. There is a contrast in monsoon climates -- think about what causes a monsoon -- but the marine influence does moderate the seasonal variation D. No, please try again. Warm the year round. Are you thinking precipitation variability

Tornadoes are most frequent during the A. January to March period B. April to June period C. October to December period D. month of September

A. Sorry, please try again. You may get a tornado during one of these months, but there is a better answer B. You are correct. It is during these months that surface and upper air temperature contrasts are greatest and tornadoes are most likely C. No, this answer is incorrect. You may get a tornado during one of these months, but there is a better answer D. No, please try again. Hurricanes for sure, and you may get a tornado during September, but there is a better answer

________________ consists of many individual thunderstorms organized into a large oval to circular cluster. These tend to form most frequently in the __________ A. Mesoscale Convective Complex, Great Plains B. Mesoscale Convective Complex, Rocky Mountains C. Air-Mass thunderstorms, Great Plains D. Super Cell, Great Plains

A. Sounds good to me B. Not likely. C. Sorry, this is incorrect. These frequently occur in maritime tropical air that moves northward from the Gulf of Mexico. They contain abundant moisture in their lower levels and can rendered unstable when heated from below or lifted along a front. Keep in mind we are looking for an organized cell D. No, there is a better answer. Some of the most dangerous weather is caused by these thunderstorms. An estimated 2000 to 3000 super cell thunderstorms occur each year. Keep in mind we are looking for an organized cell

In which climatic environment would you most likely find a tropical grassland scattered with deciduous trees A. Savanna B. Taiga C. Tundra D. Tropical rain forest

A. That is correct. The tropical savanna climate is characterized by a prolonged dry season making it very difficult for large trees to grow B. Sorry, there is a better answer. The taiga climate closely corresponds to the northern coniferous forest region that produces spruce, fur, larch, and birch trees, not tropical grasslands C. No, this answer is incorrect. Tundra is a cold climate with frozen soil known as permafrost. Bogs and marshes are common and plant life usually consists of mosses and low shrubs, and flowering herbs D. Close, but there is a better answer. Unlike the mixed forests of North America, the rain forest is made up of broadleaf trees that remain green throughout the year. Again, not much in the way of grasses here

A Meoscale Convective Complex can be very dangerous because ________ A. They are slow moving and typically bring much rain B. They have a life of 8 to 24 hours C. They are most active at night D. All of the above

A. There is a better answer. They are dangerous because they often bring heavy downpours that can cause flooding B. This is a good answer as well, but there is a better answer C. This is a good answer, but there is a better answer. While they generally form in the late afternoon, they typically hit their peak in the hours just after midnight D. Yes, this is the best answer. MCCs are slow moving, long-lived storms that are most intense during the night hours

A tornado is a small, very intense example of the A. cyclone B. anticyclone C. Coriolis effect D. geostrophic wind

A. You are correct. A tornado is a low pressure cell or cyclone B. No, this answer is incorrect. An anticyclone is a high pressure cell. C. Sorry, please try again. There is a much better answer available D. No, please try again. Geostrophic winds are high altitude winds. They have nothing to do with tornadoes

Which of the numbers listed below best represents the percentage of thunderstorms that produce tornadoes A. less than 1 percent B. about 10 percent C. nearly 25 percent D. slightly more than 50 percent

A. You are correct. Actually few have ever even seen, with their own eyes, a tornado B. No, this answer is incorrect. There is a better answer C. Sorry, please try again. It may seem like it in the spring in tornado alley D. No, please try again. We would all be living underground if this were the case

Hurricanes and mid-latitude cyclones are similar in that A. both are areas of low pressure B. both have conspicuous surface fronts C. both are most common and well developed in the winter D. both form in the trade wind belt

A. You are correct. Both are cyclones -- one essentially of the tropical latitudes, the other of the middle latitudes B. No, this answer is incorrect. Hurricanes do not exhibit fronts C. Sorry, please try again. Hurricanes are a late summer and early fall phenomena D. No, please try again. Middle latitude cyclones do NOT form in the Trade Wind belt

Which scale number or numbers of hurricanes do only minimal or moderate damage A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 3 only D. 4 only

A. You are correct. By far, the vast majority of hurricanes are small and do relatively little damage B. No, this answer is incorrect. Re-read the text as it relates to the Saffir Simpson scale C. Sorry, please try again. Re-read the text as it relates to the Saffir Simpson scale D. No, please try again. We would be in big trouble if most hurricanes were category 4 storms

The Fujita Intensity Scale or F scale, is applied to A. tornadoes B. lightening C. thunderstorms D. typhoons

A. You are correct. Developed by Ted Fujita. Scale of 1 to 5 B. No, this answer is incorrect. Way off base C. Sorry, please try again. There is a much better answer D. No, please try again. Wrong scale. You are thinking Saffir Simpson

Why do hurricanes in the Atlantic move toward the west during their early stages A. prevailing winds are from the east B. warmer water temperatures guide them C. Coriolis effect guides them D. they move away from areas of high salinity

A. You are correct. In the early stages of development, hurricanes are located in the Trade Wind belt, which in the northern hemisphere Atlantic, tend to move from northeast to southwest -- or east to west B. No, this answer is incorrect. Warm water may help to intensify hurricanes, but there is a much better answer available C. Sorry, please try again. Coriolis only causes the winds to be deflected D. No, please try again. Not much of evidence for this

Briefly describe the influence of ocean currents as a climatic control.

Ocean currents may significantly influence the temperature of adjacent land areas as well as act to stabilize air and produce fog.

Describe the influence of the ITCZ and the subtropical high on the precipitation regime in the Aw climate

Aw climates receive their precipitation in summer as the ITCZ migrates poleward following the vertical ray of the sun. In winter as the pressure systems move equatorward, the climate region comes under the influence of the subtropical highs. Thus winter is a period of drought. The length of the wet and dry seasons depends on the distance between a place and the Equator. The closer to the Equator, the longer the rainy season.

Although generally characterized by small precipitation totals, subarctic and polar climates are considered humid. Why?

Because of the low temperatures found in these climates, the loss of water to evaporation is also considerably reduced.

Describe the differences to be expected in vegetation patterns between Aw climates and the Af and Am climates.

Because of the pronounced dry season, the Aw climates cannot support tropical rainforest vegetation. Rather Aw regions are characterized by savanna - a tropical grassland with scattered deciduous trees.

Why are the dry summer subtropical (Csa) climate often described as transitional climates?

Because the climate resembles the tropical steppes in summer as the subtropical high migrates poleward. In winter, as the winds and pressure systems migrate equatorward, the region is in range of equatorward moving cyclones. At this time of the year they resemble the marine west coast climates.

Why is climatic classification often a helpful or even necessary task?

Classification helps bring order and simplicity, thus aiding comprehension, understanding and analysis.

Why is the amount of precipitation that defines the humid to dry boundary so variable?

Dry areas are those with a water deficit (potential evaporation exceeds precipitation). Since evaporation is strongly controlled by temperature, the amount of precipitation defining the dry to humid boundary is variable. The amount is greater where temperatures are high and where rainfall is concentrated in the summer.

20 to 40 inches of precipitation, monsoon effect, wide temperature swings daily and especially seasonally is characteristic of a Marine West Coast climate

A mountain or H climate is similar to Tundra climates

A mountain or H climate is a climate in which rainshadow conditions are the primary cause of drought

A typical characteristic of Tropical Rainforest climates is continually cloudless skies

Generally the Cf climates of the world are concentrated in the northeast regions of continents

Humid Continental climates are characterized by no soils, no vegetation

Humid Continental climates are located on continental interiors between 50 to 65 degrees latitude

Humid Subtropical climates are distinguished from Mediterranean climates by being considerably less humid

In A climates clothing should be lightweight, absorbent, minimal in quantity and tight fitting

In Mountain and Plateau climates land is the dominant control and wide ranges in temperature both daily and seasonally are typical

In an Aw climate in the Southern Hemisphere, July tends to be wetter than December

In most deserts there is characteristically a high relative humidity

Increase in relative humidities with increases in insolation and decreases in temperature would be typical characteristics of Continental climates

Koppen's Steppe climates are characterized by leached soil, large meandering streams, year round water surplus

Leaching of soils would pose a serious problem in the Mediterranean climate

Low latitude deserts in general have a characteristic location which might be described as centered at about 25 degrees of latitude on the east sides of continents

Most rainfall in the tropics is frontal in origin

One could characterize rainfall conditions in desert areas as gentle

Other than dryness, what characteristic distinguishes the low latitude B climates from the A climates a notable lack of association with global wind and pressure systems

Precipitation and pressure are terms used in describing climate

Since the humid continental climate is a land controlled climate, it is never found bordering the ocean

The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle are examples of locations determined by the Koppen classification system

The Tropical Monsoon climate is most like the Desert

The Tropical Monsoon climate is most like the Tropical Savanna

The cause of the dry season in Aw climates is the arrival of the ITCZ

The first known attempt at classifying climates was made by the Chinese

The general characteristics of C climates include a definite summer drought with a definite winter

The higher the mean annual precipitation of an area, the greater the variability of that precipitation

The humid subtropical climate is, in winter, similar to the wet tropics

The icecap climate supports some plant life but no trees

The locations of the major pressure and wind systems on the Earth are fixed by astronomy

The marine west coast climate most extensive on the continent of North America

The potato would be most closely associated with A climates

The rainfall distribution at a station located on an island in the Arctic Ocean at about 80N latitude has a summer dry season

The rainfall distribution at a station, such as New York City, located at about 40N latitude is dry all year around

The taiga, or boreal forest is characteristic of the B climates

The temperature range in desert areas is related to strong winds and dust

Tiaga forest is a typical vegetative type associated with Tundra climates

Why is the marine west coast (Cfb, Cfc) climate so widespread in western Europe?

In Europe there are no mountain barriers blocking access to the interior, thus the cool maritime air from the north Atlantic is able to penetrate far inland.

Describe the weather that could be associated with a strong springtime cyclonic storm traveling across the United States.

Intense cyclonic storms can affect large areas while producing blizzards, numerous severe thunderstorms, hailstorms and tornadoes.

Snowfall in the subarctic climate is minimal. Why might a winter visitor think differently?

Since little melting occurs for months at a time, the entire winter accumulation is visible at one time. Too, during blizzards the dry, powdery snow is picked up by the wind and moved about, thus giving the impression that more snow is falling than is actually the case.

Why do you think ground and air temperatures reach such high values in subtropical deserts?

Since these places have few, if any, clouds, they receive their full share of solar radiation. Of equal or greater importance is the fact that practically none of this energy is used to evaporate water (as in humid regions). Thus all of the energy goes to raising the temperature of the ground surface.

Why is a convergent pattern of surface winds associated with thunderstorm formation?

Surface convergence can provide the initial lifting needed to start the cumulus development.

20 to 40 inches of precipitation, monsoon effect, wide temperature swings daily and especially seasonally is characteristic of a Humid Continental climate

A perusal of a world climate map shows that similar climates are located at similar latitudes

Generally, the D climates are found poleward of the C climates

In an Aw climate in the Northern Hemisphere, December tends to be drier than July

In the Koppen classification, many of the climatic boundary lines are designed to match vegetational boundaries

In tropical climates, alluvial locations tend to yield more agricultural production than upland locations

Inadequate diets, improper sanitation and poor medical care are all major factors in the greater prevalence of disease in tropical areas as compared to mid-latitude locations

Mediterranean climates are noted particularly for having strong winds in summer

Nearly 10 percent of the land area of the Earth is in the category of ice cap climate

Other than dryness, what characteristic distinguishes the low latitude B climates from the A climates much greater annual temperature range

Places having subarctic climates typically experience the highest annual temperature range of any climatic type

Subarctic climates have the greatest annual temperature ranges on Earth

The B climates are characterized by little precipitation and year round high temperatures

The Koppen Marine West Coast climate frequented by middle latitude frontal lows and westerly winds all year

The Subarctic climates experience cold, long winters

The taiga is a coniferous forest

The tropical rain forest plant foliage is relatively sparse on the forest floor

Those who profess the Carbon Dioxide Theory of climatic change believe the Earth is heating up as a result of the Greenhouse Effect

Tropical Rainforest climates are characterized by leached soil, large meandering streams, year round water surplus

Tropical Rainforest climates are characterized by numerous tree species, dimly lit forest floor, trees never bare

Wide DAILY ranges of temperature would be most closely associated with Steppes

What is the significance of the 50 degree F summer isotherm.

The 50 degree F summer isotherm marks the poleward limit of tree growth. Thus it also marks the equatorward limit of the tundra.

Why is the annual temperature range so great in the subarctic climate?

The great range is due to latitude and continentality. There is a large seasonal variation in noon sun angle and length of daylight as well as a lack of a marine influence.

Why do dry summer subtropical climate precipitation totals increase with increases in latitude?

The influence of the subtropical high pressure system decreases.

What is the purpose of the Saffir-Simpson scale?

The scale is used to rank the intensity of a hurricane based on observed conditions in the storm. This permits estimates to be made of the damage that would result if the storm makes landfall.

How does the tropical rain forest differ from a typical middle-latitude forest?

The tropical rain forest is composed of broadleaf evergreen trees while typical mid-latitude forests are composed of broadleaf deciduous trees. While a mid-latitude forest is dominated by just a few different species of trees, the tropical rain forest is characterized by hundreds of different species per square mile.

In addition to the high latitudes, what might cause tundra climates to be found in more equatorward locations?

The tundra climate is often found farther equatorward in mountainous regions. The decrease in temperature with increasing elevation is responsible for these more equatorward areas having an ET climate.

In the wet tropics, mean monthly and annual temperatures are high and annual temperature range are low. Why?

These temperature characteristics reflect the fact that the length of daylight remains quite constant and the noon sun angle is consistently high.

A Steppe climate typically straddles the Equator and has year round precipitation

A Tropical Rainforest would most likely be found in Cuba

A Tropical Rainforest would most likely be found in India

A Tropical Rainforest would most likely be found in Italy

A Tropical Savanna climate typically straddles the Equator and has year round precipitation

A cold, dry environment would contain a largest number of different plant species than a cold, wet environmen

A damp, humid climate with an abundance of cloud cover is characteristic of a Humid Continental climate

A damp, humid climate with an abundance of cloud cover is characteristic of a Tundra climate

A desert soil is likely to be black in color

A desert soil is likely to be well watered

A generally accepted boundary beyond which trees will NOT grow is 55 degrees longitude

A generally accepted boundary beyond which trees will NOT grow is the 0 degree isotherm

A generally accepted boundary beyond which trees will NOT grow is the selva

A high number of days with cloudy weather, drizzle and or fog would best characterize Humid Subtropical climates

A high number of days with cloudy weather, drizzle and or fog would best characterize Subarctic climates

A high number of days with cloudy weather, drizzle and or fog would best characterize Tropical Rainforest climates

A hot, dry environment would contain a largest number of different plant species than a hot, wet environment

A mountain or H climate is found in any area located over 1,000 feet above sea level

A perusal of a world climate map shows that similar climates are located at similar elevations

A perusal of a world climate map shows that similar climates are located at similar longitudes

A typical characteristic of Tropical Rainforest climates is vegetation that contains only a small number of species

Along the 50th parallel in North America, you would expect to find the warmest summers on the east coast

Along the 50th parallel in North America, you would expect to find the warmest summers on the west coast

Approximately 10 percent of the land surface of the Earth is desert and steppe

Approximately 20 percent of the land surface of the Earth is desert and steppe

Approximately 40 percent of the land surface of the Earth is desert and steppe

Both Prairies and Steppes are grasslands, but Steppes have more trees than Prairies

Citrus and tourism would be most closely associated with a Humid Continental climate

Citrus and tourism would be most closely associated with a Marine West Coast climate

Citrus and tourism would be most closely associated with a Tropical Rainforest climate

Climatic boundaries, such as those shown on a world map of climate regions, fluctuate very little from year to year and should be regarded as fixed

Cloud cover and humidity are terms used in describing climate

Cloudiness that may average 50 to 70% annually is characteristic of a Humid Continental climate

Cloudiness that may average 50 to 70% annually is characteristic of a Tundra climate

Desert climates are characterized by numerous tree species, dimly lit forest floor, trees never bare

Desert climates are characterized by relative hot summers, relatively cold winters, summers are periods of highest absolute humidities but precipitation is minimal

Deserts are characterized by night is winter, temperature rarely above 95F

Deserts such as the Sahara exist because of extreme continentality

Florida Everglades, slash and burn agriculture, tall grasslands, lions and giraffes are all characteristic of a Desert climate

Florida Everglades, slash and burn agriculture, tall grasslands, lions and giraffes are all characteristic of a Steppe climate

Fogs and clouds would be more typical of a Mediterranean than a Marine West Coast climate

For Koppen, the distribution of precipitation best demonstrated the totality of a climate

For a continental area to experience a marine type climate, it must be located at high latitude

For a continental area to experience a marine type climate, it must be located at low altitude

For a continental area to experience a marine type climate, it must be located at low latitude

Four of the five major climatic groups listed below have temperature characteristics as their basis. The A climates do not

Four of the five major climatic groups listed below have temperature characteristics as their basis. The D climates do not

Generally the Cf climates of the world are concentrated in poleward of the D climates

Generally the Cf climates of the world are concentrated in the northwest regions of continents

Generally, the D climates are found Equatorward of the C climates

Generally, the D climates are found poleward of the E climates

High humidity, rainfalls of 60 to 80+ inches, an evergreen forest and heavily leached soils would be most characteristic of which of the Mediterranean climates

Humid Continental climates are closely associated with mosses, lichens, permafrost, less than 10 inches of precipitation

Humid Continental climates are located on the fringe of continents between the Arctic Circle and 75N

Humid Continental climates are source regions for cP air masses

Humid Continental climates have the greatest annual temperature ranges on Earth

Humid Subtropical climates are distinguished from Mediterranean climates by their location on the western side of continents

In a Marine West Coast climate at least one month, the temperature averages above 32F, and it is dominated by the Polar Easterlies wind belt

In a Tropical Rainforest climate there is considerable variation of temperature from day to day

In a Tropical Rainforest climate winters are distinct, but quite mild

In an Aw climate in the Northern Hemisphere, December tends to be wetter than July

In an Aw climate in the Northern Hemisphere, July tends to be drier than December

In comparison with the west coast of the United States, the east coast has a climate that is milder in summer but more severe in winter

In comparison with the west coast of the United States, the east coast has a climate that is more severe in summer but milder in winter

In most deserts there is characteristically an absence of wind movement

In most deserts there is characteristically heavy rainfall for at least six months each year

In reference to the dry or B or climates, there are usually more years when rainfall totals are above the average than below the average

It is in the A climates that would one find the greatest annual temperature range

Laterite soils are widely praised by farmers for their ability to grow a wide variety of crops at high yields

Leaching of soils would be a minor problem in the Humid Subtropical climates

Leaching of soils would be a minor problem in the Tropical Savannas climates

Leaching of soils would pose a serious problem in the Desert climate

Leaching of soils would pose a serious problem in the Tundra climate

Little precipitation falls in Mediterranean climates in the summer. This is because such areas are dominated in summer by offshore moving southeasterly trade winds

Little precipitation falls in Mediterranean climates in the summer. This is because such areas are dominated in summer by winds that bring in very dry air from nearby desert areas

Little precipitation falls in Mediterranean climates in the summer. This is because such areas are dominated in summer by the westerlies, which carry away the moisture

Low latitude deserts in general have a characteristic location which might be described as centered at about 40 degrees of latitude on the east sides of continents

Low latitude deserts in general have a characteristic location which might be described as near the Equator in the middle of continents

Many of the major and most extensive wheat producing regions of the world are located where Af climates prevail

Many of the major and most extensive wheat producing regions of the world are located where BW climates prevail

Many of the major and most extensive wheat producing regions of the world are located where Cf climates prevail

Marine West Coast climates are characterized by no soils, no vegetation

Marine West Coast climates are closely associated with mosses, lichens, permafrost, less than 10 inches of precipitation

Marine West Coast climates are source regions for cP air masses

Marine West Coast climates are typically located on the east sides of continents, 40 to 55 degrees latitude

Marine West Coast climates have the greatest annual temperature ranges on Earth

Marine climates are characterized by relative hot summers, relatively cold winters, summers are periods of highest absolute humidities but precipitation is minimal

Mediterranean climates are noted particularly for having a summer rainfall maximum

Mediterranean climates are noted particularly for having summers that are relatively cold

Mid-latitude locations on the WEST sides of continents is characteristic of Humid Subtropical climates

Mid-latitude marine climates are affected most by the southeast trades

Mid-latitude marine climates are affected most the midlatitude high pressure belt

More of the land area of the Earth is covered by the wet tropical, Af and Am, climates than any other climate type

Most places having an Aw climate experience a winter maximum of precipitation

Most places having an Aw climate experience it is not possible to generalize about seasonal distribution of rainfall in Aw climates

Places having ice cap climates typically experience the highest annual temperature range of any climatic type

Places having tundra climates typically experience the highest annual temperature range of any climatic type

Polar climates produce taiga forests

Poleward from the Equator the water requirements for plants generally increase

Poleward from the Equator the water requirements for plants generally remain the same

Precipitation in desert areas is frequent but quickly absorbed by the intense heat

Proximity to maritime tropical air masses is the most important factor controlling the seasonal distribution of precipitation in the Aw or Tropical Wet and Dry realm

Small daily and seasonal ranges in temperature, year round cloudiness are characteristic of Mountain and Plateau climates

Small islands and along windward coasts are characteristic of Mountain and Plateau climates

Snow is rare except in the higher elevations, adequate rainfall at all seasons are characteristics of Humid Continental climates

Snow is rare except in the higher elevations, adequate rainfall at all seasons are characteristics of Subarctic climates

Snow is rare except in the higher elevations, adequate rainfall at all seasons are characteristics of Tundra climates

Steppe and Prairie areas contain similar vegetation, but Steppes have taller, more luxuriant grasses

Subarctic climates are characterized by no soils, no vegetation

Subarctic climates are typically located on the east sides of continents, 40 to 55 degrees latitude

Subarctic climates typically have gray brown, strongly leached, semi fertile soils

Summer in a Humid Subtropical climate is uncomfortable because of frequent precipitation and fog

Summer in a Humid Subtropical climate is uncomfortable because of high winds and high temperatures

Tall, three story, deciduous evergreen trees underlain by little brush best describes which of the following climatic environments are characteristics of Tropical Savanna climates

Tall, three story, deciduous evergreen trees underlain by little brush best describes which of the following climatic environments are characteristics of Prairie climates

Temperate rainforest vegetation is characteristic of Humid Continental climates

Temperatures of 90 to 100F in summer, precipitation of 40 to 60 inches, trees generally too scrubby to be of commercial value are characteristics of Desert climates

Temperatures of 90 to 100F in summer, precipitation of 40 to 60 inches, trees generally too scrubby to be of commercial value are characteristics of Steppe climates

Temperatures of 90 to 100F in summer, precipitation of 40 to 60 inches, trees generally too scrubby to be of commercial value are characteristics of Tropical Rainforest climates

Ten months of winter and two months of bad sleighing would be most characteristic of Highland climates

Ten months of winter and two months of bad sleighing would be most characteristic of Humid Continental climates

The 10 degrees C summer isotherm marks the Equatorward limit of the humid subtropical climate

The 10 degrees C summer isotherm marks the Equatorward limit of the ice cap climate

The 10 degrees C summer isotherm marks the Equatorward limit of the subarctic climate

The B climates are characterized by low rates of evaporation

The B climates are characterized by very high temperatures that cause all moisture to evaporate

The B climates are characterized by windy evenings

The C climates are characterized by low latitude location

The Doldrums, precipitation most afternoons between 2 and 4PM would be very characteristic of Desert climates

The Doldrums, precipitation most afternoons between 2 and 4PM would be very characteristic of Tropical Savanna climates

The European climate record ndicates that present climates, while not stable, can be depended upon to offer similar temperature/rainfall patterns over several thousands of years

The Koppen Marine West Coast climate influenced by moist trade winds in summer

The Plate Tectonics or Continental Drift Theory of climatic change is useful in explaining the climatic changes that have taken place since the last ice age

The Savanna climate is characterized by evergreen trees

The Savanna climate is characterized by seasons based on temperatures

The Savanna climate is characterized by a well defined dry season coinciding with the low Sun or winter season

The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle are examples of locations determined by climate

The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle are examples of locations determined by measuring systems

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by deciduous trees

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by fairly pure stands of one or two types of trees covering vast areas

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by gentle rains lasting one to two days and followed by bright, clear skies

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by precipitation totals which generally range from 50 to 60 inches per year

The Tropical Rainforest climate is characterized by the presence of numerous large animal species on the forest floor

The Tropical Rainforest, or selva, gives way to other types of tropical forest in areas where mild winter temperatures allow deciduous trees to flourish

The Tropical Rainforest, or selva, gives way to other types of tropical forest in areas where needle leaf evergreen trees crowd out broadleaf evergreen trees

The Volcanic Dust Theory of climatic change holds that increased volcanic activity reduces the rate at which terrestrial radiation is returned to the atmosphere

The absence of E climates in the Southern Hemisphere is explained by few elevations in excess of 8000 feet above sea level

The absence of E climates in the Southern Hemisphere is explained by position of the pressure cells

The absence of E climates in the Southern Hemisphere is explained by the lack of adequate ocean surfaces

The basic difference between a BW climate and a BS climate is the BS is poleward of the BW

The basic difference between a BW climate and a BS climate is the BW is usually cooler

The cause of the dry season in Aw climates is the departure of onshore winds in the fall

The coldest spot on Earth, with respect to a daily temperature reading, would most likely be found in a Humid Continental climate

The coldest spot on Earth, with respect to a daily temperature reading, would most likely be found in a Marine West Coast climate

The coldest spot on Earth, with respect to a daily temperature reading, would most likely be found in a Subarctic climate

The distinct wet dry season in the Mediterranean Sea Basin is caused by a shift in the ITCZ

The distinct wet dry season in the Mediterranean Sea Basin is caused by changes in ocean currents

The dry summer subtropical climate is also called the monsoon climate

The dry summer subtropical climate is also called the savanna climate

The dry summer subtropical climate is also called the taiga climate

The first appearance of permafrost is most closely associated with Humid Continental climates

The first appearance of permafrost is most closely associated with Marine West Coast climates

The first appearance of permafrost is most closely associated with Tundra climates

The first known attempt at classifying climates was made by Galileo

The first known attempt at classifying climates was made by ancient Romans

The forests of the Tropical Rainforest climates are broadleaf deciduous

The forests of the Tropical Rainforest climates are needle leaf deciduous

The forests of the Tropical Rainforest climates are needle leaf evergreen

The general absence of continuous tree cover in the Tropical Savanna is caused by elevation

The general absence of continuous tree cover in the Tropical Savanna is caused by overall temperatures are too cool

The general characteristics of C climates include a severe, dry winter with a very hot, moist summer

The general characteristics of C climates include a winter not severe enough to affect vegetation and no moisture deficiency

The greatest variability in rainfall would generally be associated with A climates

The humid subtropical climate has relatively cool summers

The humid subtropical climate is also called the tiaga climate

The humid subtropical climate supports some plant life but no trees

The influence of the ocean on the climate of most any coastal area is likely to make that climate drier

The influence of the ocean on the climate of most any coastal area is likely to make that climate more severe in winter, but milder in summer

The latitude of a place is important for its climate since latitude determines distance from Sun

The main reason for the moderate climate of western coastal Norway is the occasional movement of the subtropical highs poleward in winter

The marine west coast climate does not include coastal Oregon

The marine west coast climate most extensive on the continent of Australia

The marine west coast climate most extensive on the continent of South America

The most important determinant of temperature overall is distribution of land and water

The most important determinant of temperature overall is ocean currents

The most important determinant of temperature overall is position of mountains and highlands

The name applied to the northern coniferous forest and to the climate that encompasses that forest is rainforest

The northern boundary of Humid Continental climates coincides with the poleward limit of tree growth

The northern boundary of Marine West Coastl climates coincides with the poleward limit of tree growth

The northern boundary of Tundra climates coincides with the poleward limit of tree growth

The only humid climate that has a strong winter precipitation maximum is the humid continental climate or Koppen's Dfa, Dfb, Dwa, Dwb climates

The only humid climate that has a strong winter precipitation maximum is the humid subtropical climate or Koppen's Cfa climate

The potato would be most closely associated with B climates

The potato would be most closely associated with C climates

The primary factor which determines whether a place will have a dry climate is how much evaporation occurs

The primary factor which determines whether a place will have a dry climate is its distance to a large water body

The primary factor which determines whether a place will have a dry climate is its elevation

The principal reason for aridity in cold deserts or BW climates is cold ocean currents offshore

The principal reason for aridity in cold deserts or BW climates is convergence of unlike air masses

The principal reason for aridity in cold deserts or BW climates is subsidence of air associated with subtropical high pressure cells

The rain shadow effect is very significant in the creation of mesothermal climates

The rain shadow effect is very significant in the creation of polar climates

The rain shadow effect is very significant in the creation of tropical climates

The rainfall distribution at a non-desert station located immediately to the north of the Sahara desert has a winter dry season

The rainfall distribution at a non-desert station located immediately to the north of the Sahara desert is dry all year around

The rainfall distribution at a station located along the Equator is dry all year around

The rainfall distribution at a station located on an island in the Arctic Ocean at about 80N latitude has a winter dry season

The subarctic and tundra climates generally have small precipitation totals, they are considered humid. The reason for this is permafrost does not let the water escape

The taiga is a broadleaf coniferous forest

The taiga is a monsoon forest

The term cold desert would be most closely associated with Subarctic climates

The tropical rain forest it is dominated by just a few different species of trees

The tropical rainforest consists primarily of jungle

The tropical rainforest is characterized by deciduous trees

The tropical rainforest is characterized by the dominance of conifers

The vegetation associated with the Aw climate is termed taiga

Tropical Savanna climates are are characterized by night is winter, temperature rarely above 95F

Tropical Savanna climates are most closely associated with the jungle vegetation type

Tundra climates are associated with cyclonic storms, mP air masses and moderate temperatures

Tundra climates are characterized by no soils, no vegetation

Tundra climates are closely associated with the Dairy, wheat and corn belts of the United States

Tundra climates are located on continental interiors between 50 to 65 degrees latitude

Tundra climates are source regions for cP air masses

West coast of landmasses between 40 and 60 degrees latitude are characteristic of Subarctic climates

Wide DAILY ranges of temperature would be most closely associated with Humid Subtropical climates

Wind and pressure are terms used in describing climate

You would expect most of the rainfall in the wet tropics, or Af and Am climates in midmorning

climates are associated with cyclonic storms, mP air masses and moderate temperatures

A climate is classified as dry if it receives less than 30 centimeters of rain annually, on average

false

A most important source of energy for a hurricane is solar radiation on its cloud tops

false

A significant decrease in large scale air flow aloft can diminish the intensity of a hurricane

false

A tornado is a small, very intense example of the Coriolis effect

false

A tornado is a small, very intense example of the anticyclone

false

A tornado is a small, very intense example of the geostrophic wind

false

A typhoon is a mid latitude cyclone in the western Pacific Ocean

false

Although detection and tracking of hurricanes is now quite accurate, damage from these storms continue to increase because of changes in tidal patterns

false

Although detection and tracking of hurricanes is now quite accurate, damage from these storms continue to increase because of poor forecasts of landfall area

false

Although it was a category 4 storm, Hurricane Andrew had a surprisingly high pressure value at its center

false

As a strong hurricane moves ashore, rains cause the most devastating damage in the coastal zone torrential rains

false

As a strong hurricane moves ashore, strong winds cause the most devastating damage in the coastal zone

false

Category 2 and 3 hurricanes do only minimal or moderate damage

false

Central pressure determines when a tropical depression or storm is given hurricane status

false

Destruction caused by a tornado is primarily due to the large pressure drop as the funnel passes over

false

During January to February hurricane formation in the North Atlantic is at a peak

false

During November to December hurricane formation in the North Atlantic is at a peak

false

Easterly waves, also called tropical disturbances, are usually associated with the formation of anticyclones

false

Easterly waves, also called tropical disturbances, are usually associated with the formation of tornadoes

false

Florida Everglades, slash and burn agriculture, tall grasslands, lions and giraffes are all characteristic of a Tropical Rainforest climate

false

Galveston, Texas has historically proven most susceptible to large losses of life from storm surge in the twentieth century

false

Hurricane rainfall is not a useful precipitation resource for the affected areas

false

Hurricane storm surges do not combine with the normal tide cycles

false

Hurricane wind speeds are fastest near the center of the eye

false

Hurricanes and mid latitude cyclones are similar in that both are most common and well developed in the winter

false

Hurricanes and mid latitude cyclones are similar in that both form in the trade wind belt

false

Hurricanes and mid latitude cyclones are similar in that both have conspicuous surface fronts

false

Hurricanes and typhoons are both names for storm systems at the polar front

false

Hurricanes and typhoons are both names for storms that develop wind speeds of over 250 miles per hour

false

Hurricanes are so severe because there is no airflow outward from their upper levels

false

Hurricanes can form over tropical land masses as well as over tropical oceans

false

Hurricanes form at the Equator

false

Hurricanes form between 20 degrees and 35 degrees latitude

false

Hurricanes form between 35 degrees and 50 degrees latitude

false

Hurricanes initially form only in the tropics because stronger pressure gradients are found there

false

Hurricanes initially form only in the tropics because subsiding air currents are found there

false

Hurricanes tend to form between the Tropic of Cancer, or Capricorn, poleward to approximately 30 degrees latitude

false

Hurricanes that affect the United States occur most frequently during the same months as tornadoes are most prevalent

false

If a severe thunderstorm produces large hail, it will not produce a tornado

false

In Europe, the warmest period since the last glacial advance was about 1300 AD to 1850 AD

false

In order to qualify as a hurricane, winds in a tropical disturbance must reach 100 mph

false

In order to qualify as a hurricane, winds in a tropical disturbance must reach 35 mph

false

In order to qualify as a hurricane, winds in a tropical disturbance must reach 50 mph

false

In terms of overall damage, the most destructive agent associated with a hurricane is lightning

false

In terms of overall damage, the most destructive agent associated with a hurricane is tornadoes

false

In terms of overall damage, the most destructive agent associated with a hurricane is wind

false

More hurricanes form in the South Atlantic and the eastern South Pacific than in any other regions

false

Most places having an Aw climate experience precipitation distributed evenly throughout the year

false

Most tornadoes in the central U.S. occur during the spring months because at this time of year divergence of air aloft is greatest

false

Most tornadoes in the central U.S. occur during the spring months because at this time of year surface air is most humid

false

Most tornadoes in the central U.S. occur during the spring months because at this time of year upper air temperatures are warmest

false

Most tornadoes occur in the late fall and early winter

false

Most tornadoes occur in the late summer and fall

false

Most tornadoes occur over the Rocky Mountain region

false

Most tropical cyclones originate along the polar front

false

Most tropical cyclones originate in the centers of subtropical highs

false

Most tropical cyclones originate in the belt of westerly winds

false

Movement away from areas of high ocean salinity cause hurricanes in the Atlantic to move toward the west during their early stages

false

New Mexico is struck by the largest number of tornadoes

false

On average, tornadoes kill more people every year in the United States than any other severe weather phenomenon

false

Other than dryness, what characteristic distinguishes the low latitude B climates from the A climates lower maximum temperatures

false

Prediction success and observation of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes by the National Weather Service is limited because observers are not always well trained

false

Project Stormfury was aimed at improving hurricane forecasts by using computer models

false

Saffir Simpson Scale is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes

false

Severe weather, including tornadoes, is most often associated with an occluded front

false

Stronger Coriolis force causes the winds of a hurricane to be so fast

false

Suction spots are a phenomenon associated with hurricanes

false

Suction spots are a phenomenon associated with thunderstorms

false

The Stormfury scale is used to establish categories of hurricane intensity

false

The ability to predict severe thunderstorms and tornadoes by the National Weather Service is limited because wind speeds are too fast to measure

false

The approximate diameter of a mature hurricane is 50 km or less

false

The approximate diameter of a mature hurricane is 50 to 100 km

false

The approximate diameter of a mature hurricane is about 1000 km

false

The diameter of a typical tornado funnel cloud would be 1000 meters

false

The diameter of a typical tornado funnel cloud would be 2500 meters

false

The diameter of a typical tornado funnel cloud would be 50 meters

false

The easterly wave or tropical disturbance brings intensely cold weather

false

The easterly wave or tropical disturbance travels from west to east

false

The easterly wave or tropical disturbance is an intense tropical storm

false

The eye of a hurricane has the most intense rainfall

false

The eye of a hurricane is a figment of mans imagination

false

The eye of a hurricane is the portion with the highest wind speeds

false

The eye region of a hurricane is largely free of precipitation and clouds because of rising air motion

false

The eye region of a hurricane is largely free of precipitation and clouds because of the presence of cooler temperatures

false

The general circulation wind belt that is the place of origin for hurricanes is the horse latitudes

false

The greatest number of hurricane related deaths may be attributed to inland freshwater flooding

false

The greatest number of hurricane related deaths may be attributed to lightning

false

The greatest number of hurricane related deaths may be attributed to strong winds

false

The initial detection and monitoring of tropical storms that may become hurricanes is accomplished by aircraft

false

The initial detection and monitoring of tropical storms that may become hurricanes is accomplished by ocean buoys

false

The initial detection and monitoring of tropical storms that may become hurricanes is accomplished by ocean ships

false

The largest number of hurricanes form right along the Equator

false

The largest of the severe thunderstorm systems is the squall line

false

The locations of the major pressure and wind systems on the Earth are fixed by the poles and Equator

false

The most common cloud type in a hurricane is cirrus

false

The most common cloud type in a hurricane is nimbostratus

false

The most important tool for detecting and monitoring hurricanes is aircraft reconnaissance

false

The most important tool for detecting and monitoring hurricanes is radar

false

The most important tool for detecting and monitoring hurricanes is submarine reconnaissance

false

The most likely season for hurricanes to occur in the North Atlantic is April to June

false

The most likely season for hurricanes to occur in the North Atlantic is January to March

false

The most likely season for hurricanes to occur in the North Atlantic is any month

false

The primary force causing the fast winds of a tornado is electrical

false

The prime season for the occurrence of tornadoes in the southeastern United States is December, January and February

false

The steering influence of ocean currents cause hurricanes in the Atlantic to move toward the west during their early stages

false

The typical hurricane has atmospheric motions that lie within the macroscale

false

The typical hurricane has atmospheric motions that lie within the mesoscale

false

The typical hurricane has atmospheric motions that lie within the microscale

false

The warmer water temperatures cause hurricanes in the Atlantic to move toward the west during their early stages

false

To officially be a hurricane, the disturbance must have rotary circulation and have wind speeds of at least 161 kilometers per hour

false

To officially be a hurricane, the disturbance must have rotary circulation and have wind speeds of at least 70 kilometers per hour

false

To officially be a hurricane, the disturbance must have rotary circulation and have wind speeds of at least 92 kilometers per hour

false

Tornadoes and mid-latitude cyclones are similar in that both are most common and well developed in the winter season

false

Tornadoes and mid-latitude cyclones are similar in that both form in the trade wind belt

false

Tornadoes and mid-latitude cyclones are similar in that both have conspicuous surface fronts

false

Tornadoes are cyclonic while hurricanes are anticyclonic

false

Tornadoes are most frequent during the January to March period

false

Tornadoes most often move toward the southeast

false

Tornadoes most often move toward the west

false

Tornadoes rarely occur in conjunction with hurricanes

false

Tornadoes usually occur along the warm front of a mid-latitude cyclone

false

Tornadoes while most numerous in the United States, are fairly common features in tropical locations

false

Tropical cyclones do NOT form at the Equator because there is not enough precipitation there

false

A Mesoscale Convective Complex, or MCC, is a large, fast moving storm

false A Mesoscale Convective Complex is a large, slow moving storm. They generally form in the late afternoon, they may be 1000 or more square miles in size, and may have a life of up to 24 hours

Falling barometer -- fair weather

false A falling barometer indicates disturbed or bad weather. It indicates an approaching low pressure cell with its ascending air and potential for condensation, clouds and the like

A tornado is a very intense and powerful tropical cyclone

false A hurricane is the large tropical cyclone. A tornado is a cyclone, but it tends to be of mid-latitude origin

A Mesoscale Convective Complex, or MCC, is typically made up of 10 to 20 thunderstorms clustered together

false A mesoscale convective complex is in fact a group of thunderstorms that may number in the hundreds, clustered together in a large circular or oval shaped cell

When tornadoes develop, it is usually in association with air mass thunderstorms

false Air mass thunderstorms seldom if ever produce severe weather. A severe thunderstorm, which is larger and longer lived than an air mass thunderstorm, tends to produce the severe weather including tornadoes

Plenty of hurricanes from poleward of 20 degrees latitude

false As you advance poleward, waters becomes cooler. Remember hurricanes form when water temperatures reach 80 degrees F or more. Few hurricanes can form where water temperatures are below 80 degrees F.

You would expect most of the rainfall in the wet tropics, the Af and Am climates, in midmorning

false Cumulus clouds form during late morning and early afternoon as a result of surface heating, and this buildup continues until about 3 or 4 pm. During this time temperatures are highest and thermal convection is at a maximum. It is at this time when most rainfall is expected

Doppler radar can now provide adequate warning of impending tornadoes at least 95 percent of the time

false Doppler radar can detect the initial formation and subsequent development of a tornado within a thunderstorm, however, Doppler radar is not without its problems and has only been able to increase warning times by about 50 percent

Fogs and clouds would be more typical of a Mediterranean than a Marine West Coast climate

false Fogs and clouds would be more typical of a Marine West Coast climate due to the warm ocean air being blown over the cold surface of the land. Mediterranean climates tend to be much drier, thus fogs and clouds are much less common than what is found in the Marine West Coast climates

Hailstones never grow bigger than the size of a golf ball because at about that weight and size, the winds aloft can no longer hold it in the cloud

false Hailstones have grown to the size of grapefruits. The winds in thunderstorms are very turbulent and can throw around things much larger than hailstones

High winds account for most of the destruction associated with hurricanes

false High winds most likely will get your attention, but it is the water associated with the storm surge that is the most destructive aspect of a hurricane

Although it was a category 4 storm, Hurricane Andrew had a surprisingly high pressure value at its center

false Hurricane Andrew was actually the third lowest pressure hurricane to make land fall in the United States during this century

After names are used for a six year cycle when naming tropical storms and hurricanes, the names are retired never to be used again

false Hurricane names can be used again after a six year cycle only if a name has not been retired. Names are retired only if a storm was noteworthy. This helps to prevent confusion when the names are discussed in the future

Hurricanes that affect the United States occur most frequently during the same months as tornadoes are most prevalent

false Hurricanes are most common in the United States from August to October, and tornadoes occur most frequently during the months of May and June

Jungle is synonymous with selva

false Jungle is a term often used to refer to a great abundance of vines, brush and trees -- the result is a vegetation type difficult for Man to move through. This is a very different environment that the selva where low levels of light on the floor of the forest tend to reduce the amount of vegetation present. Where light is present, one may find jungle conditions

Koppen's B, or Dry climates, occupy approximately 25 percent of the land area of the Earth

false Koppen's B climates occupy approximately 30 percent of the land surface. You are thinking of the A climates.

Laterite soils are widely praised by farmers for their ability to grow a wide variety of crops at high yields

false Laterite soils are among the poorest soils for farming due to the fact that they are severely leached. This leads to low fertility because plant nutrients are removed by the large volumes of downward percolating rainwater

Tornadic thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms found in MCCs generate the greatest number of tornadoes

false Middle latitude cyclones and hurricanes generate the greatest number of tornadoes. The most intense or powerful tornadoes are generated by tornadic thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms found in MCCs.

The term overrunning is generally applied to cold air gliding up along a warm air mass

false Nimbostratus clouds are dark gray clouds and often exhibit a ragged-appearing base

The most severe hurricane is a category 1 on the Saffir Simpson scale

false The most severe hurricane is a category 5 on the Saffir Simpson scale This level of hurricane is classed as catastrophic

Most rainfall in the tropics is frontal in origin

false The rainfall associated with the tropics is the result of extensive regional heating, thermal convection, and location in the zone of converging trade winds referred to as the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Thermal convection coupled with convergence leads to the ascension of warm, humid, unstable air, ideal for precipitation. Remember, frontal weather requires the conflict of differing air masses. Air masses in the tropics tend to be similar in nature

The largest number of hurricanes form right along the Equator

false The reason for the lack of hurricane formation is due to the fact that Coriolis force is these areas is too weak to initiate the necessary rotary motion

Tropical depression -- wind between 37 and 73 mph

false The strongest winds in a tropical depression will not exceed 37 mph. You have this mixed up with a tropical storm whose strongest winds run between 37 and 74 mph

The vegetation associated with the Subarctic climate closely resembles the vegetation associated with the tundra climate

false The vegetation associated with the Subarctic climate is known as the taiga and produces vast spruce, fir, larch and birch forests. The Tundra climate is a treeless region of grasses, sedges, mosses, and lichens

A typical tornado may measure several miles across at the funnel

false While tornadoes have been known to occasionally measure more than 2 miles across, most are only a couple of hundred yards across

A Tropical Rainforest climate typically straddles the Equator and has year round precipitation

A damp, humid climate with an abundance of cloud cover is characteristic of a Marine West Coast climate

A desert soil is likely to be fertile

A generally accepted boundary beyond which trees will NOT grow is the 50 degree isotherm

A high number of days with cloudy weather, drizzle and or fog would best characterize Marine West Coast climates

A mountain or H climate is a complex of miniature climatic regions often too difficult to map

Along the 50th parallel in North America, you would expect to find the warmest summers in the interior

At the same latitude, a continental climate is usually more extreme than a marine climate

Citrus and tourism would be most closely associated with a Mediterranean climate

Climate zones near the Equator have larger temperature changes from day to night than from month to month

Climates exhibiting continentality exhibit great temperature rangest

Climates exhibiting continentality have severe winters

Climates exhibiting continentality often have very warm summers

Cloudiness that may average 50 to 70% annually is characteristic of a Marine West Coast climate

Constant overhead Sun is less likely to be the most persistent climatological problem for people though not necessarily their activities in an Af climate

Continental climates are characterized by relative hot summers, relatively cold winters, summers are periods of highest absolute humidities but precipitation is minimal

Cool summer climates are found at high altitudes

Cool summer climates are found at high latitudes

Deserts and steppes are caused by orographic effects

Deserts and steppes are caused by subsidence from high pressure cells

Deserts and steppes are caused by location on the interior of large land masses

Deserts such as the Sahara exist because of the influence of the subtropical highs

Florida Everglades, slash and burn agriculture, tall grasslands, lions and giraffes are all characteristic of a Tropical Savanna climate

For a continental area to experience a marine type climate, it must be located on a windward coast

For many tropical wet and dry or Aw or stations in the Northern Hemisphere, April and May are often warmer than June and July

Four of the five major climatic groups listed below have temperature characteristics as their basis. The B climates do not

Generally speaking, the lower the mean annual precipitation of an area, the greater the variability of that precipitation

Generally the Cf climates of the world are concentrated in the southeastern regions of continents

High humidity, rainfalls of 60 to 80+ inches, an evergreen forest and heavily leached soils would be most characteristic of which of the Rainforest climates

Humid Continental climates are closely associated with the Dairy, wheat and corn belts of the United States

Humid Subtropical climates generally have a denser vegetation cover than Mediterranean climates

In Continental climates land is the dominant control and wide ranges in temperature both daily and seasonally are typical

In Europe, the warmest period since the last glacial advance was about 4500 BC to 2500 BC

In Marine West Coast climates drizzle from gray, overcast skies is typical of winter

In a region where potential precipitation exceeds potential evaporation one would expect the prevailing conditions to be arid

In an Aw climate in the Northern Hemisphere, July tends to be wetter than December

In comparison with continental climates, maritime climates have warmer summers

In summer the Mediterranean climate is strongly influenced by the dry subtropical high

In the humid continental climate, shifts in wind directions sometimes cause rapid and large temperature changes. This is most pronounced during the winter season

In the wet tropics daily temperature ranges usually exceed the annual temperature range

Increase in relative humidities with increases in insolation and decreases in temperature would be typical characteristics of Mountain and Plateau climates

It is not always possible to determine whether a climate is humid or dry by knowing only the precipitation total

Little precipitation falls in Mediterranean climates in the summer. This is because such areas are dominated in summer by the drought causing mid-latitude high pressure belt

Low latitude deserts in general have a characteristic location which might be described as centered at about 25 degrees on the west sides of continents

Many of the major and most extensive wheat producing regions of the world are located where BS climates prevail

Marine West Coast climates typically have gray brown, strongly leached, semi fertile soils

Mediterranean climates are noted particularly for having a summer temperature maximum

Middle latitude deserts, BWk, and steppes, BSk, are dominated by the subtropical highs

Middle latitude deserts, BWk, and steppes, BSk, are more common in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere

Middle latitude deserts, BWk, and steppes, BSk, are usually located deep in the interior of a continent

Migration of the ITCZ is the most important factor controlling the seasonal distribution of precipitation in the Aw, Tropical Wet and Dry, realm

One could characterize rainfall conditions in desert areas as brief

One could characterize rainfall conditions in desert areas as scarce

One could characterize rainfall conditions in desert areas as undependable

There are different stages of a thunderstorm development. During the Mature stage what is taking place A. Heavy Rain B. Light Rain C. No Rain D. Moderate Rain

A. Correct, gusty winds, lighting, heavy precipitation and sometimes hail are typically experienced B. Sorry. This is taking place in the dissipating stage. The cooling effect of falling precipitation and the influx of cooler air aloft mark the end of the thunderstorm C. No. During the cumulus stage strong updrafts act to build the storm upward D. This is incorrect. This occurs at the end of the mature stage and the beginning of the dissipating stage

In the United States, what the months of the year are at risk for developing a mesoscale convective complex storm A. March to September B. October to December C. All Year D. Only during the summer months

A. Correct, the majority of the year is at risk to produce these storms, especially during the summer time due to the intense heating B. Incorrect, think of the word convective and refer to convectional lifting. Intense heating is rare during these months C. Incorrect. Think of the word convective and refer to convectional lifting. Intense heating is rare during the winter months D. Incorrect, this may seem correct because of the intense heating during these months, but the spring months and very late winter days are included

How is drought different from other natural hazards A. Occurs in a creeping manner B. No exact definition of drought exists C. Effects are less apparent than with other natural hazards D. All the above

A. Good choice, but there is a better one. Creeping makes the beginning and conclusion of droughts difficult to determine B. Good choice, but there is a better one. The lack of a specific definition makes it confusing as to whether a drought is occurring or not C. Good choice, but there is a better one. Droughts seldom produce structural damage D. You are correct. The effects of drought happen slowly. There is no agreement on the definition. And droughts rarely cause damage to physical structures

What time of year is a hurricane most likely to occur in the Atlantic Ocean and move towards North America A. June to December B. January to March C. August to October D. June to November

A. Try again. This is the time of the year cyclonic disturbances increase in the North Pacific and move toward Asia B. No, this answer is incorrect. This formation period is most closely associated with Australia C. You are correct. The hurricanes form to the east of North America most frequently during this time D. Sorry, please try again. The highest frequency during this time would be in the Indian Ocean

Which scale or instrument measures the intensity of hurricanes A. Saffir-Simpson B. Doppler Radar C. Thermograph D. Isotherm

A. Yes, the correct answer is the Saffir-Simpson scale because it ranks the relative intensities of hurricanes B. Sorry. Doppler Radar tracks thunderstorms and issue warnings based on their potential to produce tornadoes C. Sorry, the thermograph is also incorrect because it is an instrument that continuously records temperature D. No, an isotherm is a line that connects points on a map that have the same temperature. The isotherm examines distribution of air temperatures over large areas

The narrowing column of rotating air stretches downward until a portion of the cloud protrudes below a very dark, slowly rotating _________ A. Wall Cloud B. Funnel Cloud C. Suction Vortex D. Tornado

A. Yes, this answer is correct B. Sorry this is not the correct answer. A funnel cloud is a slender and rapidly spinning vortex that emerges from the base of the wall cloud C. Sorry. These are smaller intense whirls that are within a tornado D. No, there is a better answer. If a funnel cloud makes contact with the surface, it is then classified as a tornado, but this is not what we are looking for

The only humid climate that has a pronounced winter rainfall maximum, a feature that reflects its intermediate position, is the A. Dry-Summer Subtropical, or Mediterranean climate B. Marine West Coast climate C. Middle Latitude Desert climate D. Subtropical Desert climate

A. Yes, this is correct. Situated between the Marine West Coast Climate on the poleward side and the Subtropical steppes on the equatorward side, this climate is transitional in character B. No, try again. The prevalence of maritime air masses means mild winters, cool summers, and ample rainfall throughout the year C. No, this is incorrect. These dry lands exist principally because of their position in the deep interiors of large landmasses, far removed from the main moisture source -- the oceans. In addition, the presence of high mountains across the paths of the prevailing winds further separates these areas from water bearing maritime air masses D. No, try again. No well-defined seasonal precipitation pattern exists in subtropical deserts. The reason is that these areas are too far poleward to be influenced by the ITCZ, and too far equatorward to benefit from the frontal and cyclonic precipitation of the middle latitudes

Which of these radar types has significantly improved our ability to track thunderstorms and issue warnings based on their potential to produce tornadoes A. Doppler radar B. Fujita intensity radar C. Mesoscale Convective Complex D. Polar satellites

A. Yes, this is the best answer. If you watch the weather, surely you have heard of Doppler radar. Doppler radar performs the same tasks as a conventional radar, but also has the ability to detect motion within clouds B. Way off base here. This is not a type of radar. The Fujita intensity scale measures tornado intensity C. There is a much better answer. This is not even remotely related to a radar, but rather is actually many individual thunderstorms organized into a large oval to circular cluster of severe thunderstorms D. This is not a type of radar. These satellites are concerned with images of the Earth, completely unrelated to thunderstorm warnings and tornadoes

A _________________ is a dome of water 65 to 80 kilometers wide that sweeps across the coast near the point where the eye makes landfall A. Storm Surge B. Easterly Waves C. Eye D. Tropical Storm

A. Yes, this is the correct answer B. Sorry, an easterly wave is a large undulation or ripple in the trade winds C. No, the eye is the name given to the area of calm in the center of a hurricane D. There is a better answer. Tropical storms typically do not have eyes

Air mass thunderstorms frequently occur in what type of air mass A. mT B. cA C. cT D. cP

A. Yes, you are correct. Because the mT air mass often becomes unstable in spring and summer when it is warmed from below by the heated land surface, it is during these seasons that air mass thunderstorms are most frequent B. No, this is not correct. These air masses are bitterly cold, and very dry C. No, try again. These air masses bring hot, dry, and cloudless weather, rarely influencing areas outside source region D. No, this is not right. These air masses tend to be very cold and dry

Tall, 100 feet or more, closely set, broadleaf, evergreen trees A. Tropical Rainforest B. Tropical Savanna C. Desert D. Steppe

A. You are correct. 100 feet is like a 10 story building. Huge trees with broad leaves -- not needle leaf like pines -- and green all year B. No, this answer is incorrect. No big trees in the savanna. Keep in mind that the hot, dry summers are very tough on vegetation C. Sorry, please try again. Trees of any size are hard to find in deserts D. No, please try again. No trees in the steppe -- just lots of grass. Think step down in vegetation from trees to grass

All of the cities described below are in North America and are classified as Humid Continental climates. Which city has the smallest variation in rainfall from month to month throughout the year A. City A, a leeward coastal city at 40 degrees north latitude B. City B, a city in the interior of the continent at 40 degrees north latitude C. City C, a city in the interior of the continent at 50 degrees north latitude D. all of these

A. You are correct. Leeward location is going to cut this location off from the moisture source all year. It should be uniformly dry at this location throughout the year B. No, this answer is incorrect. It is likely that moisture will be present at least in the summer months. Rainfalls will most likely be greatest at this season C. Sorry, please try again. Moisture likely present during the summer months. Rainfalls will most likely be greatest at this season D. No, please try again. One of these is a better answer than the others

A damp, humid climate with an abundance of cloud cover A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. You are correct. Lots of precipitation, clouds, high humidity and lush vegetation B. No, this answer is incorrect. Continental means land, and during large parts of the year, this climate is dominated by generally clear to partly cloudy skies C. Sorry, please try again. Damp maybe in the sense of high humidity, but too cold for any significant amounts of precipitation D. No, please try again. Damp maybe in the sense of high humidity, but too cold for any significant amounts of precipitation

The most costly hurricane in terms of money between 1985 and 1996 was Hurricane A. Andrew B. Iniki C. Hugo D. Opal

A. You are correct. Right through the mobile home parks of southern Florida B. No, this answer is incorrect. Just a diversion C. Sorry, please try again. Big, but there is a better answer D. No, please try again. Long ago and not in the same league with the correct answer

Snow is rare except in the higher elevations, adequate rainfall at all seasons A. Marine West Coast B. Humid Continental C. Subarctic D. Tundra

A. You are correct. The marine influence keeps temperatures generally above the freezing mark except in the higher elevations B. No, this answer is incorrect. Continental means cold and there is plenty of snow whenever you get humidity and cold temperatures together C. Sorry, please try again. Snow is fairly common in these climates -- though the quantities are limited due to the very cold nature of the air. Once on the ground though, it tends to remain for much of the winter D. No, please try again. Snow is fairly common in these climates -- though the quantities are limited due to the very cold nature of the air. Once on the ground though, it tends to remain for much of the winter

What is the first line of defense for detecting Hurricanes A. Satellites B. Aircraft Reconnaissance C. Radar and Data Buoys D. All the above

A. You are right. Even before a storm begins to develop cyclonic flow and strengthening cloud bands, it can be detected by satellites B. Good choice, but there is a better one. Aircraft reconnaissance can carry special equipment to gather specific readings on the storm, but it not the first to detect a hurricane C. Good choice, but there is a better one. Details received by radar and data buoys are typically used to refine hurricane warnings as they approach the coast D. Sorry, please try again. While all three of the above are a means to measure and monitor hurricanes, only one can be first

As air moves down the leeward side of the mountain, its temperature falls at the ___ rate, which is ___ degrees per 1000 feet A. WAR, 5.5 B. DAR, 5.5 C. WAR, 3.0

A. Nope, as air descends down the leeward side of a mountain it falls at the DAR, not the WAR, which is 5.5 degrees per 1000 feet B. Correct. As air descends down the leeward side of a mountain, it falls at the DAR, which is 5.5 degrees per 1000 feet C. No, as air descends down the leeward side of a mountain, it falls at the DAR, not the WAR, which is 5.5 degrees per 1000 feet

Describe the initial stage in the formation of a midlatitude cyclone.

Cyclonic formation (cyclogenesis) occurs when two air masses of different densities (temperature) are moving roughly parallel to each other, but in opposite directions.

List four ways instablility can be enhanced

Intense solar heating that warms the lowermost layer of the atmosphere, heating of an air mass from below as it passes over a warm surface, general upward movement of air (orographic, convectional, cyclonic), radiation cooling from cloud tops.

List three ways stability can be enhanced

Radiation cooling of the surface after sunset, cooling of an air mass from below as it moves over a cold surface, general subsidence within an air column.

How does stable air differ from unstable air

Stable air resists vertical displacement whereas unstable air reinforces vertical motion.

Why does especially cold weather often follow the departure of a mid-latitude cyclone in the eastern half of the United States?

The northerly winds on the back side of the low bring in continental polar or arctic air.

List two ways in which upper-level wind patterns influence surface low pressure systems.

They provide for development or intensification and they exert a steering influence

What weather conditions would lead you to believe that the air around you is unstable?

Towering cauliflower-shaped clouds, heavy precipitation, and isolated showers in summer are all conditions associated with unstable air.

Frontal systems cause clouds by adding moisture to the air

false Along the frontal zone of conflict, midlatitude cyclones develop and produce much of the precipitation and severe weather in the belt of the Westerlies. This is primarily caused by the wedging effect of drier, colder air under the warmer more humid air. This uplift often causes precipitation. But moisture is not ADDED

Lightning always occurs between a cloud and the ground

false Lightning can occur between a cloud and the ground However it can also occur within a cloud and even between two different clouds

The first sign of an approaching warm front is the appearance of cirrostratus clouds

false The first sign of an approaching warm front is the appearance of cirrus clouds

Cold fronts are steeper than warm fronts

true Cold fronts on average are about twice as steep as warm fronts

The dissipating stage is the final stage of a thunderstorm.

true Dissipating, as the name implies, is the ending process of a thunderstorm. Down drafts dominate this stage from start to finish. This stage usually lasts about 15 or so minutes, and then warm moist air returns. New storms often follow this final stage

Ridges and troughs are features of the upper level wind pattern

true Ridges are elongated regions of high pressure and troughs are elongated regions of low pressure in the upper level wind pattern

Middle latitude cyclones tend to die out once all the warm air has risen aloft

true The reason for this is that it is the warm air that provides most of the energy for the cyclone. Once the energy supply has been removed, the storm will tend to die rather quickly

How could the radar image of a group of thunderstorms indicate whether they were most likely frontal or air mass types?

Frontal thunderstorms should be aligned, while air mass thunderstorms should be randomly scattered.

Thunder generates lightning

false Lightning is produced when the negative region of a cloud discharges and strikes the positive area of the ground below or more frequently the positively charged portion of that same or a nearby cloud

Most precipitation from thunderstorms originates through the collision coalescence process

false Most of the precipitation from a thunderstorm originates by way of the Bergeron process

In reference to an occluded front, the ________ is moving more rapidly than the _________ A. Cold Front, Warm Front B. Warm Front, Cold Front C. Cold Front, Stationary Front D. Warm Front, Stationary Front

A. Correct, because the cold front is overtaking the warm front B. Incorrect, this is the opposite, remember which front is overtaking the other C. Incorrect, a stationary front does not occur in an occluded front D. Incorrect, a stationary front does not occur in an occluded front

In the case of orographic lifting, the dew point of an air mass will _______ after it has reached 100 percent relative humidity A. Decrease B. Increase C. Stay the same D. Not enough information

A. Correct, the dew point will decrease along with the temperature after the relative humidity reaches 100 percent B. Incorrect, this may occur during an inversion, but that is highly unlikely C. Incorrect, the dew point will stay the same until the air mass reaches 100 percent relative humidity, therefore, the dew point and temperature will be equal, but as the air continues to elevate, the temperature will drop, which will also drop the dew point D. Incorrect, think of the ELR and WAR concept

In the terms of their averages, arrange the three lapse rates in order from the steepest to the most gentle A. DAR, WAR, ELR B. DAR, ELR, WAR C. WAR, ELR, DAR D. WAR, DAR, ELR

A. Incorrect, DAR -- 5.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, ELR -- 3.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, and WAR -- 3.2 degrees F per 1000 feet B. Correct, DAR -- 5.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, ELR -- 3.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, and WAR -3.2 degrees F per 1000 feet C. Incorrect, DAR -- 5.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, ELR -- 3.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, and WAR -- 3.2 degrees F per 1000 feet D. Incorrect, DAR -- 5.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, ELR -- 3.5 degrees F per 1000 feet, and WAR -- 3.2 degrees F per 1000 feet

The polar front theory provides meteorologists with a useful model of how a _______ develops A. Cold Front B. Warm Front C. Stationary Front D. Mid-latitude Cyclone

A. Incorrect, this is a piece of the polar front theory that develops into something larger B. Incorrect, this is a piece of the polar front theory that develops into something larger C. Incorrect, this has nothing to do with the polar front theory D. Correct, although the original model was changed, the main ideas of the theory remain useful to modern meteorological though

Upslope fog is similar in terms of its formation to which one of the four lifting processes A. Convectional Activity B. Frontal Activity C. Orographic Lifting D. Convergence

A. Incorrect, this is intense heating of the surface, which causes the air parcel to rise and form thunderstorms B. Incorrect, this is activity caused by interactions of different air masses C. Correct, this is activity caused by the lifting of an air mass over a mountain barrier D. Incorrect, this is a pileup of horizontal airflow that results in upward movement or lifting of the air

Which of the following is NOT one of the types of stability in the atmosphere A. Absolute Stability B. Absolute Instability C. Conditional Instability D. Conditional Stability

A. Incorrect, this occurs when the ELR is less than the WAR B. Incorrect, this occurs when the ELR is greater than the DAR C. Incorrect, this occurs when the ELR is between the WAR and DAR D. Correct, there is no such thing In the case of orographic lifting, the dew point of an

In the normal scheme of things in the atmosphere, the air is immobile and the temperature tends to ________ A. Increase B. Decrease C. Remain Constant D. Not enough Information

A. Incorrect, this would be an inversion B. Correct, excluding inversions, the temperature will always decrease with increase in altitude C. Incorrect, the temperature will eventually decrease D. Incorrect, think of the environmental lapse rate

When the density of an air parcel is less than that of the surrounding air, the tendency of that air parcel will be to rise. This is called __________ A. Negative buoyancy B. Atmospheric Stability C. Positive Buoyancy D. Neutral Buoyancy

A. Incorrect, when the density of an air parcel is more than that of the surrounding air, the tendency of that air parcel will be to subside, which creates a stable atmosphere B. Incorrect, the definition above defines a particular part of atmospheric stability C. Correct, this is the definition of positive buoyancy, which creates an unstable atmosphere D. Incorrect, when the density of an air parcel is the same as that of the surrounding air, the tendency of that air parcel will be to remain in place

This type of front is largely responsible for violent weather A. Warm front B. Cold front C. Stationary fronts D. Occluded fronts

A. Incorrect. Although warm fronts may stay over an area for an extended period of time, the precipitation generated is usually light to moderate B. Correct. Because cold fronts are much steeper and advance at greater speed than other fronts, they most often produce short lived violent weather C. Incorrect. Stationary fronts move very slowly and typically do not behave violently. They may bring large amounts of precipitation and possible flooding, but violent weather is rare D. Incorrect but close. Although cold type occluded fronts may produce violent weather, not all occluded fronts are likely to do so. Remember, occluded fronts can be either cold or warm

Negative Buoyancy would most likely coincide with which of the following air masses A. mT B. cT C. cP

A. Incorrect. Remember mT air masses are often characterized by warm, rising air B. No, tropical air has a tendency to rise because of the warm air mass temperatures C. Correct. cP air masses are very cold and dense, hence they tend to be sinking air parcels

The stability of the air would be decreased A. When warmer air moves over a cooler surface B. When cool air moves over a cold surface C. When cool air moves over a warmer surface D. None of the above

A. Incorrect. This situation would increase the stability of the air mass by cooling the lower layers, thereby hindering the ascent of the warmer air B. Sorry, there is a better answer. Because there is no heating of the lower layers there will be no inclination of the cool air to rise C. Yes, you are correct. In such an instance, there is heating of the lower layers in the air mass. This heating causes the air to rise, thereby encouraging instability in the air mass D. No, one of these is a good answer. Which one would cause heating of the lower layers of the air mass

If moist winds blow across a high mountain, what kinds of weather conditions would be expected and where A. little or no precipitation any place B. precipitation on the leeward side C. precipitation and clouds on the windward side and at the top D. precipitation at the top and more than half way down on the leeward side

A. No, please try again. Going to be raining somewhere B. No, this answer is incorrect. Leeward is the rainshadow side. Here air is descending and warming. Little rain likely C. You are correct. As the air rises, expands and cools on the side against which the wind is blowing, clouds and precipitation are likely D. Sorry, please try again. Leeward means dry does it not. Air is descending and warming

Which of the following will not cause air to become more unstable A. intense solar heating which warms the air from below B. forceful lifting of air C. subsidence of an air column D. upward movement caused by general convergence

A. No, please try again. Heating makes the air want to rise B. No, this answer is incorrect. Lifting means rising C. You are correct. Subsiding air will tend to make the air aloft warmer than the air near the surface. Cooler air at the surface will have no tendency to rise D. Sorry, please try again. Air that is rising has the potential for instability

The Storm of the Century struck in the winter of A. 1888 B. 1933 C. 1993 D. 1998

A. No, please try again. Krakatoa fallout, but not the Storm of the Century B. No, this answer is incorrect. Middle of the Depression, but not the Storm of the Century C. You are correct. It was a real storm D. Sorry, please try again. The Storm of the Century is not necessarily the last big one you remember

In which of the following places are thunderstorms most common A. northern Wisconsin B. central Nevada C. southern Mississippi D. west of Hudson Bay in Canada

A. No, please try again. Lots of cold weather here B. No, this answer is incorrect. Hot here, but pretty dry C. You are correct. This place has lots of what you need for thunderstorm development -- warmth and humidity D. Sorry, please try again. Pretty cold here

Normally, much of the good or fair weather of the Northern Hemisphere is associated with A. lows B. fronts C. highs D. convection

A. No, please try again. Lows draw unlike air masses together -- that often spells trouble B. No, this answer is incorrect. Fronts tend to bring great change to weather by definition. You are changing air masses C. You are correct. High pressure, with its subsiding or sinking air and warming air, tends to reduce relative humidities and produce clear skies D. Sorry, please try again. Convection means air is rising and cooling. That sounds like clouds and maybe precipitation to me

This type of cloud brings thunderstorms A. nimbostratus B. cumulus C. cumulonimbus D. altostratus

A. No, please try again. Rain yes, but not thunderstorms B. No, this answer is incorrect. White and puffy summer afternoon clouds, but no rain C. You are correct. Towering clouds which often bring not only thunderstorms, but a variety of severe weather D. Sorry, please try again. There is a much better answer

In terms of cloud cover, occluded front weather is most like A. cold front weather B. squall line weather C. warm front weather D. hurricanes

A. No, please try again. The operative words here are cloud cover. Think about what the sky is like with the passage of an occluded front B. No, this answer is incorrect. Squall line weather is of short duration -- good chance of cumulonimbus clouds C. You are correct. Both will have stratus clouds, lots of gentle precipitation of long duration D. Sorry, please try again. You are way off base with this one. Re-read the text

The approximate lifetime of an individual thunderstorm cell is about A. 1 day B. 4 to 8 hours C. 1 hour or less D. 15 minutes

A. No, please try again. We would all be in trouble if this were the case B. No, this answer is incorrect. Some do, but there is a better answer C. You are correct. Most thunderstorms tend to be relatively short lived. The demise of one may trigger another, so it sometimes seems like they last longer D. Sorry, please try again. They are just getting started in this time frame

If air is being lifted up a mountain and it is snowing, the air is rising at the ____ and ____ lifting is occurring A. DAR, Convectional B. WAR, Frontal C. WAR, Orographic

A. No, the DAR occurs when rising air is unsaturated and Convectional lifting is the result of air running into a mountain B. Incorrect. The air is rising at the WAR, but it is not termed Frontal lifting C. Correct. Saturated air rises at the WAR and the lifting of air by mountains is orographic lifting

Squall line thunderstorms that accompany fast moving fronts typically ________. A. Accompany cold and warm fronts and are 50 to 600 miles long B. Accompany warm fronts and are not known for producing severe weather C. Accompany cold fronts and are 500 to 600 miles long D. Accompany cold fronts, are 50 to 60 miles long and may produce severe weather

A. No, there is a better answer. There is some truth in this, but it is all scrambled up. Try 50 to 60 miles long and accompany cold fronts B. Sorry, there is a better answer. Actually squall line thunderstorms often produce severe weather C. No, your answer is incorrect. Squall line thunderstorms do accompany cold fronts, but are about 10 times smaller, typically between 50 to 60 miles long D. Your answer is correct. A squall line is a fairly narrow band of thunderstorms, some of which may be severe

Which of these pairs of processes, working together, will make the atmosphere most unstable A. cool the surface and warm the air aloft B. cool the surface and cool the air aloft C. warm the surface and cool the air aloft D. warm the surface and warm the air aloft

A. No, this answer is incorrect. This would not cause the surface air to want to rise would it B. No, this answer is incorrect. This would not cause the surface air to want to rise would it C. You are correct. Warm air under cooler air is going to want to rise. That would make for unstable conditions D. Sorry, please try again. There is a better answer

Which one of the follow occurrences produces the expansion and cooling needed to produce clouds A. neutral buoyancy B. positive buoyancy C. negative buoyancy D. none of the above

A. No, this is answer is incorrect. Air parcels with neutral buoyancy neither rise nor fall, so therefore cannot expansion and cooling B. Yes. Air parcels with positive buoyancy are unstable air parcels, and therefore they rise, expand and cool C. Sorry, this in incorrect. The tendency of a negative air parcel will be to fall D. No. Maybe you need to reread this section

Which stage of air mass thunderstorms is dominated by cold air downdrafts A. cumulus stage B. mature stage C. dissipating stage D. downdrafts are not a characteristic of air mass thunderstorms

A. No, this is incorrect. The cumulus stage is typically characterized by updrafts B. Close, but not the best answer. While downdrafts do occur in this stage, it is only at the end of this stage that they begin to take place C. Yes. Downdrafts dominate this stage of the storm D. I do not think so/ Downdrafts are a characteristic of air mass thunderstorms

_____________ frequently occur along the Pacific Coast, where milder maritime polar air invade more frigid polar air that had its origin over the continent A. Warm Fronts B. Cold Fronts C. Warm-type occluded fronts D. Occluded Fronts

A. No, this is not correct. When the surface position of a front moves so that warm air occupies territory formerly covered by cooler air, it is called a warm front B. No, try again. When cold, continental polar air actively advances into a region occupied by warmer air, the zone of discontinuity is called a cold front C. Yes, this is correct. This front occurs when the air behind an advancing cold front is warmer than the cold air that it is overtaking D. No, this is not correct. An occluded front occurs when a rapidly moving cold front overtakes a warm front

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the development of a thunderstorm A. Cumulus B. Dissipating C. Mature D. Cirrus

A. No, this is the first stage. Moisture is brought to the cloud and latent heat is released. At this stage, no precipitation is falling B. No, this is the third and final stage. In this stage, downdrafts dominate. Dissipation occurs due to the cooling effect of the falling precipitation, the influx of cooler air aloft, and the general cooling due to the cloud cover C. This is the second stage, which occurs approximately 30 minutes after the forming of the storm. This is when the rain really comes down D. This is not a stage in the development of a thunderstorm. It is a thin, delicate ice crystal cloud

What does conditional instability mean A. The tendency for a displaced parcel of air to move progressively farther from its original level in the atmosphere B. The tendency for a displaced parcel of air to be stable during part of its ascent, but become unstable beyond a certain elevation C. The tendency for a displaced parcel of air to return to its original level D. Both A and B

A. No, try again. This is the definition for instability B. Yes, that is correct. Conditional instability is the tendency for a displaced parcel of air to be stable during part of it ascent, but become unstable beyond a certain elevation C. No, that is incorrect. Such an air parcel would be termed stable D. No, but close

When the atmosphere is stable with respect to the air parcel prior to saturation, but unstable with respect to the air parcel with it becomes saturated then A. the WAR is between the ELR and the DAR B. the DAR is between the WAR and the ELR C. the ELR is greater than the WAR and the DAR D. the ELR is between the DAR and WAR

A. No. Think about what would cause an air parcel to be stable at one point, and unstable at another B. This is incorrect. Think about what would cause an air parcel to be stable at one point, and unstable at another C. incorrect, think about what would cause an air parcel to be stable at one point, and unstable at another D. You are correct. When the ELR is between the DAR and WAR, the atmosphere is said to be conditionally unstable

During the process of adiabatic cooling, the temperature decreases because the air has A. lost heat to the colder air at higher altitudes B. expanded to a larger volume C. lost some of its water vapor D. emitted infrared radiation

A. Sorry, please try again. Adiabatic means something else B. You are correct. The molecules are farther apart and there has been a loss of temperature in the initial volume C. No, this answer is incorrect. Adiabatic cooling does not necessarily mean a loss of water vapor. That depends on what the dew point temperature is D. No, please try again. I just threw this in. There is a much better answer

An adiabatic process is one in which the A. altitude of the air parcel remains constant B. heat exchanged with the surroundings is zero C. pressure on the air parcel remains constant D. temperature remains constant

A. Sorry, please try again. Adiabatic requires some change of altitude by the air parcel B. You are correct. No heat is exchanged with the surrounding air. The temperature change takes place WITHIN the moving air parcel itself C. No, this answer is incorrect. Adiabatic means moving vertically and such air is going to experience some change in pressure D. No, please try again. Not likely since the air is likely in an adiabatic situation to be moving

The temperature of rising air parcels ____ as they move upward A. increases B. decreases C. remains constant D. may either increase or decrease

A. Sorry, please try again. Air that is sinking and being compressed experiences a temperature increase B. You are correct. Rising air expands and cools C. No, this answer is incorrect. Vertically moving air always experiences an adiabatic temperature change D. No, please try again. You really need to re-read the material

Rain long foretold, long last; short notice, soon past. The first five words of this weather proverb A. refer to a cold front B. refer to a warm front C. refer to an anticyclone D. have no basis in fact

A. Sorry, please try again. Cold fronts move rapidly and the precipitation tends to come quickly and soon be over. Cold fronts sound like the last four words of the proverb B. You are correct. Warm fronts take a long time to ease up the backside of the cold air mass. The leading clouds give one much warning of the weather to come and such weather tends to last a relatively long time C. No, this answer is incorrect. An anticyclone is a high pressure cell and precipitation is not likely from high pressure cells D. No, please try again. There is something here. One of these is a pretty good answer

Basically, there are three reasons that air rises. The types of precipitation that result when air rises for these reasons is called A. orographic, cyclonic, and conductional B. convectional, conductional, and radiational C. cyclonic, convectional, and conductional D. none of these

A. Sorry, please try again. Conductional has to do with molecule to molecule. This would take a lot of doing B. No, this answer is incorrect. Not real sure what radiational would mean in this context C. No, please try again. Conductional has to do with molecule to molecule. This would take a lot of doing D. You are correct. The correct three would be orographic, cyclonic and convectional

Mid-latitude cyclonic storms dominate the weather of the United States A. all year B. the cooler 6 months C. the warmer 6 months D. from January to July

A. Sorry, please try again. I do not remember many fronts last summer here in southeast Texas -and I was really looking for them B. You are correct. Cyclonic storms are most active during the colder months of the year C. No, this answer is incorrect. This is thunderstorm season here in southeast Texas. No fronts to be seen D. No, please try again. Part of this is true, but there is a much better answer

Weather in mid-latitude cyclones tends to be cloudy and wet because of the ___ surface winds and ___ air A. converging, sinking B. converging, rising C. diverging, sinking D. diverging, rising

A. Sorry, please try again. I think air in cyclones tends to ascend B. You are correct. Air in any cyclone tends to converge and then rise. This results in adiabatic cooling and the chance for clouds and precipitation C. No, this answer is incorrect. You really need to re-read the material. Cyclones are low pressure cells D. No, please try again. I think air in cyclones tends to converge does it not

Intertropical front weather A. involves much less precipitation than mid-latitude weather B. lacks frontal activity, because its air masses are usually similar C. has no cyclonic storms D. is mostly in the form of thunderstorms

A. Sorry, please try again. I think the warmer temperatures will cause just the opposite -- what about the ability of warm air to hold moisture as opposed to colder air masses B. No, this answer is incorrect. There are differences in area air masses. There is a better answer C. No, please try again. There are many low pressure cells in the area. There is a better answer D. You are correct. The region is dominated by the convergence of the Trades and warm temperatures. Thunderstorms thrive in these conditions

In the middle latitudes A. low pressure cells are commonly associated with fair weather B. high pressure cells are the main source of precipitation C. tropical low pressure cells provide most of the precipitation D. high pressure cells bring clear, cloudless weather

A. Sorry, please try again. Just the reverse. Lows are areas of rising and expanding air -- good chance of clouds and maybe precipitation B. No, this answer is incorrect. High pressure cells are characterized by descending, warming air. Little chance of clouds or precipitation C. No, please try again. Maybe in the tropics, but we are talking here middle latitudes D. You are correct. Air is descending and warming. Little chance of clouds or precipitation

A wind shift in a counterclockwise direction, as from east to north, is termed ____ wind shift A. frontal B. backing C. veering D. anticyclonic

A. Sorry, please try again. Keep in mind that winds can come from any direction depending upon local conditions and they are not always associated with fronts B. You are correct. The question is essentially the definition for a backing wind C. No, this answer is incorrect. There is a better answer D. No, please try again. Anticyclonic is high pressure. The winds here will vary depending upon the hemisphere you are in

The gust front occurs A. on the lee shore of the Great Lakes B. near the anvil part of a thunderstorm cloud C. during the development of thunderstorm clouds D. at the leading edge of a thunderstorm downdraft

A. Sorry, please try again. Maybe, but there is a much better answer B. No, this answer is incorrect. This would be many thousands of feet above the surface C. No, please try again. The gust front tends to develop during the later stages of thunderstorm development D. You are correct. A gust front is the boundary separating the cold downdraft from a thunderstorm and the relatively warm, humid surface air

If you were 200 miles ahead of the surface position of a typical warm front, you would find the frontal surface at a height of ____ mile or miles A. .5 B. 1 C. 1.5 D. 2

A. Sorry, please try again. Might want to re-read the text B. You are correct. 200 to 1 is the ratio C. No, this answer is incorrect. Please re-read the text D. No, please try again. Too much. Re-read the text

There is a saying that islands map themselves in the sky. Such cloud maps are probably the result of A. radiational cooling of the air B. adiabatic heating of the air C. frontal activity D. convectional activity

A. Sorry, please try again. Radiational cooling may cause fogs, but clouds are not likely B. No, this answer is incorrect. Heating causes evaporation. For clouds we require cooling C. No, please try again. Frontal activity tends to spawn squall lines -- these are in no way connected with islands D. You are correct. Especially during summer months when the land is warmer than the surrounding water. Heating causes the air over the islands to rise and cool. Thus clouds often indicate the location of land over oceans

The largest rain area associated with a mid-latitude cyclone is located A. behind the cold front B. in advance of the cold front C. behind the warm front D. in advance of the warm front

A. Sorry, please try again. Remember the air behind the cold front is cold and relatively dry B. No, this answer is incorrect. Good first GUESS, but keep in mind that rain in advance of a cold front tends to be high volume and of short duration C. No, please try again. Here we tend to have only occasional precipitation -- usually of the isolated thunderstorm variety D. You are correct. Widespread precipitation, stratus clouds, light volume but of extended duration

The heating of an air mass from below as it passes over a warm surface would A. enhance stability B. enhance instability C. enhance both stability and instability D. cannot tell from information provided

A. Sorry, please try again. Stability means little inclination to rise B. You are correct. Heated air will seek to rise, expand and cool C. No, this answer is incorrect. How could that be D. No, please try again. You should be able to. One of these is a good answer

Describe cold front weather

Usually more violent than warm front weather with more intense precipitation over a smaller area. Possibly severe weather including thunderstorms and tornadoes. Marked temperature drop and wind shift with the passage of the front.

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. Although it was useful at the time, it is no longer a useful model B. The main features of the theory remain an important part of present-day meteorological thought C. It was shown to be applicable only to winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere D. The polar front theory was largely incorrect from the very beginning

A. Sorry, please try again. There is a better answer B. You are correct. Though modified, Bjerknes theory remains an integral part of modern meteorological thought C. No, this answer is incorrect. Though developed through work with Northern Hemisphere situations, the model is applicable in both hemispheres D. No, please try again. Though modified, Bjerknes theory remains an integral part of modern meteorological thought

The process called _______________ is when the cooler denser air acts as a barrier over which warmer, less dense air ____________ A. Orographic Lifting, rises B. Convergence, rises C. Frontal Wedging , rises D. Localized Convective Lifting, rises

A. Sorry, this occurs when the mountains act as a barrier to the flow of air B. No, this is a pileup of horizontal air flow that results in upward movement C. Correct. D. No, this is incorrect. This is when the unequal surface heating causes localized pockets of air to rise because of the buoyancy

An occluded front is described as A. cold polar air advances into an area occupied by warmer air B. a surface position of the front that does not move or moves very slow C. when warm air occupies territory formally covered by cooler air D. cold air overtakes a warm front causing the warmer air to be lifted

A. This is incorrect. When cold polar air advances into a region occupied by warmer air a cold front is formed B. This is incorrect. The above statement describes a stationary front. Here air is either unmoving or movement would appear to be parallel to the fronts resulting in fronts not moving at all or very slowly C. This statement is incorrect. A warm front is characterized as warm air moving to an area that previously was occupied by cooler air D. Yes, this correct. Remember cold fronts move faster than warm fronts. When a cold front rapidly overtakes a warm front, the warm air is pinched between the cold air -- the colder air in front of the warm front. The warm air has nowhere to go but up. Depending upon the temperature of the dew point and air mass temperatures, any type of precipitation can occur

Which cloud indicates instability A. Cumuliform Cloud B. Stratiform cloud C. None of the above D. Both A and B

A. Yes, you are correct. Cumuliform clouds indicate instability B. No, this is not correct. Stratiform clouds indicate stability C. No. One of these clouds indicates instability D. No, only one of them is correct

When warm air overtakes cold air A. warm front B. cold front C. stationary front D. occluded front

A. You are correct. A front is named for the aggressor air mass. The question is the definition for a warm front B. No, this answer is incorrect. In a cold front, cold air is moving into warmer air C. Sorry, please try again. In a stationary front, there is no movement D. No, please try again. Sometimes maybe, but there is a much better answer

A rainshadow occurs in the lee or leeward of a mountain range because A. adiabatic warming lowers the relative humidity B. air forced to rise is warmed by the adiabatic process C. condensation has a drying effect upon the air D. no water vapor remains in the descending air

A. You are correct. As air descends the lee side of the mountain, air is compressed -- it warms. Little chance of rain B. No, this answer is incorrect. Rising air would mean cooling and the chances for precipitation would increase under such conditions would it not. A rainshadow is not likely under these circumstances C. Sorry, please try again. I thought condensation meant gas to a liquid. That sounds like wet D. No, please try again. Some water vapor is most likely present, it is just not very likely to condense or precipitate due to the warming nature of the descending air

Wind against a mountain A. orographic B. convergence or convectional C. cyclonic D. radiational

A. You are correct. Orographic essentially has to do with mountains or highlands acting as barriers to the flow of air -- thus forcing air to ascend B. No, this answer is incorrect. Convergence or convectional has to do with air coming together. It has nothing to do with mountains or highlands C. Sorry, please try again. Cyclonic activity is characterized by rotating and converging winds and ascending air D. No, please try again. Not really related to winds or mountains

Convectional thunderstorms are most common in A. summer B. autumn C. winter D. spring

A. You are correct. Such thunderstorms are the result of heating of the land -- which is most common in the warmer months B. No, this answer is incorrect. This is more likely when we will first begin to experience frontal activity C. Sorry, please try again. Lots of frontal activity during the winter months, not much in the way of convectional storms D. No, please try again. Maybe, but there is a better answer

What causes the dissipating stage of a thunderstorm A. spreading downdraft cuts off air inflow B. release of latent heat within the cloud C. converging surface winds D. converging winds aloft

A. You are correct. The cold downdrafts cut off the warm, humid air needed to sustain the storm B. No, this answer is incorrect. This actually encourages the growth of the storm C. Sorry, please try again. This would actually encourage the development of a thunderstorm as these air masses ascended -- the result of the presence of a low pressure cell D. No, please try again. Converging winds aloft mean air is being drawn into a central point aloft -- this air then will sink and warm. Not much chance for clouds or precipitation

Absolute stability prevails A. when the lapse rate is less than the wet adiabatic rate B. when the lapse rate is greater than the wet adiabatic rate and less than the dry adiabatic rate C. when the lapse rate is greater than the dry adiabatic rate D. only in theory, but never in reality

A. You are correct. This is essentially the definition for absolute stability B. No, this answer is incorrect. This sounds like conditional stability. There is a better answer C. Sorry, please try again. This is the definition for absolute INstability. Do you have the two mixed up D. No, please try again. There is a better answer

The 3 stages of a thunderstorm are _____, _____ and _____. A. Cumulus, mature, dissipating B. Orographic, convectional, frontal activity C. Cumulus, orographic, dissipating D. Cumulus, status, nimbostratus

A. You have got it. These are the three stages with the mature stage being the most active stage B. No, these are all triggering mechanisms C. Two out of three is not too bad, but one of these is a triggering mechanism D. Sorry, please try again. These are all cloud types. Cumulus is, however, one of the stages of thunderstorms

Why is the weather associated with a cold front usually of short duration?

Because cold fronts are steeper and move more rapidly than warm fronts, the vertical displacement of air is often rapid enough that released latent heat adds appreciably to air buoyancy. The result is commonly cumulonimbus clouds with their heavy showers of relatively short duration.

Occluded fronts often represent a time of increased intensity for a mid-latitude cyclone, it also is the beginning of the end of the system. Why?

During occlusion, the warm sector is forced aloft. When this process is complete, the cyclone has lost its primary source of energy, the sinking cold air and the rising warm air. Hence the storm comes to an end.

How does a stationary front produce precipitation when its position does not change or changes very slowly?

Gentle to moderate precipitation is likely along stationary fronts because overrunning usually occurs along them

How do mountain ranges alter precipitation patterns?

If the prevailing wind direction is against the mountain range, there will be an area of relatively abundant rainfall on the windward slopes where the air is forced to rise. A rain shadow, or arid region, will be found on the lee side.

Where would you expect thunderstorms to be most common on Earth?

In the tropics, especially along the ITCZ. Convergence and an abundance of warm, moist unstable air are all present.

Describe warm front weather

Light to moderate precipitation over a large area for an extended period of time. After the warm front passes, temperatures gradually rise.

What factors, other than global wind and pressure systems, exert an influence on the world distribution of precipitation?

Mountain barriers, continentality and ocean currents.

Why do you think the section on stability was included as part of the chapter dealing with humidity and cloud formation?

Stability is closely related to the amount of vertical motion that occurs in the air, and it is vertical motion that is the primary cause of cloud formation.

Occluded fronts characterize the beginning stages of a middle latitude cyclone

false Occluded fronts are formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front. This typically occurs toward the end of the cyclone life cycle

Orographic precipitation occurs when cold and warm air masses collide

false Orographic precipitation is the result of air being forced over a topographic barrier. The collision of warm and cold air masses is usually the result of cyclonic activity

Precipitation may be caused when relatively cold, dry air is forced to rise over a mass of warmer drier air

false Precipitation may be caused when relatively warm, moist air is forced to rise over a mass of colder, denser air

The clouds usually associated with a cold front are stratus while cumulus are more common with a warm front

false The cloud type usually associated with a cold front are cumulonimbus, while stratus clouds are more common with a warm front

The side of mountains AGAINST which winds blow is called the leeward side

false The side of mountains AGAINST which winds blow is called the windward side

Squall line thunderstorms tend to accompany warm fronts

false You seem to have your fronts mixed up. Warm fronts are characterized by gentle uplift, and precipitation, if it occurs at all, is likely to be gentle in nature. Squall line thunderstorms, if they occur, are generally associated with fast moving cold fronts and their more vigorous uplift

The mature stage is the second stage of a thunderstorm.

true The mature stage of a thunderstorm usually begins within 30 minutes of the storm forming. The amount and size of precipitation becomes too much to hold aloft and the falling of this precipitation, often in heavy downpours, characterizes the mature stage of a thunderstorm

Downstream from a ridge aloft, the wind direction is northwest

true The wind direction is northwest downstream from a ridge aloft

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front

true An occluded front does occur when a cold front overtakes a warm front, thus pushing the warmer air aloft

The cumulus stage is the initial stage of a thunderstorm.

true The cumulus stage is the initial stage of a thunderstorm. Think of cumulonimbus clouds which are associated with mature thunderstorms. These are cumulus clouds first. In the cumulus stage, clouds build to 20,000 to 30,000 feet, updrafts reach 60 mph. No precipitation, however, occurs in this stage

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