Natural Disasters Test 2

In the United States, advisories are issued to the public about air quality based on levels of harmful pollutants present in the air, and are referred to as the a. Air Quality Index. b. Air Quality Advisory. c. Air Quality Forecast. d. none of these e. Air Quality Ratio.

a. Air Quality Index.

A phenomenon referred to as the Indian Ocean Dipole describes a condition in the positive phase comparable to a. El Niño. b. La Niño. c. La Niña. d. El Niña.

a. El Niño.

The 'Critical Zone' is defined as a. the surface and near surface realm of the Earth. b. the proper distance of a planet away from the star it orbits, permitting conditions essential for life to exist. c. latitudes below 30 degrees promoting high biologic productivity. d. water depths in marine basins above 200 meters.

a. the surface and near surface realm of the Earth.

A sinking of the water table from the overuse of groundwater is referred to as a. subsidence. b. discharge. c. drawdown. d. depletion.

c. drawdown.

The so-called hurricane season in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans occurs between a. July 1 and December 31. b. May 1 and October 31. c. April 1 and September 30. d. June 1 and November 30.

d. June 1 and November 30.

Since the late 1990s, no commercial aircraft accidents have been attributed to microbursts in the United States. The reason is that a. the lack of accidents over the time period is attributed more to luck than to any preventative measures. b. all aircraft are prevented by Federal Aviation Administration law from flying when thunderstorms are present nearby. c. commercial pilots largely refuse to fly when thunderstorms are present in a region. d. many of the large airports have installed sensors to detect microbursts.

d. many of the large airports have installed sensors to detect microbursts.

The average atmospheric pressure on the Earth at sea level is a. 14.47 pounds per square inch. b. 1.47 pounds per square inch. c. 10.47 pounds per square inch. d. 4.47 pounds per square inch.

a. 14.47 pounds per square inch.

What is the difference between a typhoon and a cyclone? a. Cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean and southern hemisphere; typhoons occur in northwest Pacific Ocean. b. all of these c. Typhoons occur in the northwestern Pacific Ocean; cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean and southern hemisphere. d. Cyclones affect continental regions; typhoons affect oceanic regions. e. none of these

a. Cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean and southern hemisphere; typhoons occur in northwest Pacific Ocean.

How do cyclones in the southern hemisphere differ from hurricanes in the northern hemisphere? a. Cyclones rotate clockwise; hurricanes rotate counterclockwise. b. None of these; the characteristics of each are identical. c. Hurricanes are more intense than cyclones. d. Cyclones are more intense than hurricanes. e. Hurricanes rotate clockwise; cyclones rotate counterclockwise.

a. Cyclones rotate clockwise; hurricanes rotate counterclockwise.

Why are hurricane tracks unique to each storm? a. Prevailing winds controlling forward motion differ for each storm. b. Temperature contrasts vary in different parts of ocean basins. c. all of these d. Relative humidity is variable dependent on latitude. e. The Coriolis effect is variable dependent on longitude.

a. Prevailing winds controlling forward motion differ for each storm

Is there a benefit to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? a. Yes, carbon dioxide is necessary for plant photosynthesis. b. No, the presence of carbon dioxide promotes cooling of the climate. c. none of these d. Yes, the presence of carbon dioxide promotes warming of the climate.

a. Yes, carbon dioxide is necessary for plant photosynthesis.

Although the average atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7 pounds per square inch, is it possible that variations on Earth may occur? a. Yes, regions of higher pressure develop beneath regions of colder, denser air. b. No, by definition, atmospheric pressure at sea level is defined at 14.7 pounds per square inch. c. Yes, regions of higher pressure develop beneath regions of warmer, denser air. d. Yes, regions of lower pressure develop beneath regions of colder, less dense air. e. all of these

a. Yes, regions of higher pressure develop beneath regions of colder, denser air.

During adiabatic expansion, a. air parcels expand because they are losing heat to the ambient air. b. air parcels expand because they are gaining heat from ambient air. c. air parcels expand due to high relative humidity. d. air parcels expand because of solar heating.

a. air parcels expand because they are losing heat to the ambient air.

At what temperature may the human body first begin to feel the effects of hypothermia? a. all of these b. 40-50 °F c. 30-40 °F d. 50-60 °F e. none of these

a. all of these

Tropical disturbances evolve into tropical depressions when thunderstorm clusters originating in tropical latitudes a. all of these b. last for a day or more. c. have maximum sustained winds of 37-61 miles per hour. d. circulate around low-pressure centers. e. none of these

a. all of these

What are the most damaging aspects of hailstorms? a. all of these b. crop loss from hailstones c. livestock that is killed by hailstones d. damage to vehicles from hailstones e. damage to structures from hailstones

a. all of these

Why do winds blow? a. all of these b. temperature and density contractions of air in the atmosphere c. Coriolis forces d. varying pressure gradients in the atmosphere e. none of these

a. all of these

An occlude front forms when a. an advancing cold front overtakes a warm front. b. two warm fronts combine. c. two cold fronts combine. d. an advancing warm front overtakes a cold front.

a. an advancing cold front overtakes a warm front.

Where on the Earth does the Coriolis force reach zero? a. at the equator b. in the tropics c. in the subtropics d. at the geographic poles e. none of these

a. at the equator

A viable solution to restore the use of water wells in regions that have experienced drawdown to levels below well bores is to a. deepen existing wells to reach the new water table levels. b. Nothing can be done once water tables drop below usable depths. c. stop all pumping from wells regionally to allow the water table to rise. d. artificially pump surface water to recharge areas, artificially inducing recharge.

a. deepen existing wells to reach the new water table levels.

Dynamic pressure results from stresses imposed by a moving fluid. In the atmosphere, moving air exerts a dynamic pressure that is a result of a. horizontal winds that are greater in one direction. b. vertical downdrafts. c. vertical updrafts. d. all of these e. horizontal winds that are equal in all directions.

a. horizontal winds that are greater in one direction.

An aquifer is a. permeable. b. neither permeable nor impermeable. c. either permeable or impermeable. d. impermeable.

a. permeable.

Where does the heaviest precipitation in hurricanes originate from? a. the base of spiral rainbands b. the medial levels of spiral rainbands c. the upper regions of spiral rainbands d. All of these; all regions produce equal amounts of precipitation.

a. the base of spiral rainbands

Although Australia has seen the landfall of devastating cyclones over the past few decades, the relatively low fatality count compared to similar storms in other parts of the world can be attributed to the fact that a. the low population density in coastal areas affected by cyclones means there are lower numbers of people at risk from the landfall of a cyclone. b. all of these c. the relatively high topography of the continent means there are fewer low-lying areas that are most subject to damage from cyclones. d. communities and populations of the region are exceptionally well prepared to cope with cyclones.

a. the low population density in coastal areas affected by cyclones means there are lower numbers of people at risk from the landfall of a cyclone.

Clouds in the Earth's atmosphere occur in which layer of the atmosphere? a. troposphere b. all of these c. stratosphere d. mesosphere e. thermosphere

a. troposphere

What percentage of lightning strike victims are killed? a. 25% b. 10% c. 70% d. 45% e. 100

b. 10%

Tropical cyclones refer to storms rotating around low-pressure systems that originate from a. 0 to 15 latitudes. b. 5 to 30 latitudes. c. 10 to 40 latitudes. d. 5 to 10 latitudes.

b. 5 to 30 latitudes.

The most important factor in the development of a hurricane is related to the temperature of the ocean. Temperatures must be a. > 20C to a depth of 60 meters in the water column. b. > 26C to a depth of at least 60 meters in the water column. c. > 20C to a depth of 20 meters in the water column. d. > 26C to a depth of 20 meters in the water column.

b. > 26C to a depth of at least 60 meters in the water column.

What does the term Winter Storm Warning mean? a. Freezing rain and/or snow is anticipated to accumulate sufficiently to result in inconvenience and hazardous conditions. b. Hazardous weather conditions are imminent, including potential snow, sleet, ice accumulation, and winds sufficient to cause damage and life-threatening conditions. c. Cool temperatures and wind will quickly lead to frostbite for exposed skin, or to hypothermia. d. A possibility of hazardous winter weather within 48 hours, including potential snow, sleet, ice accumulation, and winds sufficient to cause damage and life-threatening conditions.

b. Hazardous weather conditions are imminent, including potential snow, sleet, ice accumulation, and winds sufficient to cause damage and life-threatening conditions.

Does the composition of pollutants in the atmosphere vary from place to place on Earth? a. None of these; data analysis has provided conflicting results so we are not able to answer the question. b. No, the atmosphere is well mixed, so the composition of air pollution is essentially the same everywhere. c. Yes, the point sources of pollution depend on the specific anthropogenic activity occurring on a local basis, so pollution composition varies from place to place. d. No, anthropogenic processes are similar around the world, so the pollution produced is comparable compositionally.

b. No, the atmosphere is well mixed, so the composition of air pollution is essentially the same everywhere.

Are aerosols in the atmosphere beneficial? a. No, aerosols present a health hazard to all organisms that inhale air. b. Yes, aerosols serve as the nucleus for water vapor to collect to form precipitation droplets. c. No, they represent forms of atmospheric pollution. d. Yes, aerosols shield the surface of the Earth from harmful solar radiation.

b. Yes, aerosols serve as the nucleus for water vapor to collect to form precipitation droplets

The term tornado watch is a. a formal statement issued by meteorologists to indicate that a tornado has been sighted. b. a formal statement issued by meteorologists to indicate that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. c. a formal statement issued by meteorologists to indicate that a tornado is presently forming. d. All of these; a tornado watch can indicate any of these.

b. a formal statement issued by meteorologists to indicate that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form.

Are there morphological features of the Earth that can amplify winter hazards? a. Yes, in mountainous regions. b. all of these c. Yes, along lakeshores. d. Yes, along coastlines of oceans. e. none of these

b. all of these

Gust fronts develop due to downdrafts that form in thunderstorms. They result from a. air with low relative humidity rushing to the base of a thunderstorm. b. cool air rushing to the base of a thunderstorm. c. warm air rushing to the base of a thunderstorm. d. air with high relative humidity rushing to the base of a thunderstorm. e. All of these are possibilities.

b. cool air rushing to the base of a thunderstorm.

The consequences of eutrophication of water sources are a. all of these b. lower levels of dissolved oxygen in waters. c. higher levels of salinity in waters. d. higher levels of the element europium in waters. e. lower levels of nutrients in waters

b. lower levels of dissolved oxygen in waters.

The Saffir-Simpson scale for hurricane intensity is based on a. maximum diameter of the storm. b. maximum sustained wind speed. c. maximum hourly rainfall at a recording station. d. minimum pressure at the storm center. e. maximum relative humidity at a recording station.

b. maximum sustained wind speed.

A sediment that has 20% pore space will be expected to be a. impermeable. b. permeable or impermeable, depending on the degree to which pores or cracks are connected to one another. c. permeable. d. neither permeable nor impermeable.

b. permeable or impermeable, depending on the degree to which pores or cracks are connected to one another.

During prehistoric time, people were only able to directly use groundwater flowing to the surface at regions known as a. aquitards. b. springs. c. saturated zones. d. water tables.

b. springs.

As formally defined by meteorologists, the difference in a supercell thunderstorm versus an ordinary thunderstorm is that a. supercell thunderstorms do not exhibit rotating updrafts, while ordinary thunderstorms exhibit rotating updrafts. b. supercell thunderstorms exhibit rotating updrafts, while ordinary thunderstorms do not exhibit rotating updrafts. c. supercell thunderstorms only form at high latitudes, while ordinary thunderstorms only form at low latitudes. d. supercell thunderstorms only form at low latitudes, while ordinary thunderstorms only form at high latitudes.

b. supercell thunderstorms exhibit rotating updrafts, while ordinary thunderstorms do not exhibit rotating updrafts.

What is the distinguishing characteristic that prompts meteorologists to elevate tropical storms to hurricane status? a. rainfall intensities in excess of 2 inches per hour b. sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher c. extreme pressure gradients in the storm versus surrounding areas d. none of these e. all of these

b. sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher

The term derecho refers to a. thunderstorm-generated updraft winds. b. thunderstorm-generated straight-line winds. c. thunderstorm-generated downdraft winds. d. thunderstorm-generated winds that rotate around a central axis.

b. thunderstorm-generated straight-line winds.

On average, how long does it take to form a cm of soil? a. 1000-4000 years b. 1-4 years c. 100-400 years d. 10-40 years

c. 100-400 years

What does the term Winter Storm Advisory mean? a. Hazardous weather conditions are imminent, including potential snow, sleet, ice accumulation, and winds sufficient to cause damage and life-threatening conditions. b. A possibility of hazardous winter weather within 48 hours, including potential snow, sleet, ice accumulation, and winds sufficient to cause damage and life-threatening conditions. c. Freezing rain and/or snow is anticipated to accumulate sufficiently to result in inconvenience and hazardous conditions. d. Cool temperatures and wind will quickly lead to frostbite on exposed skin or to hypothermia.

c. Freezing rain and/or snow is anticipated to accumulate sufficiently to result in inconvenience and hazardous conditions.

Is it possible for large thunderstorm clusters forming in equatorial regions (5 latitude) to evolve into hurricanes? a. none of these b. Although possible, there is less chance of a hurricane originating in equatorial regions. c. No; Coriolis forces at the equator are too weak to initiate rotation, so hurricanes never form in these areas. d. Yes, equatorial regions are the most common place on Earth for hurricanes to originate.

c. No; Coriolis forces at the equator are too weak to initiate rotation, so hurricanes never form in these areas.

The amount of water vapor typically found in atmospheric samples is approximately a. 0.01%. b. 0.10%. c. None of these; generalizations about the proportions are not valid. d. 1.0%.

c. None of these; generalizations about the proportions are not valid.

Is it possible to damage an aquifer's recharge area? a. Yes, by covering the surface with an impermeable layer. b. Yes, by compacting the surface. c. Yes, all of these can damage a recharge area. d. Yes, by removing vegetation at the surface.

c. Yes, all of these can damage a recharge area.

Soils develop as a result of sediment modification over time from interactions with a. rainwater. b. organisms. c. all of these d. decaying organic matter. e. none of these

c. all of these

Tornadoes are associated with a. squall lines. b. supercell thunderstorms. c. all of these d. hurricanes. e. ordinary thunderstorms.

c. all of these

What is the best way for individuals to avoid disaster from thunderstorms, associated lightning strokes, and tornadoes? a. Learn how to respond individually in the event a disaster is imminent. b. Monitor weather forecasts if severe weather is possible. c. all of these d. Heed official warnings, abandon belongings, and get to a safe place.

c. all of these

Which of the following societal effects have resulted from cold waves over the United States? a. local economic losses from storm damage b. damage to the agricultural industry c. all of these d. loss of life e. reduction in Gross National Product

c. all of these

Why has the region of the Ganges River delta on the northern margin of the Indian Ocean suffered so many human fatalities as a result of cyclones over the past few decades? a. The Ganges River delta has little topography, is low elevation, and densely populated. b. The region commonly experiences exceptionally high storm surges during cyclones. c. all of these d. The constriction formed by the Bay of Bengal concentrated the effects of cyclones into a small area. e. The potential to warn and evacuate populations in the region is severely limited.

c. all of these

Why is hazardous winter weather well tolerated by societies in some parts of the world, while those same weather conditions prove to be disasters in other parts of the world? a. the preparedness of governments to deal with extreme winter conditions b. the preparedness of individuals to deal with extreme winter conditions c. all of these d. the lack of preparedness of governments to deal with extreme winter conditions e. the lack of preparedness of individuals to deal with extreme winter conditions

c. all of these

In order for tropical disturbances to develop into hurricanes, two criteria must be met: a. an uninterrupted supply of warm, evaporating seawater and weak surface winds. b. an uninterrupted supply of warm, evaporating seawater and strong surface winds. c. an uninterrupted supply of warm, evaporating seawater and weak high-altitude winds. d. an uninterrupted supply of warm, evaporating seawater and strong high-altitude winds.

c. an uninterrupted supply of warm, evaporating seawater and weak high-altitude winds.

A hurricane watch or tropical storm watch is issued by the National Hurricane Center in the United States a. at least 120 hours prior to the expected landfall of a hurricane. b. at least 240 hours prior to the expected landfall of a hurricane. c. at least 48 hours prior to the expected landfall of a hurricane. d. at least 72 hours prior to the expected landfall of a hurricane.

c. at least 48 hours prior to the expected landfall of a hurricane.

In which region of the Earth would you expect to see the greatest influence from the Coriolis effect on wind? a. at latitudes 20-30 degrees north and south of the equator b. at latitudes between 30-60 degrees north and south of the equator c. at the geographic poles d. at the equator

c. at the geographic poles

The most abundant gas found in the Earth's atmosphere is a. oxygen. b. carbon dioxide. c. nitrogen. d. argon.

c. nitrogen.

The thermal energy driving the air flow in a hurricane is derived from a. ocean waters and atmospheric heating. b. all of these c. ocean waters. d. ocean waters, atmospheric heating, and high-temperature air masses formed over continents.

c. ocean waters.

The extreme erosion that occurred during the Dust Bowl catastrophe of the mid-1930s in the Great Plains region of North America was a result of a. widespread wildfires. b. deforestation. c. poor agricultural practices. d. global warming.

c. poor agricultural practices.

Spiraling inflowing air accelerates in a hurricane as the air mass approaches the eye of the storm. This is an example of a. none of these b. the law of motion. c. the law of conservation of angular momentum. d. the law of universal gravitation. e. all of these

c. the law of conservation of angular momentum.

A hurricane warning or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center in the United States a. to areas expected to experience hurricane-force or tropical storm-force winds within the next 24 hours. b. to areas expected to experience hurricane-force or tropical storm-force winds within the next 12 hours. c. to areas expected to experience hurricane-force or tropical storm-force winds within the next 36 hours. d. to areas expected to experience hurricane-force or tropical storm-force winds within the next 48 hours.

c. to areas expected to experience hurricane-force or tropical storm-force winds within the next 36 hours.

Multiple vortex tornadoes are a. common, but of little concern since they are short-lived. b. so rare as to be more of a scientific curiosity. c. typically, the most destructive form of tornado. d. common, but of little concern because they do not cause significant damage.

c. typically, the most destructive form of tornado.

The National Weather Service specifically defines a blizzard as a snowstorm that exhibits a. visibility of less than 5.0 miles. b. snow accumulations of greater than 2 inches per hour. c. wind speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. d. temperatures below 0 F for 24 hours at a stretch.

c. wind speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour.

The rates of snow accumulation during a storm are related to a. temperatures and the dew point. b. temperatures and amount of time snow falls. c. temperatures and relative humidity. d. snowfall intensity and the amount of time snow falls.

d. snowfall intensity and the amount of time snow falls.

Frostbite occurs in humans because a. blood and heat flow is diverted to the brain. b. blood and heat flow is diverted to the legs and arms. c. all of these d. the body restricts blood and heat flow to extremities to conserve core body heat.

d. the body restricts blood and heat flow to extremities to conserve core body heat.

Atmospheric pressure is a result of a. the density of the atmosphere. b. winds blowing over the surface. c. heat contrasts on the surface. d. the weight of the column of air above a location.

d. the weight of the column of air above a location.

Ground blizzards typically affect elevations as high as a. all of these b. 5.0-10 meters above the surface. c. 1.0-1.5 meters above the surface. d. 10-15 meters above the surface. e. 1.5-5.0 meters above the surface.

d. 10-15 meters above the surface.

Thunderstorms typically form at altitudes between a. none of these b. 200 meters and 1.2-2.0 kilometers. c. All of these; no general statements about the altitudes where thunderstorms form is possible. d. 2.0 kilometers and 12.0-20.0 kilometers. e. 200 meters and 12.0-20.0 kilometers.v

d. 2.0 kilometers and 12.0-20.0 kilometers.

In the United States, approximately how many damaging hailstorms occur on a yearly basis? a. 40 b. 40.000 c. 400 d. 4,000s

d. 4,000

Under what conditions are blizzard conditions possible? a. Storm weather conditions following heavy snowfalls. b. Clear weather with high winds over freshly fallen snow. c. Storm weather conditions during heavy snowfall events. d. Any condition in which winds exceed 35 mph for a duration of 3 hours over fresh, unconsolidated snow.

d. Any condition in which winds exceed 35 mph for a duration of 3 hours over fresh, unconsolidated snow.

Why are mountain snowstorms necessary for human survival in parts of the world? a. all of these b. none of these c. The cooling effects on the climate help to offset global warming to a significant degree. d. Arid mountainous regions depend on snowmelt for water resources. e. Local economies depend on government financial aid to offset the economic effects of lost tourist spending during the winter.

d. Arid mountainous regions depend on snowmelt for water resources.

What is responsible for the short-lived EF0 to EF2 tornadoes that form in association with hurricanes? a. high-velocity vertical downdrafts b. all of these c. high-velocity vertical updrafts d. None of these; meteorologists do not yet fully understand how tornadoes form in association with hurricanes. e. high-velocity horizontal winds

d. None of these; meteorologists do not yet fully understand how tornadoes form in association with hurricanes.

Why is the city of New Orleans at such great risk from hurricanes? a. all of these b. none of these c. The city is in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. d. Portions of the city are below sea level. e. The city is built on the banks of the Mississippi River.

d. Portions of the city are below sea level.

Why do mountain snow storms occur on the windward side of mountain ranges? a. Descending air masses form clouds and precipitation. b. Moisture is more abundant at higher elevations. c. none of these d. Rising air masses form clouds and precipitation. e. Air masses at higher altitudes above mountains are colder.

d. Rising air masses form clouds and precipitation.

Where is the heat coming from that warms the atmosphere? a. all of these b. Solar radiation directly warms the atmosphere. c. none of these d. Surface soils, rocks, and water are heated by solar radiation; that heat then radiates back into the atmosphere, heating the air. e. Clouds are heated by solar radiation, leading to heating of surrounding air.

d. Surface soils, rocks, and water are heated by solar radiation; that heat then radiates back into the atmosphere, heating the air.v

Meteorologists refer to cold waves as events in which temperatures drop, based on which of the following criteria? a. a 50% drop in temperature over a 24-hour period b. a 10% drop in temperature over a 12-hour period c. a 25% drop in temperature over a 24-hour period d. There are no criteria; conditions vary according to region.

d. There are no criteria; conditions vary according to region.

Ice storms may result in damage to the infrastructure, widespread power outages, and the disruption of life because a. all of these b. ice storms only occur when temperatures are too low for snow to form. c. none of these d. accumulations of ice on surfaces are much heavier than accumulations of snow on surfaces. e. ice accumulations are typically several times the thickness of snow accumulations on surfaces.

d. accumulations of ice on surfaces are much heavier than accumulations of snow on surfaces.

Once a hurricane forms, its intensity a. may decrease. b. remains stable. c. may increase. d. all of these

d. all of these

The demise of a hurricane can be related to a. storms moving to higher latitudes with cooler water. b. storms moving over land surfaces. c. strong high-altitude winds disrupting flow within the storm. d. all of these e. none of these

d. all of these

The distribution of water supplies across the globe depends on such factors as a. economic factors. b. climate. c. political influences. d. all of these e. none of these

d. all of these

What are the meteorologic conditions that exist in the eye of a hurricane? a. the most intense precipitation but the lowest wind velocities and the lowest barometric pressure measurements b. the least intense precipitation but the highest wind velocities and the highest barometric pressure measurements c. the most intense winds and precipitation rates of the storm and the highest barometric pressure measurements d. calm winds, no precipitation, and the lowest barometric pressure measurements

d. calm winds, no precipitation, and the lowest barometric pressure measurements

Which of the following types of sinkholes is considered the most hazardous? a. dissolution sinkholes b. All of these are equally hazardous. c. cover-subsidence sinkholes d. collapse sinkholes

d. collapse sinkholes

To estimate the distance in miles to an observed lightning stroke, an observer can count the number of seconds it takes for the sound of thunder generated by the stroke to arrive. This can be accomplished by a. none of these b. dividing the number of seconds counted by 2.5. c. dividing the number of seconds counted by 7.5. d. dividing the number of seconds counted by 5. e. dividing the number of seconds counted by 10.

d. dividing the number of seconds counted by 5.

Relative humidity is a measure of the moisture content of air. It is calculated by a. dividing the saturation vapor pressure by the vapor pressure of the atmosphere. b. multiplying the saturation vapor pressure by the vapor pressure of the atmosphere. c. multiplying the vapor pressure by the saturation vapor pressure of the atmosphere. d. dividing the vapor pressure by the saturation vapor pressure of the atmosphere.

d. dividing the vapor pressure by the saturation vapor pressure of the atmosphere.

Which of the following would be considered an anthropogenic source of pollution? a. none of these b. gases released at the surface from volcanic eruptions c. all of these d. fossil fuel combustion in automobiles e. soot produced from forest fires

d. fossil fuel combustion in automobiles

The term nor'easter is used by meteorologists to describe a. mid-continental cyclones that migrate towards the east coast of North America. b. perturbations in the polar vortex circulating to the southeast from the north. c. Atlantic hurricanes that occur late in the traditional hurricane season. d. mid-latitude cyclones that form along the east coast of North America.

d. mid-latitude cyclones that form along the east coast of North America.

The meteorological term dissipate is used to describe the condition in which a. storms expand over such a large area that the hazards associated with local areas are minimized. b. storms move over uninhabited areas or oceans and no longer pose a threat. c. humidity is expended from air masses associated with storms and precipitation ceases to occur. d. storms weaken, lose their structure, and break up.

d. storms weaken, lose their structure, and break up.

Why do tropical depressions rotate counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere? a. the dominant wind direction contrasts in each hemisphere b. all of these c. trade winds in tropical latitudes d. the influence of the Coriolis force e. the variation in the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface at different latitudes

d. the influence of the Coriolis force

The 'Water Footprint' is defined as a. the region in which aquifer discharge is occurring. b. the region in which aquifer recharge is occurring. c. the surface area which overlies aquifers. d. the per capita use of water.

d. the per capita use of water.

Typhoons originating in the western Pacific Ocean occur because a. the region has exceptionally high atmospheric humidity during the late summer. b. none of these c. the region has exceptionally low atmospheric pressure during the late summer. d. the region hosts the Earth's warmest ocean water during the late summer. e. all of these

d. the region hosts the Earth's warmest ocean water during the late summer.

As the term intensity applies to hurricanes, it is a qualitative way of describing a. the geographical area affected by the storm. b. the number of fatalities resulting from the storm. c. the amount of economic damage resulting from the storm. d. the wind velocity and rainfall rates of the storm.

d. the wind velocity and rainfall rates of the storm.

The United States National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one that has the potential to produce a. winds in excess of 110 kilometers per hour, lightning, hail > 4.0 cm in diameter, or tornadoes. b. winds in excess of 78 kilometers per hour, lightning, hail > 1.5 cm in diameter, or tornadoes. c. winds in excess of 45 kilometers per hour, lightning, hail 1.0 cm in diameter, or tornadoes. d. winds in excess of 93 kilometers per hour, lightning hail > 2.5 cm in diameter, or tornadoes. e. All of these; the parameters listed are not used to define a severe thunderstorm.

d. winds in excess of 93 kilometers per hour, lightning hail > 2.5 cm in diameter, or tornadoes.

Positive-polarity cloud-to-ground lightning strokes form because a. all of these b. electrons flow from the base of the thunderstorm to the ground. c. none of these d. electrons flow from the anvil of thunderstorms to the ground. e. electrons flow from the ground to the anvil portion of thunderstorms.

e. electrons flow from the ground to the anvil portion of thunderstorms.

How much current (in the form of amperes) is generated in a typical lightning stroke? a. 150-300 amperes b. 1,500-3,000 amperes c. 1.5-3.0 amperes d. 15-30 amperes e. 15,000-30,000 amperes

e. 15,000-30,000 amperes

The term hurricane is used to describe large, spiral-shaped storms originating in the tropical latitudes of the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans that reach sustained wind speeds of a. 55 miles per hour. b. 102 miles per hour. c. 33 miles per hour. d. 98 miles per hour. e. 74 miles per hour.

e. 74 miles per hour.

A watershed is defined as a. organisms interacting within soils. b. surface morphology. c. climate. d. bedrock parent material. e. all of these

e. all of these

In zones of high atmospheric pressure, winds result from descending air at higher altitudes, promoting a. all of these b. extensive cloud development. c. stormy weather. d. none of these e. clear skies.

e. clear skies.

Freshwater is defined as water having a. less than 1.0 % salt content. b. less than 0.005% salt content. c. less than 0.5% salt content. d. 0.0% salt content. e. less than 0.05% salt content.

e. less than 0.05% salt content.

What term do meteorologists use to describe mid-latitude cyclones that form in the northeast Pacific Ocean? a. tsunamis b. typhoons c. all of these d. None of these; the Pacific Ocean is too cold to produce intense storms. e. oceanic cyclones

e. oceanic cyclones

What factor is the primary control on the wind velocity in a hurricane? a. relative humidity contrasts of the air masses involved b. temperature contrasts between ocean waters and the atmosphere c. the Coriolis effect from the rotation of the Earth d. All of these play a role in controlling wind velocity in a hurricane. e. pressure gradients

e. pressure gradients

When tornadoes form over water, they are referred to as a. none of these b. waterdogs. c. watersprites. d. tornadoes, not differentiated whether on land or water. e. waterspouts.

e. waterspouts.