Weather and Climate (study guide chapter 1-8)
Ninety percent of our atmosphere lies below an altitude of about: A) 16 km. B) 100 km. C) 31 km. D) 6 km. E) 65 km.
A) 16 km.
Consider the isotherm map of the United States shown above. Which of the following is the best realistic estimate of the current temperature at the spot marked by an X? A) 75°F B) 70°F C) 85°F D) 80°F
A) 75°F
At 45 degrees S latitude, the angle of the noon Sun is lowest and the length of daylight is shortest on: A) June 21. B) September 22. C) January 23. D) December 21. E) March 21.
A) June 21.
The length of daylight gets progressively longer going south from the equator on: A) June 21. B) December 21. C) March 21. D) September 22.
A) June 21.
What type of severe weather event killed up to 35,000 people in Europe during the summer of 2003? A) a heat wave B) a flood on the Elbe River C) a drought D) a tornado outbreak
A) a heat wave
The process of ________ involves the movement or circulation of a mass or substance. A) convection B) conduction C) radiation
A) convection
How is the daily maximum temperature affected by the presence of clouds? A) cooler B) no conclusive effect C) warmer D) warmer during day, cooler at night
A) cooler
On the average, for every 1 km increase in altitude in the troposphere the air temperature: A) drops about 6.5 degrees Celsius B) rises about 6.5 degrees Celsius. C) rises by day and drops by night. D) remains unchanged for the first 500 m and then drops.
A) drops about 6.5 degrees Celsius
The attractive forces between the hydrogen atoms in one water molecule and the oxygen atoms in another molecule are known as: A) hydrogen bonds. B) dark forces. C) liquid bonds. D) water bonds.
A) hydrogen bonds.
Most of the radiation emitted by the earth and its atmosphere is in the category of: A) infrared. B) x- rays. C) ultraviolet. D) gamma.
A) infrared.
Heat: A) is a transfer of energy from areas with high temperatures to those with low temperatures. B) is synonymous with temperature. C) is a measure of the average kinetic energy possessed by molecules. D) measures the total kinetic energy in a substance.
A) is a transfer of energy from areas with high temperatures to those with low temperatures.
The wavelengths emitted by the earth are: A) longer than those emitted by the Sun. B) ultraviolet. C) shorter than those emitted by the Sun. D) about the same as those emitted by the Sun except when the Sun is experiencing sunspots.
A) longer than those emitted by the Sun.
Over the course of this year, the tilt of Earth's polar axis will: A) remain constant at 23.5 degrees. B) vary from 0 to 23.5 degrees. C) vary from 0 to 47 degrees. D) remains constant at 90 degrees
A) remain constant at 23.5 degrees.
Overnight temperatures are warmer when the air is humid because: A) water vapor is a good absorber of outgoing longwave radiation. B) water vapor is a good absorber of incoming shortwave radiation, causing more energy to be stored during the day. C) water vapor is good at scattering longwave radiation. D) water vapor and clouds cause the Earth system to have a higher nighttime albedo.
A) water vapor is a good absorber of outgoing longwave radiation.
A place located along a windward coast: A) will probably have cooler summer temperatures than an inland place at the same latitude. B) will probably have warmer summer temperatures than an inland place at the same latitude. C) will probably have summer temperatures that are very similar to an inland place at the same latitude.
A) will probably have cooler summer temperatures than an inland place at the same latitude.
How is the annual mean temperature calculated? A) It is the average of all the daily mean temperatures for the year. B) It is the average of all 12 monthly mean temperatures. C) It is the average of the warmest and the coldest temperatures recorded during that year. D) It is the average of the warmest and the coldest monthly mean temperatures.
B) It is the average of all 12 monthly mean temperatures.
The annual temperature range at most latitudes in the southern hemisphere is much smaller than in the northern hemisphere. Why? A) Earth is closer to the Sun during southern hemisphere summer. B) There is more area covered by water in the southern hemisphere. C) There is more mountainous area in the southern hemisphere. D) There is less desert area in the southern hemisphere. E) Rainfall and cloudiness are greater in the southern hemisphere.
B) There is more area covered by water in the southern hemisphere.
What would happen on Earth if the Sun were 'turned off' and ceased to provide heat for the Earth? A) Living organisms would slowly adapt to life without sunlight. B) Winds and ocean currents would stop. C) Intense storms would develop and persist for weeks at a time. D) The Earth would quickly overheat.
B) Winds and ocean currents would stop.
A poleward moving (northward moving in the Northern Hemisphere) ocean current is: A) either a warm or a cold current. B) a warm current. C) warm in summer and cold in winter. D) a cold current.
B) a warm current.
What best explains the "bumps" seen in the seen in the CO2 concentrations on the graph above? A) a cyclic pattern in the eruption of volcanoes, causing more CO2 to be released each spring B) changes in plant growth that result in less CO2 being absorbed during the dormant season C) greater amounts of CO2 released by the burning of fossil fuels for heat during the winter D) higher levels of traffic producing more CO2 during the summer travel season
B) changes in plant growth that result in less CO2 being absorbed during the dormant season
The most important process of cloud formation in the atmosphere is: A) cooling by compression of air. B) cooling by expansion of air. C) cooling by release of latent heat of vaporization. D) radiation cooling.
B) cooling by expansion of air.
The most important cause of temperature variations is: A) cloud cover and albedo. B) differences in receipt of solar radiation. C) altitude. D) differential heating of land and water. E) ocean currents.
B) differences in receipt of solar radiation.
Which of the following factors would have the net effect of making a place warmer in the summer? A) at a high elevation B) in the middle of a landmass C) at a high latitude D) near an ocean
B) in the middle of a landmass
The capacity of the air to hold water vapor: A) increases with an increase in pressure. B) increases with an increase in temperature. C) increases with a decrease in temperature. D) decreases with an increase in temperature.
B) increases with an increase in temperature.
Which two gases make up a combined total of 99% of clean, dry air in the homosphere? A) oxygen and carbon dioxide B) nitrogen and oxygen C) carbon dioxide and water vapor D) nitrogen and argon
B) nitrogen and oxygen
Summer temperatures along the California coast are cooler than along the coast of South Carolina, due to the influence of: A) altitude. B) ocean currents. C) evaporation. D) latitude. E) specific heat.
B) ocean currents.
Which of the following gases is the best absorber of ultraviolet light? A) water vapor B) oxygen (including ozone) C) carbon dioxide D) carbon monoxide E) nitrogen dioxide
B) oxygen (including ozone)
A primary reason for drawing isotherms on a map of temperature values is to allow: A) determination of temperature ranges. B) recognition of temperature patterns. C) calculation of mean values. D) elimination of extreme values
B) recognition of temperature patterns.
Ozone is concentrated in the: A) thermosphere. B) stratosphere. C) troposphere. D) mesosphere.
B) stratosphere.
The ozone layer is found in the: A) mesosphere. B) stratosphere. C) thermosphere. D) ionosphere. E) troposphere.
B) stratosphere.
The basic elements of weather and climate include all of the following, except: A) the pressure of the air. B) the chemical composition of the air. C) the type and amount of cloudiness. D) the humidity of the air. E) the temperature of the air.
B) the chemical composition of the air.
Most of the solar energy absorbed by planet Earth and its atmosphere is absorbed by: A) clouds. B) the earth's surface. C) atmospheric gases. D) atmospheric dust.
B) the earth's surface.
A stable atmosphere is one in which: A) rising bubbles of air accelerate upward. B) upward vertical motions are resisted. C) temperatures are adiabatic. D) clouds are forming.
B) upward vertical motions are resisted.
These two conditions, working together, will make the atmosphere the most unstable. A) cool the surface and cool the air aloft B) warm the surface and cool the air aloft C) cool the surface and warm the air aloft D) warm the surface and warm the air aloft
B) warm the surface and cool the air aloft
During natural processes, heat transfer is always from: A) gases to solids. B) warmer to cooler substances. C) cooler to warmer substances. D) solids to liquids.
B) warmer to cooler substances.
Which of the following associations is CORRECT? A) high latitude N low annual temperature range B) water N high specific heat C) land N distributes heat through convection D) evaporation N raises the temperature of air
B) water N high specific heat
Ozone: A) is considered beneficial at the surface of the Earth. B) is concentrated in the mesosphere. C) protects life on Earth by filtering harmful UV radiation from sunlight. D) is rapidly depleting for reasons scientists do not yet fully understand.
C) protects life on Earth by filtering harmful UV radiation from sunlight.
The earth receives energy from the Sun by: A) scattering. B) convection. C) radiation. D) conduction.
C) radiation.
The annual temperature range is quite small near the equator. This is true primarily because: A) the elevation of most land areas there is near sea level. B) wind speeds tend to be always slow. C) solar radiation is nearly uniform all year. D) low pressure systems are almost never present. E) the earth emits more infrared energy at these locations.
C) solar radiation is nearly uniform all year.
Atmospheric pressure is caused by: A) Earth's magnetic field B) the rotation of Earth. C) the weight of the air above D) solar radiation.
C) the weight of the air above
he primary purpose served by surface ocean currents is to: A) help dissipate excess energy received at the poles during their periods of 24- hour daylight. B) drive atmospheric wind patterns. C) transfer heat and equalize the imbalance of energy between the poles and the equator. D) equalize climate impacts felt on opposite sides of the same continent.
C) transfer heat and equalize the imbalance of energy between the poles and the equator.
The atmosphere is highly ________ with respect to solar radiation. A) absorptive B) conductive C) transparent D) reflective
C) transparent
The summit of Mt. Everest (8.85 km) is found in the: A) stratosphere. B) thermosphere. C) troposphere. D) mesosphere.
C) troposphere
The four thermal layers of the atmosphere in order beginning from the surface are: A) thermosphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, troposphere B) stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere C) troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere D) mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, troposphere
C) troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere
Sinking or subsiding air cannot form clouds due to the: A) loss of particulates. B) removal of water vapor. C) warming temperatures. D) release of latent heat. E) formation of unstable layers.
C) warming temperatures.
Which of these factors influences the sensation of temperature that the human body feels? A) wind speed B) air temperature C) wind speed, air temperature, and humidity D) humidity
C) wind speed, air temperature, and humidity
The longest day of the year in the United States occurs on: A) March 3. B) December 4. C) November 18. D) June 21. E) September 30.
D) June 21.
In the process of scientific inquiry, a theory is best defined as: A) a final solution to a scientific problem that is proven correct and will never be disproven. B) the initial formulation of an idea based on a few observed facts. C) a "best guess" that may explain how something works, but is as yet untested and unproven. D) a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and is generally accepted by the scientific community.
D) a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and is generally accepted by the scientific community.
Which of these factors influences the sensation of temperature that the human body feels? A) air temperature B) humidity C) wind speed D) all of the above
D) all of the above
An isotherm on a map: A) identifies all places that have the same annual mean temperature. B) represents the coldest place on the map. C) represents the warmest place on the map. D) connects points of equal temperature.
D) connects points of equal temperature.
Which type of lifting mechanism results from warm air lifting over cold air? A) orographic lifting B) convergence C) convective lifting D) frontal wedging
D) frontal wedging
Which of the following gases does not absorb any portion of incoming solar radiation? A) water vapor B) oxygen C) ozone D) nitrogen
D) nitrogen
According to current scientific theory, what is the likely reason for the upward trend in overall CO2 concentrations demonstrated in the graph above? A) large and increasingly frequent volcanic eruptions B) The causes are still unknown C) changes in Earth's atmosphere brought about by natural climate variation D) rapidly increasing fossil fuel combustion and the resulting emissions
D) rapidly increasing fossil fuel combustion and the resulting emissions
The primary cause of Earth's seasons is: A) varying distance from the Sun, which changes how much radiation Earth receives from the Sun. B) varying orbital speed. C) regular changes in radiation emitted by the Sun. D) tilt of Earth's rotation axis, which causes sun angles and daylight length to vary. E) changes in atmospheric thickness.
D) tilt of Earth's rotation axis, which causes sun angles and daylight length to vary.
Clouds are most likely to ________ incoming solar radiation. A) absorb B) reflect C) transmit D) conduct E) Both absorb & reflect. F) Both transmit and conduct
E) Both absorb & reflect.
The spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on approximately: A) January 3. B) September 22. C) June 21. D) December 21. E) March 21.
E) March 21.
Of the following choices, the surface with the HIGHEST albedo is: A) thin cloud. B) grass. C) water (Sun near zenith). D) sand. E) fresh snow.
E) fresh snow.
The primary factor which determines what type and how much radiation an object emits is its: A) size. B) color. C) conductivity. D) density. E) temperature.
E) temperature.
The annual temperature range at most latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere is much smaller than that in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason for this is that: A) a greater proportion of the land surface is mountainous in the Southern Hemisphere. B) the earth is closest to the Sun during the Southern Hemisphere summer. C) less area is covered by desert in the Southern Hemisphere. D) rainfall and cloudiness are greater in the Southern Hemisphere. E) there is a greater percentage of water surface in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) there is a greater percentage of water surface in the Southern Hemisphere.
A location on a windward coast refers to a place where the prevailing wind is: A) away from land. B) strong. C) from the north. D) always light or calm. E) toward the land.
E) toward the land.
T/F: Cloud cover reduces both the daily high and daily low temperatures
False
T/F: During a typical day, the lowest temperature usually occurs about midnight.
False
T/F: Locations that have the same Sun angle always have very similar temperatures.
False
T/F: Seasonal temperature variations are due primarily to the changing distance between the earth and sun.
False
T/F: Snow- covered surfaces have a low albedo.
False
T/F: Surface air temperatures rise and fall more slowly over land areas.
False
T/F: The melting point of ice is 32°C.
False
T/F: Weather and climate are synonymous terms
False
the primary difference between concepts of weather and climate is: a) time period involved b) measuring technique used c) type of wether elements measured d) temperature scale used
a) time period involved
studies have shown that the average ozone depletion is greatest over this area a) North America b) Antarctica c) Australia d) Europe E) the Middle East
b) Antarctica
This atmospheric component absorbs damaging ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. a) argon b) ozone c) nitrogen d) helium e) neon
b) ozone
While ascending through the atmosphere, you record temperature with a standard thermometer and find that the temperature has risen from -48°C (-54°F) to -18°C (-0.4°F) over the last 10 km (6.2 miles). Which of the following regions of the atmosphere are you most likely in? a) mesosphere b) stratosphere c) thermosphere d) troposphere
b) stratosphere
which of the following outlines the steps of the scientific method in the correct order? a) test hypothesis; develop hypothesis; collect data; accept/modify/reject hypothesis b) develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis; collect data c) collect data; develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis d) collect data; test hypothesis; develop hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis
c) collect data; develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis
With an increase in altitude, air pressure: a) increases at a decreasing rate b) increases at a constant rate c) decreases at a decreasing rate d) decreases at a constant rate e) decreases at an increasing rate
c) decreases at a decreasing rate
Water vapor represents what fraction of the air near the earth's surface? a) about 20% b) 40-100% c) less than 4% d) about 10% e) 0-100%
c) less than 4%
the "weather sphere" is in the: a) stratosphere b) mesosphere c) troposphere d) thermosphere
c) troposphere
which of the following is the MOST important atmospheric component with regard to the earths climate and the formation of weather systems? a) oxygen b) ozone c) water vapor d) argon e) nitrogen
c) water vapor
T/F: Comfortable room temperature is roughly 22°C.
true
T/F: Isotherm lines do not always pass directly through observing station locations.
true
T/F: Surface air temperatures rise and fall more slowly over land areas.
true
Which of the following correctly describes the equinoxes? A) They occur in June and December. B) Days and nights are equal in length in all parts of the world. C) The Sun's vertical rays are striking either the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn. D) The length of daylight at the Arctic and Antarctic Circle is 24 hours
B) Days and nights are equal in length in all parts of the world.
All of the following are lifting mechanisms in the atmosphere EXCEPT: A) Convection B) Divergence C) Orographic D) Frontal wedging
B) Divergence
Assuming the average value of the environmental lapse rate, what would be the temperature in the troposphere at a height of 3 km if the temperature at the surface is 20°C? A) 9.2°C B) 32.9°C C) 0.5°C D) The answer cannot be calculated with the information given
C) 0.5°C
Which of the following statements is an expression of climate? A) Big Rapids, MI, recorded six inches of snowfall today. B) Tornado warnings are in effect for Oklahoma City, OK. C) February is the wettest month in Los Angeles, CA, with an average rainfall of 3.92 inches. D) Tomorrow's high is forecasted to be 67°F.
C) February is the wettest month in Los Angeles, CA, with an average rainfall of 3.92 inches.
The 90 degrees angle rays strike the Tropic of Cancer on: A) July 4. B) December 21. C) June 21. D) September 22. E) March 21.
C) June 21.
Locations on Earth which have the largest annual temperature change from summer to winter are often: A) at low altitudes. B) very humid. C) at high latitudes. D) near an ocean. E) at the equator.
C) at high latitudes.
The temperature of rising air parcels ________ as they move upward. A) increases B) remains constant C) decreases D) may either increase or decrease
C) decreases
Low sun angles result in reduced solar energy because: A) day lengths are shorter. B) absorption is reduced. C) energy is spread over a larger area. D) Sun - Earth distance is greater.
C) energy is spread over a larger area.
The absorption of longwave radiation by certain gases in the lower atmosphere is responsible for: A) photon effect. B) atmospheric window effect. C) greenhouse effect. D) adiabatic effect.
C) greenhouse effect.
In which phase do water molecules have the lowest kinetic energy? A) vapor B) liquid C) ice D) It has the same kinetic energy in all three phases.
C) ice
Which of the following does NOT happen to solar radiation as it passes through the atmosphere? A) absorption B) transmission C) intensification D) scattering
C) intensification
The term meteorology: A) is the study of meteors and their effects on the atmosphere. B) is the study of the long- term average weather conditions at a given location. C) is the study of the atmosphere and its related weather systems. D) can be used interchangeably with climate because they have the same meaning
C) is the study of the atmosphere and its related weather systems.
Which one of the following is the MOST abundant gas in the atmosphere? A) oxygen B) carbon dioxide C) nitrogen D) hydrogen E) argon
C) nitrogen
T/F: A scientific hypothesis may be regarded as a tentative explanation of observed facts or events.
True
T/F: Deserts, with their very dry air, experience cool nighttime temperatures because of a weaker greenhouse effect
True
T/F: Fairbanks, Alaska (65°N), has more hours of daylight in June than Miami, Florida (26°N).
True
T/F: Pure white sunlight contains all of the colors of the visible light spectrum.
True
T/F: The warmest temperature ever recorded in the United States occurred in Death Valley, CA.
True
T/F: Weather influences people, but people don't influence weather.
True
T/F: scientific hypotheses are rejected when they do not agree with observed data
True