Meteorology mid term

Clouds that appear as bag-like sacks hanging from beneath a cloud are: a.pileus. b.lenticular. c.mammatus. d.castellanus. e.scud.

mammatus.

The scale on an altimeter indicates altitude, but an altimeter actually measures: Select one: a.temperature. b.humidity. c.pressure. d.density.

pressure.

In the earth's upper atmosphere, visible light given off by excited atoms and molecules produces: a.flares. b.prominences. c.the solar wind. d.the aurora.

the aurora.

According to the model of the life cycle of a wave cyclone, the storm system is normally most intense: Select one: a.when the system first becomes occluded. b.as an open wave. c.as a stable wave. d.as a stationary wave. e.as a frontal wave.

when the system first becomes occluded.

A Texas norther (or blue norther) is most often associated with which air mass? Select one: a.mP b.cA c.cT d.mT

cA

The coldest of all air masses is _____. Select one: a.cA b.cF c.mP d.cT e.mT

cA

The temperature at which you would expect a cloud to become completely glaciated is: a.0 oC ( 32 oF). b.-5 oC ( 23 oF). c.-18 oC ( 0 oF). d.-40 oC (-40 oF).

-40 oC (-40 oF)

Which of the following is NOT correct concerning a warm front? Select one: a.In winter it is usually associated with stratiform clouds. b.It is colored red on a weather map. c.It has warm air ahead (in advance) of it. d.It normally moves more slowly than a cold front.

.It has warm air ahead (in advance) of it

Which below is NOT correct about the stratospheric polar-night jet stream? Select one: a.It is caused by a north-south temperature gradient. b.It is strongest in winter. c.It blows from west to east. d.It is found near the tropopause.

.It is found near the tropopause.

The surface pressures at the bases of warm and cold columns of air are equal. Which of the following statements is NOT correct? Select one: a.Both columns of air contain the same total number of air molecules. b.Pressure will decrease with increasing height at the same rate in both columns. c.The weight of each column of air is the same. d.The cold air is denser than the warm air.

.Pressure will decrease with increasing height at the same rate in both columns.

Under what circumstances could the relative humidity exceed 100 percent without producing fog? a.The dew point is higher than the air temperature. b.The air is perfectly dry. c.There are no condensation nuclei present. d.There are too many electrically-charged ions in the air.

.There are no condensation nuclei present.

Which of the following helps to explain why even though northern latitudes experience 24 hours of sunlight on June 22, they are not warmer than latitudes further south? a.Solar energy is spread over a larger area in northern latitudes. b.Some of the sun's energy is reflected by snow and ice in the northern latitudes. c.all of these d.Solar energy is used to melt frozen soil in the northern latitudes. e.Increased cloud cover reflects solar energy in the northern latitudes.

.all of these

Orchard heaters and wind machines are most useful in preventing damaging low temperatures from occurring next to the ground on: a.clear, calm nights. b.rainy nights. c.cloudy, snowy nights. d.clear, windy nights. e.cloudy, windy nights.

.clear, calm nights.

During a major El Nino event: Select one: a.Peruvian fishermen harvest a record amount of fish near Christmas time. b.California experiences severe drought conditions. c.extensive ocean warming occurs over the tropical Pacific. d.the Northeast trade winds increase in strength.

.extensive ocean warming occurs over the tropical Pacific.

Atmospheric shortwaves usually move than longwaves, and when they move through a longwave ridge. Select one: a.slower; weaken b.slower; strengthen c.faster; weaken d.faster; strengthen

.faster; weaken

As an air parcel aloft moves northward from the equator, it moves closer to the earth's axis of rotation. Because of the conservation of angular momentum, the air parcel's motion should: Select one: a.slow and eventually reverse direction. b.increase in speed. c.slow but continue in the same direction. d.remain constant.

.increase in speed.

If the air temperature remains constant, evaporating water into the air will the dew point and the relative humidity. a.increase; increase b.increase; decrease c.decrease; increase d.decrease; decrease

.increase; increase

When a liquid thermometer is held in direct sunlight, a.it will measure a much higher temperature than that of the air. b.it will measure a much lower temperature than that of the air. c.it will measure the temperature of the sun rather than the air. d.it will accurately measure the air temperature.

.it will measure a much higher temperature than that of the air.

The unit of pressure most commonly found on a surface weather map is: a.millimeters of mercury (Hg). b.inches of mercury (Hg). c.millibars or hectopascals. d.pounds per square inch.

.millibars or hectopascals.

The creaking sound produced by walking on snow is most common on: Select one: a.new snow when the air temperature is below -10 oC (14 oF). b.old snow when the air temperature is above -10 oC (14 oF). c.old snow when the air temperature is near freezing. d.new snow when the air temperature is near freezing.

.new snow when the air temperature is below -10 oC (14 oF).

What are the two main substances used in cloud seeding? Select one: a.lead iodide, dry ice b.silver iodide, lead iodide c.ice crystals, flood powder d.dry ice, sea salt e.silver iodide, dry ice

.silver iodide, dry ice

In the northern hemisphere, a solar panel should be placed on the side of the roof facing: a.east. b.south. c.west. d.north.

.south.

Suppose yesterday morning you noticed ice crystals (frost) on the grass, yet the minimum temperature reported in the newspaper was only 35o F. The most likely reason for this apparent discrepancy is that: a.the newspaper reported the wrong temperature. b.the thermometer was read incorrectly. c.temperature readings are taken in instrument shelters more than 5 feet above the ground. d.the thermometer was in error. e.the thermometer was read before the minimum temperature was reached for that day.

.temperature readings are taken in instrument shelters more than 5 feet above the ground.

Incoming solar radiation in middle latitudes is less in winter than in summer because: a.a and b only b.the sun's rays are weakened by passing through a greater thickness of atmosphere. c.all of these d.the sun's rays slant more and spread their energy over a larger area. e.the cold dense air lowers the intensity of the sun's rays.

.the sun's rays slant more and spread their energy over a larger area.

On a surface weather map during the month of July, one would expect to find what type of pressure system over the desert southwest of the United States? Select one: a.monsoon low b.Aleutian low c.thermal low d.Pacific high

.thermal low

A thermometer that measures temperature and records it on a piece of chart paper is a: a.thermograph. b.minimum thermometer. c.thermistor. d.maximum thermometer.

.thermograph.

Longwaves in the middle and upper troposphere usually have lengths on the order of: Select one: a.tens of kilometers. b.millions of kilometers. c.hundreds of kilometers. d.thousands of kilometers.

.thousands of kilometers.

Carbon dioxide is a naturally-occurring component of the atmosphere. a.true b.false

.true

An altocumulus in the form of parallel waves would be described as an altocumulus . a.incus b.calvus c.translucidus d.capillatus e.undulatus

.undulatus

If a city were to receive 1/2 inch of rain in the morning and then 5 inches of snow that afternoon, about how much precipitation would the weather service report for that day? a.5 1/2 inches b.1/2 inch c.1 inch d.10 inches

1 inch

If all the water vapor in the atmosphere were to condense and fall to the ground, the globe would be covered with about ______ of water. a.1 millimeter b.1 inch c.1 foot d.1 meter

1 inch

The top of the friction layer is usually found near what altitude? Select one: a.1,000 m (3,300 ft) b.100 m (330 ft) c.5,000 m (16,400 ft) d.500 m (1,640 ft)

1,000 m (3,300 ft)

If the sea level pressure in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 1,016 mb, the strongest summertime sea breeze along the New Jersey coast would occur when the sea level pressure just east of Atlantic City, New Jersey is: Select one: a.1,015 mb. b.1,019 mb. c.1,016 mb. d.1,017 mb.

1,019 mb.

Suppose it is snowing outside and the air is saturateD. The air temperature and dew point are both 15 oF, and the actual vapor pressure is 3 mB. If this air is brought indoors and warmed to 75 oF, what would the relative humidity of this air be, assuming that its moisture content does not change? (The saturation vapor pressure at 75 oF is 30 mb). a.5 percent b.10 percent c.30 percent d.50 percent e.100 percent

10 percent

After a snowstorm, the newspaper reports that Buffalo, New York, received 1.50 inches of precipitation. If we assume an average water equivalent ratio for this snowstorm, then Buffalo received about inches of snow. Select one: a.3 b.1.5 c.10 d.9 e.15

15

What would be the height of the base of a cumulus cloud when the surface air temperature is 45 oC and the dew point is 25 oC? Select one: a.1,125 m b.2,000 m c.2,500 m d.4,000 m e.6,500 m

2,500 m

In terms of the three-cell general circulation model, the driest regions of the earth should be near: Select one: a.the equator and the polar regions. b.the equator and 30o latitude. c.30o latitude and the polar regions. d.the equator and 60o latitude. e.30o latitude and 60o latitude.

30o latitude and the polar regions.

Suppose peas are planted in Indiana on May 1. If the peas need 1,200 growing degree-days before they can be picked, and if the mean temperature for each day during May and June is 70o F, in about how many days will the peas be ready to pick? (Assume a base temperature of 40o F.) a.30 b.120 c.40 d.70

40

If a pilot balloon rises at a rate of 100 m per minute, and if it disappears into a deck of stratus clouds 1,500 m (5,000 ft) thick in 5 minutes, what is the ceiling of the cloud layer? a.100 m ( 300 ft) b.300 m (1,000 ft) c.500 m (1,600 ft) d.1,500 m (5,000 ft) e.2,000 m (6,400 ft)

500 m (1,600 ft)

At middle latitudes, the base of an altostratus or altocumulus cloud would generally be found between: a.200 and 6,500 feet. b.6,500 and 23,000 feet. c.23,000 and 43,000 feet. d.above 43,000 feet.

6,500 and 23,000 feet.

Which of the following latitudes is closer to the earth's axis? a.0oN b.60oN c.90oN d.40oN

90oN

On a clear night, the best place to see the aurora would be: a.northern Washington. b.Alaska. c.Colorado. d.at the magnetic north pole. e.northern Maine.

Alaska.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? a.The largest concentration of condensation nuclei are usually observed near the Earth b.Wet haze restricts visibility more than dry haze. c.Fog is actually a cloud resting on the ground. d.With the same water vapor content, fog that forms in dirty air is usually thicker than fog that forms in cleaner air. e.All of the above are correct.

All of the above are correct.

Which statement(s) below is/are correct? a.Valleys are more susceptible to radiation fog than hill tops. b.Without the summer fog along the coast of California, redwoods would not grow well there. c.Fog can be composed of ice crystals. d.All of the above are correct.

All of the above are correct.

Two objects, A and B, have the same mass but the specific heat of A is larger than B. If both objects absorb equal amounts of energy, a.A will get warmer, but B will get colder. b.B will become warmer than A. c.both A and B will warm at the same rate. d.A will become warmer than B.

B will become warmer than A.

Which of the scientists below was not one of the meteorologists who helped develop the polar front theory of a developing wave cyclone? Select one: a.H. Solberg b.J. Bjerknes c.T. Bergeron d.C.G. Rossby e.V. Bjerknes

C.G. Rossby

Which region is not considered to be a region where cyclogenesis often occurs? Select one: a.Atlantic Ocean near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina b.the Great Basin of the United States c.Gulf of Mexico d.California e.eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains

California

Major ocean currents that flow parallel to the coast of North America are: Select one: a.California, Gulf Stream, and Labrador. b.Kuroshio, California, and Labrador. c.Labrador, Canary, and Gulf Stream. d.Labrador, Canary, and California.

California, Gulf Stream, and Labrador.

The temperature scale where 0 represents freezing and 100 represents boiling is called: -Fahrenheit -Celsius -absolute -Kelvin

Celsius

The ____ is an apparent force created by the earth's rotation. Select one: a.Coriolis force b.pressure gradient force c.centripetal force d.gravitational force

Coriolis force

The name given to the current of warm water that replaces cold surface water along the coast of Peru and Ecuador during December is: Select one: a.Brazil current. b.El Niño c.Humbolt current. d.Benguela current.

El Niño

The temperature scale that sets freezing of pure water at 32o F is called: a.British. b.Celsius. c.Kelvin. d.Fahrenheit.

Fahrenheit.

On what day would you expect the sun to be overhead at Lima, Peru (latitude 12o S)? a.April 21 b.March 10 c.December 22 d.August 15 e.February 4

February 4

When comparing an "average" cold front to an "average" warm front, which of the following is NOT correct? Select one: a.Especially in winter, cumuliform clouds are more often associated with cold fronts. b.Generally, cold fronts move faster than warm fronts. c.Generally, precipitation covers a much broader area with a cold front. d.Generally, cold fronts have steeper slopes.

Generally, precipitation covers a much broader area with a cold front.

When comparing an "average" cold front to an "average" warm front, which of the following is NOT correct? Select one: a.Generally, precipitation covers a much broader area with a cold front. b.Generally, cold fronts move faster than warm fronts. c.Especially in winter, cumuliform clouds are more often associated with cold fronts. d.Generally, cold fronts have steeper slopes.

Generally, precipitation covers a much broader area with a cold front.

Which of the following statements is not correct? a.The horizontal transport of heat by the wind is called advection. b.Good absorbers of radiation are usually poor emitters of radiation. c.Calm, cloudy nights are usually warmer than calm, clear nights. d.Each year the earth's surface radiates away more energy than it receives from the sun.

Good absorbers of radiation are usually poor emitters of radiation.

What holds a planet's atmosphere close to its surface? a.Pressure b.Radiation c.Moisture d.Gravity e.Cloud cover

Gravity

The two ocean currents, warm and cold, that produce fog off the coast of Newfoundland are the: Select one: a.North Atlantic Drift and Canary current. b.Gulf stream and Canary current. c.North Atlantic Drift and Gulf stream. d.Gulf stream and Labrador current. e.Labrador current and Canary current.

Gulf stream and Labrador current.

The large thermally driven convection cell that is driven by convective "hot" towers along the equator is the _________. Select one: a.El Ni b.Ekman spiral c.Ferrel cell d.Hadley cell

Hadley cell

The atmosphere near the earths surface is heated from below which of the following is not responsible for the heating -convection from a hot surface -conduction of heat upward from a hot surface -absorption of infrared energy that has been radiated from the surface -heat energy from the earths interior

Heat energy from the earths interior

The albedo of the earths surface is only about 4 percent, yet the combined albedo of the earth and the atmosphere is about 30 percent which set of conditions below BEST explains why -low albedo of clouds high albedo of water -high albedo of clouds high albedo of water -high albedo of clouds low albedo of water -low albedo of clouds low albedo of water

High albedo of clouds low albedo of water

Clear sunny days with very cold nights would be associated with what type of air mass? Select one: a.cP b.mT c.cT d.mP

cP

Which of the following is not considered a semi-permanent high or low pressure area? Select one: a.Siberian high b.Icelandic high c.Aleutian low d.Bermuda high e.Pacific high

Icelandic high

Which of the following statements is most plausible? Select one: a.They are all equally plausible. b.In summer, mT source regions have lower temperatures than mP source regions. c.In summer, mP source regions have higher temperatures than cT source regions. d.In winter, cA source regions have lower temperatures than cP source regions. e.In winter, cP source regions have higher temperatures than mT source regions.

In winter, cA source regions have lower temperatures than cP source regions.

The electrified region of the upper atmosphere is called the: -thermosphere -troposphere -stratosphere -mesosphere -ionosphere

Ionosphere

Which of the following is NOT correct concerning a warm front? Select one: a.It normally moves more slowly than a cold front. b.It is colored red on a weather map. c.It has warm air ahead (in advance) of it. d.In winter it is usually associated with stratiform clouds.

It has warm air ahead (in advance) of it.

Which of the following is NOT correct concerning a cold front? Select one: a.It marks a zone of shifting winds. b.It is colored purple on a weather map. c.It marks the position of a trough of low pressure. d.It has cold air behind it.

It is colored purple on a weather map.

Which of the following is NOT a reason why water warms and cools much more slowly than land? a.A portion of the solar energy that strikes water is used to evaporate it. b.Water has a higher heat capacity. c.Heat energy is mixed in a deeper layer of water. d.It takes more heat to raise the temperature of a given amount of soil 1o C than it does to raise the temperature of water 1o C. e.Solar energy penetrates more deeply into water.

It takes more heat to raise the temperature of a given amount of soil 1o C than it does to raise the temperature of water 1o C.

"A good absorber of a given wavelength of radiation is also a good emitter of that wavelength." This is a statement of: a.the First Law of Thermodynamics. b.the Law of Relativity. c.Stefan-Boltzmann's law. d.Wien's Law. e.Kirchhoff's Law.

Kirchhoff's Law.

A condition where the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean turns cooler than normal is called: Select one: a.the Southern Oscillation. b.El Ni c.La Ni d.the Ekman Spiral.

La Ni

Record breaking low temperatures are associated with which air mass? Select one: a.mP b.mT c.cP d.cT

cP

It's March 23 and spring has just begun in: a.Perth, Australia. b.Johannesburg, South Africa. c.Sao Paolo, Brazil. d.Lexington, Kentucky.

Lexington, Kentucky.

At the North Pole the sun will rise above the horizon on ______ and set below the horizon on ______ . a.March 21; December 22 b.September 23; December 22 c.June 22; September 23 d.June 22; December 22 e.March 21; September 23

March 21; September 23

When Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico get humid southerly or southeasterly winds along with afternoon showers and thunderstorms, the region is experiencing: Select one: a.it is a period of high tides. b.it is raining offshore. c.there is a large difference in water density between the shoreline of South America. d.Monsoonal conditions from the Pacific Ocean. e.an earthquake has occurred somewhere on the ocean floor.

Monsoonal conditions from the Pacific Ocean.

A surface LOW pressure area that moves from south to north directly east of your home would most likely produce winds that shift from: Select one: a.S to SE to E. b.SE to E to SW. c.W to NW to N. d.NE to N to NW. e.N to NE to E.

NE to N to NW.

The "force exerted on an object equals its mass times the acceleration produced" is a description of: Select one: a.the isobaric law. b.hydrostatic equilibrium. c.Buys-Ballot's law. d.Newton's second law of motion.

Newton's second law of motion.

Which of the following is not a name given to a satellite? a.SCUD b.LandSat c.TIROS d.Nimbus e.GOES

Nimbus

Average winter temperatures in Great Britain and Norway would probably be much colder if it were not for the: Select one: a.Greenland current. b.Labrador current. c.North Equatorial current. d.North Atlantic Drift. e.Canary current.

North Atlantic Drift.

The polar front theory of a developing wave cyclone was conceived in: Select one: a.Norway. b.Germany. c.Soviet Union. d.Great Britain. e.United States.

Norway.

Indian summer would most likely occur during the month of: a.June. b.October. c.December. d.August.

October.

One would expect a cP air mass to be: Select one: a.cold and dry. b.warm and moist. c.cold and moist. d.warm and dry.

cold and dry.

The large semi-permanent surface anticyclone that is normally positioned over the ocean, west of California, is called the: Select one: a.Baja high. b.California high. c.Pacific high. d.Aleutian high. e.Hawaiian high.

Pacific high.

Which of the following relationships best describes the gas law? Select one: a.Temperature is proportional to density times pressure. b.Pressure is proportional to density times temperature. c.Temperature times pressure times density remains constant. d.Density is proportional to pressure times temperature.

Pressure is proportional to density times temperature.

Which statement below best describes the curvature effect? Select one: a.Large cloud droplets fall faster than small droplets. b.Small droplets evaporate more quickly than large droplets. c.Small droplets collide and coalesce more easily than larger droplets. d.It explains the six-sided shape of ice crystals.

Small droplets evaporate more quickly than large droplets.

Which below best describes why a fluffy covering of snow is able to protect sensitive plants and their root systems from damaging low temperatures? Select one: a.Snow is a good insulator. b.Melting snow releases latent heat. c.Snow is a good emitter of infrared energy. d.Snow is a good reflector of sunlight.

Snow is a good insulator.

A small, moving disturbance imbedded in a longwave is called: Select one: a.a wave cyclone. b.a frontal wave. c.a lee-side low. d.a shortwave.

a shortwave.

The wind direction is -always directly from low towards high pressure -always directly from high towards low pressure -the direction to which the wind is blowing -the direction from which the wind is blowing

The direction from which the wind is blowing

Which below is NOT an assumption of the single-cell model of the general circulation of the atmosphere? Select one: a.none of these b.The earth's surface is covered with water. c.The sun is always overhead at the equator. d.The earth rotates once in 24 hours.

The earth rotates once in 24 hours

Which of the following statements is NOT correct about vorticity? Select one: a.Absolute vorticity is the sum of the earth's vorticity and the relative vorticity. b.The earth's vorticity is zero at the poles. c.Air that spins cyclonically possesses positive vorticity. d.The earth's vorticity in the Northern Hemisphere is positive.

The earth's vorticity is zero at the poles.

Which of the following statements is not correct? a.The length of human hair changes as the relative humidity changes. b.During the winter, low relative humidity can irritate the mucus membranes in the nose and throat. c.The relative humidity is a measure of the air's actual water vapor content. d.A change in the air temperature can change the relative humidity.

The length of human hair changes as the relative humidity changes.

If the temperature of the air is said to be at absolute zero one might conclude that -the air temperature is 0o C. -the molecules contain a minimum amount of energy -the motion of the molecule is is at a maximum -the molecules are occupying a large volume -the temperature is 0o F.

The molecules contain a minimum amount of energy

Just above cumulus humilis clouds you would expect to find: Select one: a.a stable layer. b.an unstable layer. c.a conditionally unstable layer. d.unusually strong horizontal winds.

a stable layer.

Which condition below is necessary for a layer of altostratus clouds to change into altocumulus? a.The top part of the cloud deck cools while the bottom part warms. b.Temperature increases with increasing altitude in the layer. c.The cloud layer becomes more stable. d.All of these

The top part of the cloud deck cools while the bottom part warms.

If the earth stopped rotating which of the following would NOT be true? Select one: a.There would still be a Coriolis force. b.There would still be a gravitational force. c.Surface winds would below from high toward low pressure. d.There would still be a pressure gradient force.

There would still be a Coriolis force.

Alternating lines of blue and red on a surface weather chart indicate: Select one: a.an occluded front. b.a stationary front. c.a cold front. d.a warm front.

a stationary front.

Which below is usually NOT true concerning a sea breeze circulation? Select one: a.They usually occur when the water is cooler than the land. b.They can cause clouds to form over the land. c.They occur when the surface wind blows from the water toward the land. d.They mainly occur at night.

They mainly occur at night.

Alternating lines of blue and red on a surface weather chart indicate: Select one: a.an occluded front. b.a warm front. c.a cold front. d.a stationary front.

a stationary front.

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation is similar to the El Ni Select one: a.affects fish populations. b.also involves ocean currents. c.reverses every 20 to 30 years. d.affects a large area of the earth.

affects fish populations.

Which of the following equations is correct? a.Weight = mass - gravity b.Weight = mass x gravity c.Weight = mass gravity d.Weight = mass + gravity

Weight = mass x gravity

A cold front that moves into New England from the east or northeast is called: Select one: a.a nor'easter. b.a "back door" cold front. c.an oceanic front. d.a cold occluded front.

a "back door" cold front.

Occluded fronts may form as: Select one: a.a cold front overtakes a squall line. b.a warm front overtakes a cold front. c.a cold front overtakes a warm front. d.overrunning occurs along a warm front.

a cold front overtakes a warm front.

The surface weather map is a sea level chart. Thus, a surface weather map is also called: Select one: a.an isobaric chart. b.a constant pressure chart. c.a constant height chart. d.a constant latitude chart.

a constant height chart.

An upper-level pool of cold air that has broken away from the main flow is called: Select one: a.a wave cyclone. b.a cut-off low. c.a lee-side low. d.a shortwave.

a cut-off low.

An increase in albedo would be accompanied by in radiative equilibrium temperature. a.unstable oscillations b.no change c.an increase d.a decrease

a decrease

If the outflow of air around a surface high pressure area is greater than the convergence of air aloft, you would observe: Select one: a.strengthening in the high. b.a decrease in the central pressure. c.movement of the high toward the northeast. d.in increase in pressure in the center of the high.

a decrease in the central pressure.

On a weather map, the transition zone between two air masses with sharply contrasting properties is marked by: Select one: a.a front. b.the words "air mass weather." c.the letter "H." d.the letter "L."

a front.

The annual variation of earth-sun distance is _____ seasonal weather changes. a.caused by b.a major influence on c.irrelevant to

a major influence on

A completely dry air parcel which first rises and cools, and subsequently sinks and warms, is undergoing: a.an irreversible pseudoadiabatic process. b.a reversible adiabatic process. c.an irreversible adiabatic process.

a reversible adiabatic process.

According to the three-cell general circulation model, at the equator we would not expect to find: Select one: a.the ITCZ. b.light winds. c.cumuliform clouds. d.heavy showers. e.a ridge of high pressure.

a ridge of high pressure.

In calm air the air temperature is -10o C, if the wind speed should increase to 30 knots (with no change in air temperature) the thermometer would indicate: a.a much higher temperature than -10o C. b.a much lower temperature than -10o C. c.a temperature of -10o C. d.a temperature of -30o C.

a temperature of -10o C.

A surface low pressure center is generally associated with ____ on an upper level isobaric chart. Select one: a.a ridge b.zonal flow c.convergence d.a trough

a trough

The density of water vapor in a given parcel of air is expressed by the: a.absolute humidity. b.relative humidity. c.mixing ratio. d.specific humidity. e.saturation vapor pressure.

absolute humidity.

When the environmental lapse rate decreases more rapidly with height than the dry adiabatic rate, the atmosphere is: Select one: a.absolutely stable. b.absolutely unstable. c.convectively unstable. d.conditionally unstable.

absolutely unstable.

Freshly fallen snow __________ sound waves. Select one: a.amplifies b.absorbs c.none of these

absorbs

Warming in the stratosphere is mainly caused by: a.chemical reactions between ozone and chlorofluorocarbons. b.release of latent heat energy during condensation. c.absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone. d.frictional heating caused by meteorites.

absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone.

Areas of rising air tend to be associated with _____ precipitation. Select one: a.little b.abundant

abundant

The growth of a precipitation particle by the collision of an ice crystal (or snowflake) with a supercooled liquid droplet is called: Select one: a.accretion. b.spontaneous nucleation. c.condensation. d.deposition.

accretion.

Fog that forms off the coast of Newfoundland is mainly a form of: a.advection fog. b.frontal fog. c.steam fog. d.radiation fog. e.upslope fog.

advection fog.

Suppose two ocean currents with different temperatures are flowing next to one another. If the wind blows perpendicular to the currents, we would expect to find: a.radiation fog. b.steam fog. c.lenticular clouds. d.advection fog.

advection fog.

On a surface weather map that shows an open wave cyclone, the warm sector can be observed: Select one: a.ahead of an advancing cold-occluded front. b.ahead of an advancing cold front. c.behind an advancing cold-occluded front. d.ahead of an advancing warm front. e.behind an advancing cold front.

ahead of an advancing cold front.

Which of the following set of surface conditions would produce a convective cumulus cloud with the highest base? Select one: a.air temperature 40 oC, dew point 30 oC b.air temperature 25 oC, dew point 10 oC c.air temperature 35 oC, dew point 10 oC d.air temperature 45 oC, dew point 25 oC e.air temperature 25 oC, dew point 5 oC

air temperature 35 oC, dew point 10 oC

Condensation nuclei may be: a.particles of dust. b.nitric acid particles. c.smoke from forest fires. d.salt from the ocean. e.all of the above

all of the above

For frozen dew to form, a.the dew point must be above freezing. b.the minimum temperature must fall to freezing or below. c.dew must form and then freeze. d.all of the above

all of the above

A maritime polar air mass that reaches the Pacific Coast is: Select one: a.conditionally unstable. b.all of these c.moist. d.cool.

all of these

A true blizzard is characterized by: Select one: a.low temperatures. b.strong winds. c.reduced visibility. d.blowing snow. e.all of these

all of these

At jet streak is a place where __________ is (are) often found. Select one: a.clear air turbulence b.very strong winds c.all of these d.strong vertical wind speed shear

all of these

During an equinox, a.the days and nights are of equal length except at the poles. b.the earth is not tilted toward nor away from the sun. c.all of these d.at noon the sun is overhead at the equator.

all of these

During baroclinic instability, Select one: a.wave cyclones can intensify into large storm systems. b.temperature advection is occurring. c.strong wind speed shear exists from the surface up to at least the 500 mb level. d.all of these e.rising and descending air motions exist.

all of these

Exhaled breath from your mouth can condense when: a.it is very colD. b.it is very warm and humid. c.the addition of water vapor from your breath causes the air d.all of these

all of these

Ice nuclei may be: Select one: a.ice crystals. b.certain clay minerals. c.bacteria in decaying plant leaf material. d.all of these

all of these

Infrared satellite images are computer enhanced to: a.increase the contrast between specific features in the picture. b.show where thick clouds with cold tops are located. c.show where clouds with tops near the freezing level are located. d.all of these

all of these

The north-facing side of a hill in a mountainous region in the US tends to: a.receive less sunlight during a year than the south-facing side. b.be a better location for a ski run than the south-facing side. c.grow a variety of trees that are typically observed at higher elevation. d.have snow on the ground for a longer period of time in winter compared to the south-facing side. e.all of these

all of these

Northeasters (or nor'easters) are midlatitude storms commonly found: Select one: a.along both the Pacific coast of North America and the Atlantic coast of North America. b.along the Atlantic coast of North America. c.along the Pacific coast of North America. d.along the Gulf coast of North America.

along the Atlantic coast of North America

In a hilly region, the best place to plant crops that are sensitive to low temperatures is: a.on the top of the highest hill. b.in any dry location. c.along the hillsides. d.on the valley floor.

along the hillsides.

Which of the following pairs of cloud types could be very similar in appearance? a.cumulus and cirrus b.cirrostratus and stratus c.altocumulus and cirrocumulus d.cirrocumulus and cumulonimbus

altocumulus and cirrocumulus

The temperature of a rising air parcel: a.always warms due to compression. b.always warms due to expansion. c.always cools due to compression. d.remains constant e.always cools due to expansion

always cools due to expansion

The ionosphere is an atmospheric layer that contains a high concentration of ions. An ion is: a.another term for ozone. b.atomic oxygen. c.an atom or molecule that has lost or gained an electron. d.a radioactive element.

an atom or molecule that has lost or gained an electron.

Air moving eastward more slowly than the earth rotates, would appear to be _____ wind to an observer on the earth. Select one: a.a counterclockwise b.a west c.an upward d.an east

an east

Which instrument only measures wind speed? Select one: a.aerovane b.anemometer c.rawinsonde observation d.wind sock e.wind vane

anemometer

Which below is not a name given to a large cyclonic storm system that forms in the middle latitudes? Select one: a.wave cyclone b.anticyclone c.extratropical cyclone d.middle latitude cyclone

anticyclone

If we assume that the absolute vorticity of flowing air is conserved, air moving northeastward will bend ______ to compensate for the ______ in the earth's vorticity. Select one: a.anticyclonically; decrease b.anticyclonically; increase c.cyclonically; increase d.cyclonically; decrease

anticyclonically; increase

Winds blow slightly inward: Select one: a.around surface low pressure centers in the Northern Hemisphere only. b.at the poles in both hemispheres. c.around surface low pressure centers in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. d.around surface low pressure centers in the Southern Hemisphere only.

around surface low pressure centers in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The pressure gradient force is directed from higher pressure toward lower pressure: Select one: a.at all places on earth. b.only in the Southern Hemisphere. c.only at the equator. d.only in the Northern Hemisphere. e.at all places on earth except for the equator.

at all places on earth.

During the winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the "land of the midnight sun" would be found: a.on the West Coast. b.at high latitudes. c.in the desert southwest. d.at middle latitudes. e.near the equator.

at high latitudes.

The greatest variation in daily temperature usually occurs: a.at the top of a high-rise apartment complex. b.about 5 feet above the ground. c.at the level where thermals stop rising. d.at the ground.

at the ground.

Thermal turbulence above the surface is usually most severe: Select one: a.around midnight. b.at the time of maximum surface heating. c.immediately after sunset. d.just before sunrise. e.about midmorning, or soon after the minimum temperature is reached.

at the time of maximum surface heating.

The time of day when the relative humidity reaches a maximum value is usually: a.at the time when the air temperature is highest b.in the middle of the afternoon c.at the time when the air temperature is lowest d.just before sunrise e.about midnight

at the time when the air temperature is lowest

On an upper-level chart where the isotherms cross the isobars (or contours) and temperature advection occurs, the atmosphere is called: Select one: a.hydrostatic. b.geostrophic. c.baroclinic. d.barotropic.

baroclinic.

Since the turn of this century, CO2 in the atmosphere has: a.been decreasing in concentration. b.remained at about the same concentration from year to year. c.been increasing in concentration. d.disappeared entirely

been increasing in concentration.

In the middle latitudes, meteorological winter generally starts _____ astronomical winter. a.at the same time as b.after c.before

before

On a weather map of the Northern Hemisphere, one would observe the westerlies: Select one: a.north of the subpolar lows. b.between the subpolar lows and the subtropical highs. c.south of the tropical highs. d.between the doldrums and the horse latitudes.

between the subpolar lows and the subtropical highs.

An offshore wind: Select one: a.only blows during the day. b.blows from land to water. c.blows from water to land. d.blows only at night.

blows from land to water.

Another term for explosive cyclogenesis used by meteorologists is: Select one: a.bomb. b.cut-off low cyclogenesis. c.baroclinic development. d.lee-side low development. e.deepening shortwave.

bomb.

A dryline is: Select one: a.a boundary marking a strong horizontal change in atmospheric moisture. b.a stalled cold front. c.a dew point front. d.a stalled warm front. e.both a dew point front and a boundary marking a strong horizontal change in atmospheric moisture.

both a dew point front and a boundary marking a strong horizontal change in atmospheric moisture.

Many small-scale processes are _________ in General Circulation Models. Select one: a.ignored b.both b and c c.parameterized d.none of the above e.approximated

both b and c

Continental tropical air masses are typically found in: Select one: a.the southeastern U.S. b.northern Mexico. c.the Gulf of Mexico. d.both northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S. e.the southwestern U.S.

both northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S.

The type of weather system known as a 'mid-latitude cyclone' CANNOT form over the tropical ocean because: Select one: a.both surface temperature contrasts are not large and the ocean surface has a lot of waves. b.both surface temperature contrasts are not large and the Coriolis force is weak in the tropics. c.the Coriolis force is weak in the tropics. d.surface temperature contrasts are not large. e.the ocean surface has a lot of waves.

both surface temperature contrasts are not large and the Coriolis force is weak in the tropics.

An ideal shelter for housing a temperature-measurement instrument should be: a.both black and in the shade. b.black. c.in the shade. d.white. e.both white and in the shade.

both white and in the shade.

Which air mass would show the most dramatic change in both temperature and moisture content as it moves over a large body of very warm water? Select one: a.mP in winter b.mT in summer c.cP in winter d.cT in summer

cP in winter

What type of air mass would be responsible for hot, dry summer weather in southern Arizona? Select one: a.cT b.mT c.mP d.cP

cT

Which air mass forms over North America only in summer? Select one: a.cT b.mT c.mP d.cP

cT

When you see your breath on a cold morning, the air temperature: a.must be above freezing. b.must be below freezing. c.can be above or below freezing. d.must be equal to the relative humidity.

can be above or below freezing.

The greenhouse gas that has been increasing in concentration, at least partly due to deforestation, is: a.chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). b.carbon dioxide (CO2). c.water vapor (H2O). d.ozone (O3). e.all of these

carbon dioxide (CO2).

Although the polar regions radiate away more heat energy than they receive by insolation in the course of a year, they are prevented from becoming progressively colder each year by the: a.conduction of heat through the interior of the earth. b.the insulating properties of snow. c.circulation of heat by the atmosphere and oceans. d.release of latent heat to the atmosphere when polar ice melts. e.concentration of earth's magnetic field lines at the poles.

circulation of heat by the atmosphere and oceans.

When viewed from the surface, the smallest individual cloud elements (puffs) are observed with which cloud? a.stratocumulus b.cumulus c.cirrocumulus d.altocumulus e.cumulonimbus

cirrocumulus

In middle latitudes, which cloud will have the highest base? a.cirrostratus b.cumulonimbus c.altostratus d.cumulus

cirrostratus

A strong radiation inversion is more likely to occur on a: a.rainy night with light winds. b.clear night with light winds. c.warm, windy night. d.cool, windy night.

clear night with light winds.

During the afternoon, the greatest temperature difference between the surface air and the air several meters above occurs on a: a.cloudy, windy afternoon. b.clear, calm afternoon. c.cloudy, calm afternoon. d.clear, windy afternoon.

clear, calm afternoon.

The wind around a surface low pressure center in the Southern Hemisphere blows: Select one: a.counterclockwise and inward toward the center. b.clockwise and outward from the center. c.clockwise and inward toward the center. d.counterclockwise and outward from the center.A

clockwise and inward toward the center.

In the Northern Hemisphere, ocean currents in the Atlantic and the Pacific move in a generally circular pattern. The direction of this motion is ______ in the Atlantic and ______ in the Pacific. Select one: a.clockwise; counterclockwise b.counterclockwise; clockwise c.clockwise; clockwise d.counterclockwise; counterclockwise

clockwise; clockwise

On the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, chinook winds are driest when: Select one: a.the winds are blowing from the east. b.surface friction is greatest on the downwind side of the mountain. c.the air aloft is cold. d.the sun is shining. e.clouds form and precipitation falls on the upwind side of the mountains.

clouds form and precipitation falls on the upwind side of the mountains.

Cloud seeding using silver iodide only works in: Select one: a.cold clouds composed entirely of ice crystals. b.warm clouds composed entirely of water droplets. c.cold clouds composed of ice crystals and supercooled droplets. d.cumuliform clouds.

cold clouds composed of ice crystals and supercooled droplets.

What type of weather front would be responsible for the following weather forecast? "Increasing cloudiness and warm today with the possibility of showers by this evening. Turning much colder tonight. Winds southwesterly becoming gusty and shifting to northwesterly by tonight." Select one: a.stationary front b.cold front c.warm front d.cold-type occluded front

cold front

What type of weather front would be responsible for the following weather forecast? "Increasing high cloudiness and cold this morning. Clouds increasing and lowering this afternoon with a chance of snow or rain tonight. Precipitation ending tomorrow morning. Turning much warmer. Winds light easterly today becoming southeasterly tonight and southwesterly tomorrow." Select one: a.cold front b.warm front c.warm-type occluded front d.stationary front

cold front

On a weather map, this front, drawn in blue, represents a region where colder air is replacing warmer air: Select one: a.cold-type occluded front. b.cold front. c.warm-type occluded front. d.warm front.

cold front.

Squall lines most often form ahead of a: Select one: a.cold-type occluded front. b.cold front. c.warm front. d.stationary front. e.warm-type occluded front.

cold front.

In winter, thunderstorms are most likely to form along: Select one: a.warm fronts. b.occluded fronts. c.stationary fronts. d.cold fronts.

cold fronts.

Hypothermia is most common in: a.cold, dry weather. b.cold, wet weather. c.hot, humid weather. d.hot, dry weather.

cold, wet weather.

On a weather map where cold air is replacing cool air, what type of front is drawn? Select one: a.cold-type occluded front b.warm front c.warm-type occluded front d.cold front

cold-type occluded front

What type of weather front would be responsible for the following weather forecast? "Light rain and cold today with temperatures just above freezing. Southeasterly winds shifting to westerly tonight. Turning colder with rain becoming mixed with snow, then changing to snow." Select one: a.cold front b.warm front c.cold-type occluded front d.warm-type occluded front

cold-type occluded front

Sinking air warms by the process of a.friction. b.expansion. c.condensation. d.compression.

compression.

A heat transfer process in the atmosphere that depends upon the movement of air is: a.radiation. b.convection. c.conduction. d.reflection. e.absorption.

convection.

Which of the following is NOT associated with rising air motions? Select one: a.convergence of air aloft b.convergence of air at the surface c.overrunning d.divergence of air aloft

convergence of air aloft

The piling up of air above a region is called: Select one: a.convergence. b.cyclogenesis. c.divergence. d.thickening.

convergence.

The surface air around a strengthening low pressure area normally ____, while aloft, above the system, the air normally ____. Select one: a.converges; diverges b.diverges;, converges c.converges; converges d.diverges; diverges

converges; diverges

Developing low pressure areas generally have ______ air near the surface and ______ air aloft. Select one: a.converging; diverging b.converging; converging c.diverging; diverging d.diverging; converging

converging; diverging

Evaporation is a _________ process a.cooling and heating b.can c.heating d.cooling

cooling

Which cloud type below would most likely form in an unstable atmosphere? Select one: a.cumulonimbus b.stratus c.cirrostratus d.nimbostratus e.cumulus humilis

cumulonimbus

The name given to a towering cloud that has not fully developed into a thunderstorm is: a.cumulus humilis. b.cumulus congestus. c.cumulonimbus. d.altocumulus.

cumulus congestus

Which association below is not correct? a.cumulus congestus - anvil top b.cumulus - fair weather cumulus c.altocumulus castellanus - resemble "little castles" d.stratus fractus - scud e.cumulonimbus - thunderstorm clouds

cumulus congestus - anvil top

The development or strengthening of a middle latitude storm system is called: Select one: a.divergence. b.frontolysis. c.cyclogenesis. d.convergence.

cyclogenesis.

As the air temperature increases, with no addition of water vapor to the air, the relative humidity will: a.remain the same. b.increase. c.decrease. d.increase until it becomes equal to the dew point temperature.

decrease.

When upper-level divergence of air above a surface low pressure area is stronger than the convergence of surface air, the surface pressure will ______ and the storm itself will ______ . Select one: a.decrease; intensify b.increase; intensify c.increase; dissipate d.decrease; dissipate

decrease; intensify

Which cloud forms in descending air? a.cumulus fractus b.cumulonimbus c.mammatus d.pileus

mammatus

As the difference between the air temperature and the dew point increases, the relative humidity: a.increases. b.decreases. c.remains constant at a value less than 100 percent. d.remains constant and equal to 100 percent.

decreases.

Cyclogenesis is the ___________ of a mid-latitude cyclone. Select one: a.weakening or dissipation b.development or strengthening c.none of these d.term for the exact midpoint

development or strengthening

For cyclogenesis to occur along a frontal wave, the winds aloft directly above the wave should be: Select one: a.converging. b.diverging. c.increasing in speed uniformly over a broad area. d.blowing straight from west to east.

diverging.

The winter monsoon in eastern and southern Asia is characterized by: Select one: a.wet weather and winds blowing from sea to land. b.dry weather and winds blowing from sea to land. c.wet weather and winds blowing from land to sea. d.dry weather and winds blowing from land to sea.

dry weather and winds blowing from land to sea.

At Barrow, Alaska (latitude 70o N), you would expect the prevailing wind to be: Select one: a.westerly. b.southerly. c.northerly. d.easterly.

easterly.

Generally, the greatest lake effect snow fall will be on the ______ shore of the Great Lakes. Select one: a.western b.northern c.southern d.eastern

eastern

On a weather map, ridges are: Select one: a.tornadoes that touch the surface. b.dying hurricanes. c.mountains that stall the movement of storms. d.elongated low pressure areas. e.elongated high pressure areas.

elongated high pressure areas.

Satellite images taken of clouds at night use: a.reflected visible light. b.reflected infrared light. c.emitted infrared light. d.microwave radiation.

emitted infrared light.

The rate at which the actual air temperature changes with increasing height above the surface is referred to as the: a.environmental lapse rate. b.dry adiabatic rate. c.moist adiabatic rate. d.thermocline.

environmental lapse rate.

When water changes from a liquid to a vapor, we call this process: a.condensation. b.sublimation. c.deposition. d.freezing. e.evaporation.

evaporation

Fog that most often forms as warm rain falls into a cold layer of surface air is called: a.radiation fog. b.evaporation (mixing) fog. c.advection fog. d.upslope fog.

evaporation (mixing) fog.

The jet stream flows: Select one: a.directly from west to east. b.from the equator towards the poles. c.directly from east to west. d.in a wavy pattern from west to east.

in a wavy pattern from west to east.

Air that rises always: a.contracts and cools. b.expands and warms. c.expands and cools. d.contracts and warms.

expands and cools.

Snowflakes or ice crystals falling from high cirriform clouds are called: a.graupel. b.snow squalls. c.snow flurries. d.rime. e.fall streaks.

fall streaks.

At any given time, only one jet stream can be found in the atmosphere. Select one: a.true b.false

false

Because clouds often block their view, instruments onboard satellite cannot regularly make observations of surface winds. Select one: a.true b.false

false

During a reversible adiabatic process, the pressure gradient force is parallel to the isobars. Select one: a.false b.true

false

During some years, the northern hemisphere has more than 10 semi-permanent highs and lows. Select one: a.false b.true

false

In an exceptionally cold winter during which the Great Lakes were entirely covered by ice, lake effect snows would be expected in extremely high frequency and intensity. Select one: a.false b.true

false

Which of the following produces the strongest Coriolis force? Select one: a.fast winds, low latitude b.fast winds, high latitude c.slow winds, high latitude d.slow winds, low latitude

fast winds, high latitude

The southern hemisphere has _____ semi-permanent lows than the northern hemisphere. Select one: a.more b.fewer

fewer

Which of the following does NOT describe the subtropical jet stream? Select one: a.forms along the polar front b.is found at the tropopause c.is normally equatorward of the polar front jet stream d.generally blows from west to east

forms along the polar front

In the winter you read in the newspaper that a large section of the Midwest is without power due to downed power lines. Which form of precipitation would most likely produce this situation? Select one: a.snow b.hail c.freezing rain d.sleet e.rain

freezing rain

Which type of precipitation would most likely form when the surface air temperature is slightly below freezing and the air temperature increases as you move upward away from the ground? Select one: a.freezing rain b.hail c.rain d.snow e.drizzle

freezing rain

Glaze is another name for: Select one: a.rime ice. b.snow. c.sleet. d.frost. e.freezing rain.

freezing rain.

When only ice crystals exist in a cloud, the cloud is said to be: Select one: a.frozen. b.glaciated. c.supercooled. d.supersaturated.

glaciated.

A wind that blows at a constant speed parallel to curved isobars or contour lines is called a: Select one: a.gradient wind. b.convergent wind. c.geostrophic wind. d.cyclonic wind.

gradient wind.

The most common ice crystal shape: Select one: a.graupel. b.dendrite. c.rime. d.virga.

graupel.

On an infrared satellite image, low, warm clouds appear ______ and high, cold clouds appear ______. a.white; gray b.white; white c.gray; white d.gray; gray

gray; white

Maximum daily temperatures under hazy skies are typically _____ than those under clear skies. a.less b.greater

greater

Suppose a west wind of 20 knots blows over a coastal region which is densely covered in shrubs. If this same wind moves out over the middle of a large calm lake, its speed and direction would probably be: Select one: a.less than 20 knots and more southwesterly. b.greater than 20 knots and more northwesterly. c.greater than 20 knots and more southwesterly. d.less than 20 knots and westerly. e.less than 20 knots and more northwesterly.

greater than 20 knots and more northwesterly.

When the air temperature is below freezing, the saturation vapor pressure over water is . a.equal to zero b.less than the saturation vapor pressure over ice c.greater than the saturation vapor pressure over ice d.equal to the saturation vapor pressure over ice

greater than the saturation vapor pressure over ice

A cold-type occluded front: Select one: a.has cold surface air ahead of it. b.has cold air rising above warmer air. c.has warm surface air behind it. d.has cold surface air behind it.

has cold air rising above warmer air.

In the polar front theory of a developing wave cyclone, energy for the storm is usually derived from all but which of the following? Select one: a.heat energy stored in the ground b.latent heat of condensation c.an increase in surface winds d.rising of warm air and the sinking of cold air

heat energy stored in the ground

Which of the following is used as an index for fuel consumption? a.heating degree-days b.growing degree-days c.consumer price index d.mean annual temperature

heating degree-days

The term "latent" means: a.light. b.late. c.hot. d.dense. e.hidden.

hidden.

Strong Santa Ana winds develop in Los Angeles during the fall when a ____ pressure center forms to the ____. Select one: a.low; southwest of Los Angeles over the Pacific Ocean b.low; northeast of Los Angeles over the Great Basin c.high; southwest of Los Angeles over the Pacific Ocean d.high; northeast of Los Angeles over the Great Basin

high; northeast of Los Angeles over the Great Basin

The Gulf Coast states are more humid in summer than the coastal areas of Southern California mainly because of the: a.higher air temperature in the Gulf States. b.lower air temperature in Southern California. c.higher water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico. d.low relative humidity of the air over the Pacific Ocean.

higher water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the ice crystal process of rain formation, Select one: a.only ice crystals need be present in a cloud. b.ice crystals grow larger at the expense of the surrounding liquid cloud droplets. c.the temperature in the cloud must be -40o C (-40o F) or below. d.the cloud must be a cumuliform cloud.

ice crystals grow larger at the expense of the surrounding liquid cloud droplets.

Cirrus clouds are composed primarily of: a.water droplets. b.water vapor. c.ice particles. d.salt aerosols.

ice particles.

The deepest radiation inversion would be observed: a.at the equator any day of the year. b.in polar regions in winter. c.on a desert in winter. d.at the top of a high mountain in winter. e.in a deep valley during the summer.

in polar regions in winter.

During the summer along the coast, a sea breeze is usually strongest and best developed: Select one: a.just before noon. b.just before sunset. c.in the afternoon. d.just after sunrise. e.around midnight.

in the afternoon.

Surface winds are generally strongest and most gusty: Select one: a.around midnight. b.in the early morning. c.just before sunrise. d.just after sunset. e.in the afternoon.

in the afternoon.

In meteorology, the word insolation refers to: a.a well-constructed, energy-efficient home. b.incoming solar radiation. c.the solar constant. d.an increase in solar output.

incoming solar radiation.

If a liquid with a lower density than mercury were used in a barometer, the height of the column in the barometer would: Select one: a.increase. b.remain the same. c.decrease. d.not provide an accurate measure of atmospheric pressure.

increase.

If the earth's gravitational force were to increase, atmospheric pressure at the ground would: Select one: a.decrease. b.remain the same. c.cause the atmosphere to expand vertically. d.increase.

increase.

If the flow of air into a surface low pressure area is greater than the divergence of air aloft, the surface pressure in the center of the low will: Select one: a.decrease. b.deepen. c.increase. d.remain the same.

increase.

The planetary vorticity of an air parcel moving from low toward high latitude in the Northern Hemisphere will: Select one: a.remain constant. b.change from positive to negative. c.decrease. d.increase.

increase.

If the earth's average surface temperature were to increase, the amount of radiation emitted from the earth's surface would_______, and the wavelength of peak emission would shift toward ________ wavelengths a.increase; shorter b.decrease; longer c.decrease; shorter d.increase; longer

increase; shorter

Saturation vapor pressure ______ as temperature increases. Select one: a.increases b.decreases c.can't answer: it depends on whether the cloud has ice crystals or cloud droplets.

increases

As the air temperature increases, the air's capacity for water vapor: a.increases. b.decreases. c.remains constant. d.is unrelated to air temperature and can either increase or decrease.

increases.

A thermally direct cell is one that: Select one: a.occurs on both sides of a large lake or ocean. b.is driven by energy from the sun. c.involves heat. d.is found in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

is driven by energy from the sun.

A westerly wind means that the atmosphere: Select one: a.would act to decrease the rotation of the earth. b.is moving as fast as the earth rotates. c.is moving faster than the earth spins. d.is moving slower than the earth spins.

is moving faster than the earth spins.

Lines connecting points of equal pressure are called: Select one: a.isobars. b.a coordinate grid. c.isotherms. d.millibars. e.contours.

isobars.

A radiation inversion is most commonly observed: a.in the upper atmosphere. b.just above the ground. c.at sunset. d.during the afternoon. e.when it is raining.

just above the ground.

Energy of motion is also known as a.latent heat energy. b.sensible heat energy. c.dynamic energy. d.kinetic energy. e.static energy.

kinetic energy.

Lake-effect snows are best developed around the Great Lakes during: Select one: a.late fall and early winter when moist, polar air sweeps in from the east. b.late fall and early winter when cold, dry polar air moves over the relatively warm water. c.early spring when moist, tropical air moves over the frozen lakes. d.middle winter when the unseasonably warm air mass moves over the cold water.

late fall and early winter when cold, dry polar air moves over the relatively warm water.

The cold feeling that you experience after leaving a swimming pool on a hot, dry, summer day represents heat transport by: a.convection. b.conduction. c.latent heat. d.radiation.

latent heat.

The instrument that uses infrared or visible light in the form of a laser beam to determine wind direction is the: Select one: a.aerovane. b.wind profiler. c.pilot balloon. d.lidar. e.radiosonde.

lidar.

upercooled cloud droplets are: Select one: a.ice crystals surrounded by air warmer than 0 oC (32 oF). b.liquid droplets that are cooler than the air around them. c.liquid droplets observed at temperatures below 0 oC (32 oF). d.water droplets that have had all their latent heat removed.

liquid droplets observed at temperatures below 0 oC (32 oF).

The earth's radiation is often referred to as _______ radiation, while the sun's radiation is often referred to as ________ radiation. a.longwave; longwave b.longwave; shortwave c.shortwave; shortwave d.shortwave; longwave

longwave; shortwave

Rossby waves are also known as: Select one: a.shortwaves. b. c.stable waves. d.tidal waves.

longwaves.

Fronts are associated with: Select one: a.high pressure. b.low pressure.

low pressure.

The designation for a cool, moist air mass is ________. Select one: a.mT b.mP c.cT d.cP

mP

What type of air mass would be responsible for persistent cold, damp weather with drizzle along the east coast of North America? Select one: a.mT b.cP c.cT d.cA e.mP

mP

During the spring, which air mass would most likely bring record-breaking high temperatures to the eastern half of the United States? Select one: a.mT b.cT c.mP d.cP

mT

The air mass with the highest actual water vapor content is _______. Select one: a.mT b.cT c.mP d.cP

mT

What type of air mass would be responsible for hot, muggy summer weather in the eastern half of the United States? Select one: a.mP b.mT c.cT d.cA e.cP

mT

What type of air mass would be responsible for summer afternoon thunderstorms along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California? Select one: a.cA b.mT c.cT d.cP e.mP

mT

The greatest contrast in both temperature and moisture will occur along the boundary separating which air masses? Select one: a.cT and mT b.mT and cP c.mP and mT d.mP and cT e.cP and cT

mT and cP

A moist, tropical air mass that is warmer than the surface over which it is moving would be classified ________. Select one: a.cTk b.mPw c.mTw d.cPk e.mTk

mTw

A thermometer with a small constriction just above the bulb is a(n): a.bimetallic thermometer. b.electrical thermometer. c.thermocouple. d.maximum thermometer. e.minimum thermometer.

maximum thermometer.

A jet stream transfers more heat across the globe when it is: Select one: a.meridional. b.zonal.

meridional.

The smallest scale of atmospheric motion is the: Select one: a.global scale. b.mesoscale. c.macroscale. d.synoptic scale. e.microscale.

microscale.

The unit of pressure most commonly found on a surface weather map is: Select one: a.millibars or hectopascals. b.pounds per square inch. c.atmospheres. d.inches of mercury.

millibars or hectopascals.

The thermometer that has a small dumbbell-shaped glass index marker in the tube is a: a.maximum thermometer. b.bimetallic thermometer. c.thermocouple. d.electrical thermometer. e.minimum thermometer.

minimum thermometer.

Which process below will change a moist layer of stable air into a deck of low stratocumulus clouds? Select one: a.mixing b.lifting c.cooling the surface d.heat the top of the layer e.subsidence

mixing

Wind machines can prevent surface air temperatures from reaching extremely low readings by: a.blowing smoke over an orchard or field. b.mixing surface air with air directly above. c.reducing the rate of cooling by evaporation. d.increasing the evaporation rate from fruits and vegetables. e.increasing the likelihood of condensation on fruits and vegetables.

mixing surface air with air directly above.

The rate at which the temperature changes inside a rising (or descending) parcel of saturated air is called the: Select one: a.environmental lapse rate. b.dry adiabatic lapse rate. c.moist adiabatic lapse rate. d.latent heat release rate.

moist adiabatic lapse rate.

The geographical pattern of average air temperature near sea level is _____ homogeneous in the southern hemisphere as compared to the northern hemisphere. a.less b.more

more

Water heats up ______ and cools off _____ than land. a.more slowly; more slowly b.more quickly; more slowly c.more quickly; more quickly d.more slowly; more quickly

more slowly; more slowly

Suppose saturated polar air has an air temperature and dew point of -10o C, and unsaturated desert air has an air temperature of 35o C and a dew point of 10o C. The desert air contains ______ water vapor and has a relative humidity ______ than the polar air. a.more; lower b.more; higher c.less; lower d.less; higher

more; lower

The earth's rotation has _____ to do with the behavior of atmospheric storms. a.little b.much c.nothing

much

Which of the following clouds would form in the stratosphere? a.cirrostratus b.nacreous c.lenticular d.mammatus

nacreous

The low-level jet that forms over the Central Plains of the United States appears to be responsible for: Select one: a.the development of El Ni b.the onset of a chinook. c.the influx of cold, polar air. d.nighttime thunderstorms. e.the formation of a subtropical high pressure area.

nighttime thunderstorms.

Light or moderate-but-steady precipitation is most often associated with clouds. a.nimbostratus b.cirrostratus c.cirrocumulus d.cumulonimbus

nimbostratus

How much radiant energy will an object emit if its temperature is at absolute zero? a.the maximum theoretical amount b.none c.depends on the chemical composition of the object d.the same as it would at any other temperature

none

The maximum pressure that water vapor molecules would exert if the air were saturated is called the: a.absolute humidity. b.boiling point. c.mixing ratio. d.none of these

none of these

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is a region where: Select one: a.northeast trades converge with the subtropical high. b.the polar front meets the subtropical high. c.polar easterlies converge with the air at the doldrums. d.the Ferrel cell converges with the Hadley cell. e.northeast trades meet the southeast trades.

northeast trades meet the southeast trades.

A surface low pressure area with a deep upper-level trough to the west will tend to move toward the: Select one: a.southeast. b.southwest. c.northeast. d.northwest.

northeast.

Where are the days and nights of equal length all year long? a.at the Equator b.nowhere c.at 23.5o d.at 66.5o

nowhere

The world's deserts are found at 30o latitude because: Select one: a.of the doldrums b.of the sinking air of the subtropical highs. c.of the convergence of the prevailing westerlies and the Northeast Trades. d.of the sinking air of the polar front. e.the intertropical convergence zone is located there.

of the sinking air of the subtropical highs.

Polar orbiting satellites: a.remain above a fixed point over the North or South Pole. b.pass directly over the same place on each orbit. c.on each successive orbit view an area to the west of the previous orbit. d.follow a line of constant latitude around the earth.

on each successive orbit view an area to the west of the previous orbit.

The size and shape of a turbulent eddy depend on: Select one: a.the size of the obstacle. b.the shape of the obstacle. c.only size and shape of the obstacle. d.all of these e.the speed of the wind.

only size and shape of the obstacle.

The rising of warm air up and over cold air is called: Select one: a.overrunning. b.frontogenesis. c.frontolysis. d.occlusion.

overrunning.

The gas that absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere is: a.nitrous oxidE. b.chlorofluorocarbons. c.water vapor. d.carbon dioxide. e.ozone.

ozone.

Which of the following processes remove CO2 from the atmosphere? a.soil decay b.photosynthesis c.deforestation d.volcanic activity

photosynthesis

The primary source of oxygen for the earth's atmosphere during the past half billion years or so appears to be: a.photosynthesis. b.exhalations of animal life. c.volcanic eruptions. d.transpiration. e.photodissociation.

photosynthesis.

The wind belt observed on the poleward side of the polar front is called the: Select one: a.doldrums. b.prevailing westerlies. c.northeast trades. d.polar easterlies.

polar easterlies.

Strong storms that develop over water, poleward of the polar front, are called: Select one: a.lee-side lows. b.polar lows. c.nor-easters d.none of these e.upslope lows.

polar lows.

The temperature that unsaturated air would have if it moved from its original altitude to a pressure of 1,000 mb is the: Select one: a.dew point temperature. b.adiabatic temperature. c.wet bulb temperature. d.potential temperature.

potential temperature.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Select one: a.cold, warm and occluded fronts are associated with high pressure systems. b.air rises steeply ahead of a warm front, and gradually ahead of a cold front. c.precipitation associated with warm fronts tends to be brief and intense. d.precipitation associated with warm fronts tends to be gentle and prolonged.

precipitation associated with warm fronts tends to be gentle and prolonged.

The TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) satellite provides information on tropical: a.clouds. b.precipitation. c.storms. d.all of these

precipitation.

If an air parcel is completely at rest, which of the following forces can make the parcel begin to move? Select one: a.centripetal b.Coriolis c.gravity d.pressure gradient e.friction

pressure gradient

On an isobaric surface, Select one: a.temperature is constant. b.altitude is constant. c.both altitude and pressure are consistent. d.pressure is constant.

pressure is constant.

The contour lines drawn on a 500 mb chart are lines of constant: Select one: a.altitude. b.wind direction. c.pressure. d.density.

pressure.

On a clear, calm night, the ground and air above cool mainly by which process? a.radiation b.convection c.conduction d.evaporation e.reflection

radiation

When a plate of hot food is left on the table for awhile, it cools by: a.latent heat energy release. b.advection. c.radiation. d.specific heat.

radiation.

Which of the following instruments obtains air temperature by measuring emitted infrared energy? a.radiometer b.electrical resistance thermometer c.bimetallic thermometer d.thermistor e.thermograph

radiometer

Winds and temperatures throughout the troposphere and stratosphere are routinely measured by: a.mercury barometer. b.ceilometer. c.stethoscope. d.radiosonde.

radiosonde

A sounding can be measured by: Select one: a.a thermometer. b.a psychrometer. c.a radiosonde. d.a barograph.

radiosonde.

The instrument that measures temperature, pressure, and humidity at various altitudes in the atmosphere is the: a.radiosonde. b.altimeter. c.barograph. d.aneroid barometer.

radiosonde.

The name commonly used to describe the drier region observed on the downwind (leeward) side of a mountain range is: Select one: a.orographic. b.inversion region. c.rain shadow. d.compression region.

rain shadow.

Sunlight that bounces off a surface is said to be from the surface. a.absorbed b.radiated c.reflected d.emitted

reflected

Clouds often form in the: a.sinking air in the center of a high pressure area. b.sinking air in the center of a low pressure area. c.rising air in the center of a high pressure area. d.rising air in the center of a low pressure area.

rising air in the center of a low pressure area.

We can generally expect the air to be ____ above areas of surface low pressure and ____ above areas of surface high pressure. Select one: a.rising; sinking b.sinking; sinking c.rising; rising d.sinking; rising

rising; sinking

Conditional instability depends on the condition of: Select one: a.fog. b.low pressure. c.wind. d.saturation.

saturation.

Which term below describes a situation in which clouds cover between one-tenth and five-tenths of the sky? a.scattered b.broken c.overcast d.obscured

scattered

When a sea breeze moving north meets a sea breeze moving south, they form a: Select one: a.katabatic wind. b.valley breeze. c.land breeze. d.sea breeze convergence zone.

sea breeze convergence zone.

Satellites provide a global picture of winds by converting _____ into wind speed and direction. Select one: a.both wind shear and thermal turbulence b.sea roughness c.thermal turbulence d.wind shear

sea roughness

A red shirt: a.selectively absorbs red wavelenghts of visible light and scatters the rest. b.selectively scatters red wavelenghts of visible light and absorbs the rest.

selectively scatters red wavelenghts of visible light and absorbs the rest.

In the northern hemisphere, north-facing hillsides have a ______ growing season than south-facing hillsides. a.shorter b.longer

shorter

Atmospheric concentrations of N2O and CH4 contribute ______ to the earth-atmosphere albedo. a.significantly b.little

significantly

The primary method used in preventing the growth of large, destructive hailstones is to inject a thunderstorm with large quantities of: Select one: a.silver iodide. b.ice crystals. c.dry ice. d.hydrophobic nuclei. e.hailstone embryos.

silver iodide.

Generally, along the polar front, one would not expect to observe: Select one: a.clouds and precipitation. b.temperatures on one side lower than on the other side. c.sinking air aloft. d.converging surface air. e.an elongated region of lower pressure.

sinking air aloft.

The main difference between a cloud drop and a raindrop is its: Select one: a.color. b.size. c.shape. d.none of these

size.

Which of the following instruments use wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature to obtain relative humidity? a.infrared hygrometer b.sling psychrometer c.hair hygrometer d.electrical hygrometer

sling psychrometer

In summer, humid regions typically have ______ daily temperature ranges and ______ maximum temperatures than drier regions. a.smaller; higher b.larger; lower c.larger; higher d.smaller; lower

smaller; lower

A light shower of snow that falls intermittently from cumuliform clouds for a short duration is known as: Select one: a.snow flurries. b.a snow squall. c.virga. d.a cloud burst. e.a fall streak.

snow flurries.

Which is NOT a correct association? Select one: a.snow grains - hail b.ground blizzard - drifting and blowing snow c.snow squall - intense snow shower d.sleet - ice pellet e.freezing rain - glaze

snow grains - hail

On a weather map of the Northern Hemisphere, the trade winds would be observed: Select one: a.between the subpolar lows and the subtropical highs. b.north of the polar front. c.between the polar front and the subtropical highs. d.south of the subtropical highs.

south of the subtropical highs.

Generally, on an upper-level (100 mb) chart in the Northern Hemisphere during July, we would expect to find the tropical easterly jet stream: Select one: a.south of the upper-level subtropical high. b.north of the polar front. c.north of the upper-level subtropical high. d.in the upper stratosphere. e.directly over the polar front.

south of the upper-level subtropical high.

For maximum winter warmth, in the Northern Hemisphere, large windows in a house should face: a.west. b.south. c.east. d.north.

south.

When a deep upper-level trough is located to the east of a surface anticyclone, the surface anticyclone will tend to move toward the: Select one: a.northwest. b.southeast. c.southwest. d.northeast.

southeast.

The position of the Pacific high over the North Pacific Ocean shifts ______ in winter and ______ in summer. Select one: a.westward; eastward b.eastward; westward c.southward; northward d.northward; southward

southward; northward

If tonight's temperature is going to drop into the middle 20s (oF) and a fairly stiff wind is predicted, probably the best way to protect an orchard against a hard freeze is to (assume that cost is not a factor): a.put orchard heaters to work. b.use helicopters. c.use wind machines. d.pray for clouds. e.sprinkle the crops with water.

sprinkle the crops with water.

An mT air mass lying above a cold ground surface represents a(n) situation. Select one: a.unstable b.occluded c.stationary d.stable

stable

If an air parcel is given a small push upward and it falls back to its original position, the atmosphere is said to be: Select one: a.stable. b.unstable. c.isothermal. d.neutral. e.adiabatic.

stable.

You would use a wooden stick to measure rainfall in the: Select one: a.tipping bucket rain gauge. b.standard rain gauge. c.weighing rain gauge. d.Ozarks.

standard rain gauge.

Which of the following is the poorest conductor of heat? a.soil b.ice c.snow d.water e.still air

still air

Lee-side lows are: Select one: a.storms (tropical cyclones) that form near the Leeward Islands. b.low pressure areas that form over oceans, then move onshore of the lee side of the coastline. c.thermal lows that form due to surface heating over deserts. d.storms (extratropical cyclones) that form on the eastern (lee) side of a mountain range.

storms (extratropical cyclones) that form on the eastern (lee) side of a mountain range.

If you hold your hand at arm's length and cloud elements appear to be about the size of your fist, the cloud type is probably: a.cumulus humilis. b.altocumulus. c.cirrocumulus. d.stratocumulus.

stratocumulus.

Which cloud type would most likely form in absolutely stable air? Select one: a.cumulus congestus b.cumulonimbus c.stratus d.altocumulus

stratus

The change of state of ice into water vapor is known as: a.deposition. b.crystallization. c.condensation. d.sublimation. e.melting.

sublimation.

In the northern hemisphere, the number of hours of daylight begins to shorten after the: a.spring equinox. b.winter solstice. c.summer solstice. d.autumn equinox.

summer solstice.

Low pressure becomes best developed over the Asian continent in: Select one: a.winter. b.fall. c.summer. d.spring.

summer.

Everything else being equal, the lowest air temperature on a winter night will occur above a: a.surface covered with snow. b.bare surface. c.surface covered with water. d.surface covered with vegetation.

surface covered with snow.

The wind-chill factor: a.takes into account humidity and air temperature in expressing the current air temperature. b.tells farmers when to protect crops from a freeze. c.indicates the temperature at which water freezes on exposed skin. d.determines how low the air temperature will be on any given day. e.relates body heat loss with wind to an equivalent temperature with no wind.

takes into account humidity and air temperature in expressing the current air temperature.

The only indication on the station model of past weather conditions is the: Select one: a.pressure tendency. b.cloud cover. c.wind direction. d.dew point. e.temperature.

temperature.

An air mass is characterized by similar properties of ______ and ______ in any horizontal direction. Select one: a.temperature; moisture b.winds; moisture c.pressure; moisture d.temperature; pressure

temperature; moisture

The turning of water with depth is known as: Select one: a.the Ekman Spiral. b.a gyre. c.upwelling. d.the Hadley Spiral. e.the Ferrel Spiral.

the Ekman Spiral.

Using sprinklers to prevent crop damage from cold air works best when: a.the air is fairly dry. b.the air is fairly humid.

the air is fairly humid.

The winds aloft in the middle latitudes would not blow from the west if: Select one: a.the direction of the moon's orbit around the earth were reversed. b.the earth's rotation slowed or increased slightly. c.the air over high latitudes became warmer than over the equator. d.the tilt of the earth changed slightly.

the air over high latitudes became warmer than over the equator.

When cP air moves into western Washington, western Oregon, and California from the east, the air mass is warmer at the surface than it was originally because: Select one: a.the sun heats the air. b.friction with the ground warms the air. c.the ocean warms the air. d.latent heat of condensation warms the air as it moves downhill. e.the air sinks, is compressed, and warms.

the air sinks, is compressed, and warms.

When cP air moves into western Washington, western Oregon, and California from the east, the air mass is warmer at the surface than it was originally because: Select one: a.the sun heats the air. b.latent heat of condensation warms the air as it moves downhill. c.the air sinks, is compressed, and warms. d.the ocean warms the air. e.friction with the ground warms the air.

the air sinks, is compressed, and warms.

If the amount of energy lost by the earth to space each year were not approximately equal to that received, a.the mass of the atmosphere would change. b.the atmosphere's average temperature would change. c.the length of the year would change. d.the sun's output would change.

the atmosphere's average temperature would change.

A building anticyclone means: Select one: a.separate anticyclones are merging. b.the central pressure is increasing. c.the anticyclone is moving toward the east coast. d.the anticyclone is causing a middle latitude storm to form.

the central pressure is increasing.

The ultimate cause of jet streams is: Select one: a.the fact that water can exist in all three phases at once. b.all of these c.the energy imbalance between high and low latitudes. d.ultraviolet energy from the sun.

the energy imbalance between high and low latitudes.

In terms of the three-cell model of the general circulation, areas of surface low pressure should be found at: Select one: a.the equator and 60o latitude. b.30o latitude and the poles. c.the equator and 30o latitude. d.30o latitude and 60o latitude. e.the equator and the poles.

the equator and 60o latitude

Contact nucleation is: Select one: a.the freezing of supercooled droplets by contact with a nucleus. b.the sticking together of ice crystals to make a snowflake. c.the joining of many nuclei to form an ice nucleus. d.the freezing of supercooled droplets when the come into contact with a supercooled surface.

the freezing of supercooled droplets by contact with a nucleus.

If a glass of water was surrounded by saturated air, a.the level of the water in the glass would slowly decrease. b.the water's temperature would slowly increase. c.the level of the water in the glass would not change. d.the water's temperature would slowly decrease.

the level of the water in the glass would not change.

Which of the following is NOT an important factor in the production of rain by the collision-coalescence process? Select one: a.the updrafts in the cloud b.relative size of the droplets c.the number of ice crystals in the cloud d.cloud thickness e.the electric charge of the droplets

the number of ice crystals in the cloud

Wintertime mP air masses are less common along the Atlantic coast of North America than along the Pacific coast mainly because: Select one: a.the prevailing winds aloft are westerly. b.the land is colder along the Atlantic coast. c.the water is warmer along the Atlantic coast. d.the source region for mP air on the Atlantic coast is western Europe. e.the water is colder along the Pacific coast.

the prevailing winds aloft are westerly.

Upwelling is: Select one: a.increasing heights in an upper-level ridge. b.the rising air motion found in a low pressure center. c.the rising of cold water from below. d.the lifting of air along the polar front.

the rising of cold water from below.

The blueness of the sky is mainly due to: a.emission of blue light by the atmosphere. b.absorption of blue light by the air. c.the scattering of sunlight by air molecules. d.the presence of water vapor.

the scattering of sunlight by air molecules.

Vorticity refers to: Select one: a.the formation of clouds. b.the rising and sinking of air along weather fronts. c.the changing of the seasons. d.the spin of air parcels. e.the development of a wave cyclone.

the spin of air parcels.

When an upper-level low lies directly above a surface low, Select one: a.cyclogenesis will occur. b.the pressure of the surface low will decrease. c.a wave cyclone will begin to form. d.thunderstorms will develop. e.the surface low will probably weaken.

the surface low will probably weaken.

A stationary front does not move because: Select one: a.the front is between high and low pressure. b.the winds blow against each other and are of equal strength. c.winds on both sides of the front are calm. d.the winds blow parallel to the front.

the winds blow parallel to the front.

Soaring birds in flight, like hawks and eagles, often indicate the presence of: Select one: a.irreversible pseudoadiabatic processes. b.absolute instability. c.thermals. d.subsidence inversions.

thermals.

The hottest atmospheric layer is the: a.mesosphere. b.stratosphere. c.thermosphere. d.troposphere.

thermosphere.

The term "normal" refers to weather data averaged over: a.at least a day. b.thirty years. c.one year. d.several months.

thirty years.

Buys-Ballot's law states that, "In the Northern Hemisphere if you stand with your back to the surface wind, then turn clockwise about 30o, lower pressure will be ____." Select one: a.to your right b.in front of you c.behind you d.to your left

to your left

An upper-air front involves downward motion of the: Select one: a.tropopause. b.both tropopause and low-level jet c.low-level jet. d.stratopause.

tropopause.

Fog is a major hazard to aviation. a.true b.false

true

Like hurricanes, polar lows have a clear area in their center. Select one: a.false b.true

true

The Coriolis force is the force that causes the wind to blow. Select one: a.true b.false

true

The horizontal extent of the ozone hole can sometimes exceed the size of the Antarctic continent. a.false b.true

true

The relative humidity is often near 100 percent in the polar regions. a.true b.false

true

In order for falling snowflakes to survive in air with temperatures much above freezing, the air must be _________ and the wet bulb temperature must be ____________. Select one: a.unsaturated; at or below freezing b.unsaturated; above freezing c.saturated; at or below freezing d.saturated; above freezing

unsaturated; at or below freezing

________ are found beneath fair-weather cumulus (cumulus humilis) clouds, whereas ________ are found between the clouds. Select one: a.downdrafts; updrafts b.updrafts; downdrafts c.downdrafts; only horizontal motions d.updrafts; only horizontal motions

updrafts; downdrafts

During winter, easterly winds along the front range of the Rocky Mountains provide excellent conditions for: Select one: a.maritime tropical air. b.lake-effect snow. c.nor d.upslope snow.

upslope snow.

During winter, easterly winds along the front range of the Rocky Mountains provide excellent conditions for: Select one: a.upslope snow. b.maritime tropical air. c.lake-effect snow. d.nor

upslope snow.

The cold water observed along the northern California coast in summer is due mainly to: Select one: a.evaporation. b.upwelling. c.oceanic fronts. d.the California current. e.cold air moving over the water.

upwelling.

While fly fishing in a mountain stream, you notice that the wind is blowing upstream. From this you could deduce that the wind is a: Select one: a.chinook wind. b.valley breeze. c.Santa Ana wind. d.katabatic wind. e.mountain breeze.

valley breeze.

The hydrostatic equation describes the equilibrium between the: Select one: a.vertical pressure gradient force and gravity. b.Coriolis force and gravity. c.friction force and gravity. d.horizontal pressure gradient force and gravity. e.horizontal pressure gradient force and gravity.

vertical pressure gradient force and gravity.

Rain which falls from a cloud but evaporates before reaching the ground is referred to as: Select one: a.sleet. b.virga. c.graupel. d.dry rain.

virga.

What two sets of conditions, working together, will make the atmosphere the most unstable? Select one: 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

warm the surface and cool the air aloft

"Cool today with rain becoming heavy by this afternoon. Slightly warmer tomorrow. Winds southeasterly becoming westerly to northwesterly by tomorrow morning." Select one: a.cold front b.warm front c.cold-type occluded front d.warm-type occluded front

warm-type occluded front

Frontal fog most commonly forms as _____ raindrops fall into a layer of _____ air. a.cold; warmer b.cold; windy c.warm; colder d.warm; windy

warm; colder

Compared to an mP air mass, mT air is . Select one: a.colder and drier b.colder and moister c.warmer and moister d.warmer and drier

warmer and moister

Which below best describes the solute effect? Select one: a.keeps water droplets from freezing at temperatures below 32 oF. b.removal of pollutants from the atmosphere by cloud droplets c.water droplets dissolve hygroscopic nuclei and condensation can occur at relative humidities less than 100 percent d.evaporation of cloud droplets and grow of ice crystals in a cold cloud

water droplets dissolve hygroscopic nuclei and condensation can occur at relative humidities less than 100 percent

Homogeneous nucleation occurs when: Select one: a.water vapor condenses onto hygroscopic nuclei. b.water vapor condenses onto hydrophobic nuclei. c.water vapor condenses without nuclei. d.all the condensation nuclei are exactly the same.

water vapor condenses without nuclei.

Ignoring the contributions of wind, a baseball would be expected to travel farther in warm, humid air because: a.water vapor helps to lift the baseball even higher. b.water vapor sticks to baseballs. c.water vapor is less dense than dry air. d.none of these

water vapor is less dense than dry air.

The most abundant gas emitted from volcanoes is: a.water vapor. b.helium. c.carbon dioxide. d.sulfur dioxide. e.nitrogen.

water vapor.

For a surface storm system to intensify, the upper-level low (or trough) should be located to the of the surface low. Select one: a.west b.east c.south d.north

west

Atmospheric shortwaves usually move at a speed that is than longwaves. Select one: a.east to west; faster b.west to east; slower c.east to west; slower d.west to east; faster

west to east; faster

An upper-level trough that shows retrograde motion would probably be moving toward the: Select one: a.west. b.north. c.south. d.east.

west.

Chicago, Illinois (latitude 42o N) is located in the . Select one: a.southeast trades b.doldrums c.westerlies d.northeast trades

westerlies

The majority of the United States lies within which wind belt? Select one: a.easterlies b.westerlies c.northerlies d.southerlies e.trades

westerlies

Along the boundary between continental polar and maritime tropical air masses, _________________ is often found. Select one: a.a large area of calm (extremely light wind) b.intense heat and drought c.widespread precipitation and storminess d.both a and c

widespread precipitation and storminess

Newton's first law states that "an object at rest _________ as long as no force is exerted on the object." Select one: a.can exert no force b.will remain at rest c.equals its mass times the acceleration produced

will remain at rest

Upwelling occurs along the northern California coast because: Select one: a.water flows from the Atlantic ocean into the Pacific because they are at different levels. b.of seismic activity on the ocean bottom. c.of gravitational attraction between the earth and the moon. d.winds cause surface waters to move away from the coast.

winds cause surface waters to move away from the coast.

The average winds aloft are strongest in: Select one: a.summer. b.fall. c.spring. d.winter.

winter.

A frontal inversion would probably be best observed: Select one: a.with a cold front is summer. b.with a warm front in winter. c.with a warm front in summer. d.with a stationary front in winter.

with a warm front in winter.

When the wind blows in a more or less west to east direction, the wind flow pattern is called: Select one: a.gradient. b.zonal. c.centripetal. d.meridional.

zonal.