Study guide GEO test (2)

Atmospheric pressure readings and conversions. Scales express barometric air pressure in millibars and inches of mercury (Hg), with average air pressure values and recorded pressure extremes. Normal sea level pressure has a value of 32.01 inches of mercury. 1013.2 millibars. 32.01 inches of mercury 500 millibars. 28.50 inches of lead.

1013.2 millibars

Which of the following is not a predicted outcome for each Celsius degree increase in global temperature? 200 to 400% increase in area burned by wildfire 25% decrease in Arctic summer sea ice extent 5 to 10% change in flow of streams and rivers 3 to 10% increase in rainfall during heaviest precipitation events 5 to 15% increase in crop yields (as currently grown)

5 to 15% increase in crop yields (as currently grown)

________ is a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, usually in association with humid weather Apparent temperature A heat wave A temperature anomaly Wind chill Sensible heat

A heat wave

Which of the following is not true of the wind? It blows from regions of high pressure to regions of low pressure. Winds are named based on the direction from which they blow. The direction of flow can be affected by the rotation of Earth. It is initiated by the pressure gradient force. Air blows from regions of hotter air to regions of colder air.

Air blows from regions of hotter air to regions of colder air

Which is true of air flowing into low pressure center? Air diverges and ascends. Air converges and ascends. Air converges and descends. Air diverges and descends. The air movement is called anticyclonic.

Air converges and ascends.

Which of the following is true of high pressure areas? Air ascends and converges. Air descends and diverges. Air ascends and diverges. Air descends and converges. They are called cyclones.

Air descends and diverges.

The deflection produced by the Coriolis force is caused by differing pressure gradients. the uneven heating of Earth's surface. friction caused by gravitational force. air temperature differences. Earth's rotation on its axis.

Earth's rotation on its axis.

Which of the following is not true about heat stress? Heat stress can results in cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. Heat stress poses little threat to human health. The National Weather Service reports a heat index to gauge the human body's probable reaction to the combined effects of temperature and relative humidity. Extreme overheating can reach a point where the body is unable to cool itself. Heat stress can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions.

Heat stress poses little threat to human health.

Which of the following describes the pressure gradient force? It decreases with height above the surface. It drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure. It is the only force acting on atmospheric flows in the upper troposphere. It exerts a virtually uniform force on the atmosphere. It causes apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.

It drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure.

Following the urban heat island profile from rural areas to a typical downtown urban area, which of the following is true? Highest late afternoon temperatures occur in suburban residential areas. Large urban parks do not mitigate against the urban heat island. On average, urban areas are 1 to 3°C higher than nearby rural areas. The temperature variations between urban and rural environments are negligible. Commercial and urban residential areas have the highest late afternoon temperatures.

On average, urban areas are 1 to 3°C higher than nearby rural areas.

Which of the following matches is incorrect relative to air circulation? anticyclone - clockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere cyclone - counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere cyclone - low pressure center cyclone - clockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere anticyclone - high pressure center

anticyclone - clockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere

Objects and wind moving over distance and time on Earth's surface are always deflected from a straight path to the west in the Southern Hemisphere. uniformly affected regardless of the latitude at which the objects and winds are found. affected only by the pressure gradient and friction force. apparently deflected from a straight path to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. always deflected to the right by the friction force.

apparently deflected from a straight path to the right in the Northern Hemisphere

The Coriolis force decreases with height above the surface. drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure. causes the apparent deflection of winds from a straight path. is the only force acting on flows of air in the upper troposphere. exerts a virtually uniform force on the atmosphere.

causes the apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.

When the isobars are curved in the Northern Hemisphere the wind flows _____ counter-clockwise and across the isobars around a high near the tropopause. clockwise and parallel to the isobars around a high near the tropopause. clockwise and across the isobars around a low near the tropopause. counter-clockwise and across the isobars around a high near the surface. clockwise and parallel to the isobars around a low near the surface.

clockwise and parallel to the isobars around a high near the tropopause.

On a cold, windy day, the air feels ________ because the wind ________. warmer; mitigates against the cold temperatures. colder; increases evaporative heat loss from our skin. colder; increases the cooling effect of the air. warmer; increases latent energy release through increased condensation. warmer; disperses clouds, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground.

colder; increases evaporative heat loss from our skin.

In the Northern Hemispheres, winds spiraling counterclockwise into a low pressure area are anticyclonic. geostrophic.. meridional. Coriolis. cyclonic.

cyclonic

Winds are named based on the direction from which they originate. the direction in which they are blowing. consensus by the World Meteorological Organization. the scientist who first described them. the altitude at which they occur.

the direction from which they originate.

What initiates airflow? gravity the Coriolis force friction the pressure gradient force ocean currents

the pressure gradient force

An aneroid barometer uses a chamber that expands or contracts with changes in air pressure. is placed in a white louvered box. is a hypothetical instrument for measuring air pressure. uses a meter long tube for measuring air pressure. requires the use of mercury.

uses a chamber that expands or contracts with changes in air pressure

Which of the following is not a strategy used planners and architects to mitigate against the effects of the urban heat island? increasing the albedo of streets with lighter surface coating for asphalt planting of urban forests (parks and open spaces) using lighter-colored materials on roofs designing rooftop gardens ("green" roofs) using dark covered asphalt

using dark covered asphalt

The highest surface air pressure ever recorded occurred when the air was very wet. moderately warm. very high above the surface of Earth. very hot. very cold.

very cold

The Coriolis force-an apparent deflection If an airplane flew from the North Pole due south along the 90° meridian and did not correct course, it would land west of the 90° meridian. east of the 90° meridian. north of the 90° meridian. on the 90° meridian. south of the 90° meridian.

west of the 90° meridian

The horizontal motion of air relative to Earth's surface is a result of equalized pressure across the surface. barometric pressure. convection flow. conduction. wind.

wind

The quantifying of the enhanced rate at which body heat is lost to air is known as the apparent temperature index. heat loss indices. sensible heat measurement. wind chill factor. heat index.

wind chill factor.

Air flow in a Northern Hemisphere high pressure zone is downward, outward and clockwise. downward, inward and clockwise. inward, upward and clockwise. downward, outward and counterclockwise. inward, upward and counterclockwise.

downward, outward and clockwise.

Which of the following is not a determinant of wind speed and direction? electromagnetic force gravitational force Coriolis force pressure gradient force friction force

electromagnetic force

What is the average global sea-level air pressure? 1013.2 millibars 760 millibars 29.92 millibars 29.92 cm of mercury 1065 millibars

1013.2 millibars

Which of the following cities has the smallest annual temperature range? San Francisco, CA Buenos Aires, Argentina Cairo, Egypt Calgary, Ontario Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Which of the following is true regarding the effects of the Coriolis force? Slowly moving objects are deflected more than rapidly moving objects. The strength of the apparent deflection varies with speed of Earth's rotation. Coriolis deflection occurs only along parallels, not meridians. The Coriolis force is zero at the poles, increasing to maximum along the equator. The amount of Coriolis deflection is uniform from equator to poles.

The strength of the apparent deflection varies with speed of Earth's rotation

An instrument used to measure air pressure is an aneroid barometer. thermometer. a mercury thermometer. a wind vane. an anemometer.

an aneroid barometer.

Which force is required for the wind to cross the isobars once the forces are in balance? gradient force friction pressure gradient force Coriolis force geostrophic force

friction

Which of the following results from the friction force? causes winds to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere increases the effect of the Coriolis force up to 500 m (1650 ft) increases the effects of the pressure gradient force reduces the effect of the Coriolis force up to 500 m (1650 ft) causes geostrophic winds up to 500 m (1650 ft)

reduces the effect of the Coriolis force up to 500 m (1650 ft)

As reported by the National Weather Service, the heat index relates temperature and relative humidity. is generally reported during critical winter months. reports actual temperature only combines air pressure and temperature in a comfort index. gives you an indication of the effect of wind on the skin.

relates temperature and relative humidity.

A(n) ________ is an instrument used to measure wind direction. barometer thermometer wind vane anemometer sling psychrometer

wind vane

Which of the following statements about friction is true? The change in friction with height causes wind to turn counter-clockwise with increasing altitude in the Northern Hemisphere. If the wind is flowing across the isobars at a large angle then the friction force is large. Friction increases as you move higher into the atmosphere. Friction acts in the opposite direction in the Northern Hemisphere as compared to the Southern Hemisphere. An increase in friction causes the wind to flow more parallel to the isobars.

If the wind is flowing across the isobars at a large angle then the friction force is large.

Which of the following is not responsible for the urban heating effect? Increase in human-made materials that conduct more energy than natural surfaces. Increased air pollution that absorbs and reradiates heat to surface. Increased albedo of urban environments relative to that of natural landscapes. Heat generated by homes, vehicles, and factories. The concentration of people, machines and heat generating devices adds more heat to the environment

Increased albedo of urban environments relative to that of natural landscapes

Which of the following cities has the greatest annual temperature range? Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia London, U.K. Mumbai, India Sydney, Australia Boston, MA

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Which of the following cities is correctly matched with its temperature range? Wichita, KS; 11-15 °C range. Sydney, Australia; 36-40 °C. Vancouver, B.C.; 16-20 °C range. Beijing, China; 21-25 °C. Manaus, Brazil; 26-30 °C range.

Vancouver, B.C.; 16-20 °C range

Which of the following cities is correctly matched with the reasons for its temperature range? Wichita, KS; great range due to high latitude Yakutsk, Russia; great range due to high latitude Vancouver, B.C.; small range due to coastal location Trondheim, Norway; small range due to inland location Unalaska, AK; small range due to low latitude

Vancouver, B.C.; small range due to coastal location

Which statement is accurate about human response to weather extremes? Wind chill takes into account that wind removes moisture and warm air from around our skin and makes the temperature feel cooler. While heat waves and drought are related, they are unrelated to other natural hazards such as air pollution. Cold snaps and heat waves rarely cause fatalities in the United States, but they do cause deaths in less developed countries. The heat index uses values for temperature and time of day to indicate how the air feels to an average person. Human health risks from weather extremes are limited to frostbite and sunburn.

Wind chill takes into account that wind removes moisture and warm air from around our skin and makes the temperature feel cooler.

On a weather map of air pressure, what can you infer from a closer spacing of isobars? a steep pressure gradient creating a faster flow of air a weak pressure gradient creating a slower flow of air little without knowing temperature patterns higher pressures a steep pressure gradient creating a slower flow of air

a steep pressure gradient creating a faster flow of air

Wind crosses the isobars when all of the forces are in balance because _____ the Coriolis force slows the wind, which decreases the pressure gradient force. Friction is now greater than the Coriolis force and the wind is pushed across the isobars toward a lower pressure. friction slows the wind, which decreases the pressure gradient force. The Coriolis force is now greater than the pressure gradient force and the wind is pushed across the isobars toward a lower pressure. the pressure gradient force slows the wind, which decreases the Coriolis force. The pressure gradient force is now greater than the Coriolis force and the wind is pushed across the isobars toward a lower pressure. friction slows the wind, which decreases the Coriolis force. The pressure gradient force is now greater than the Coriolis force and the wind is pushed across the isobars toward a lower pressure. friction slows the wind, which decreases the Coriolis force. The pressure gradient force is now greater than the Coriolis force and the wind is pushed across the isobars toward a higher pressure.

friction slows the wind, which decreases the Coriolis force. The pressure gradient force is now greater than the Coriolis force and the wind is pushed across the isobars toward a lower pressure

In the absence of friction, the combined effect of the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force produces air flow from low to high pressure centers. geostrophic winds at altitude above the ground. air flow perpendicular to the isobars. air flow in a north-south direction. surface winds.

geostrophic winds at altitude above the ground.

Three physical forces that produce winds: pressure gradient, Coriolis, and friction. The figure shows examples of winds influenced by the pressure gradient force only. winds influenced by the Coriolis force only. a high pressure center (anticyclone). wind movement based on the frictional force only. geostrophic winds.

geostrophic winds.

Upper tropospheric winds that flow parallel to isobars are called easterlies. geostrophic winds. westerlies. Hadley cells. NE trades winds.

geostrophic winds.

Which of the following would cause the Coriolis force to increase? movement over very small areas increase in friction occurrence closer to the equator increase in wind speed Nothing; the Coriolis force is a constant.

increase in wind speed

Surface-temperature anomalies from 1950 to 2014, compared to 1951-1980 baseline. Oranges indicate positive anomalies (warmer temperatures); purples indicate negative anomalies (cooler temperatures). [GISS/NASA.] The overall trend to warming temperatures indicates all areas are warming uniformly. is only occurring in the Northern Hemisphere. demonstrates that much of the hype about global climate changes is hyperbolic. indicates the Arctic has experienced larger temperature increases than lower latitudes. shows lower latitudes warming at faster and more pronounced rates than the Arctic.

indicates the Arctic has experienced larger temperature increases than lower latitudes.

The wind-chill temperature index considers the effects of physical activity. is a factor of actual air temperature and wind speed. assumes people are wearing a basic protective clothing. uses the same variables as the heat index does. takes into account infrared solar radiation.

is a factor of actual air temperature and wind speed.

The frictional force effect on winds is constant, regardless of time of day or year. increases with altitude. is lessened in areas with rougher surfaces. is negligible at altitudes above 500 m (~1,600 ft). increases with increasing altitude.

is negligible at altitudes above 500 m (~1,600 ft).

A isoline of equal pressure plotted on a weather map is known as an isohyet. isobar. isotherm. isoplat. isobath.

isobar

If a wind is blowing from a compass direction of 202.5°, the wind is from the northwest (NW). north-northeast (NNE). south-southwest (SSW). south (S). north (N)

south-southwest (SSW).

If there is a steeper pressure gradient, wind will be ________than areas with a gradual pressure gradient. warmer cooler stronger lighter weaker

stronger