Intro to Weather and Climate: GGY 230 Exam 1

If you move from Los Angeles, CA (at sea level) to Denver, CO (a mile above sea level), the average summer temperature will ______ and the average winter temperature will ______. A) decrease; increase B) increase; decrease C) decrease; stay the same D) increase; increase E) decrease; decrease

E) decrease; decrease Both summer and winter average temperatures would decrease as you go up in elevation.

In which material would convection occur? A) An electric stove coil B) Cement C) The atmosphere D) A wooden table

C) The atmosphere (Heat is convected in the atmosphere when warm particles are moved from one location to another.)

On March 22 and September 22, which placemarked location has a solar-noon Sun angle of 66.5∘? A) D B) C C) A D) B E) E

A) D (At 23.5∘ north latitude, the solar-noon Sun angle here on the equinox would be 66.5∘ above the horizon.)

Clear skies at night lead to _____ cloudy skies at night. A) colder temperatures than B) warmer temperatures than C) the same temperatures as

A) colder temperatures than Clear skies at night allow infrared radiation to escape, while cloudy skies at night absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation to limit overnight cooling.

During which of the following times does Buenos Aires, Argentina receive the same number of hours of sunlight as New York City, USA? Choose all that may apply A) Summer solstice B) Spring equinox C) Winter solstice D) Fall equinox

B) Spring equinox & D) Fall equinox The spring and fall equinoxes are times when all areas on earth receive the same amount of sunlight, about 12 hours per day.

Cloud formation is an example of _____ and _____ the air. A) evaporation; cools B) condensation; cools C) evaporation; warms D) condensation; warms E) sublimation; cools

D) condensation; warms Condensation is the phase change from vapor to liquid (cloud droplets) and is a warming process.

Match the type of heat transfer with its correct definition. Drag the definitions into their respective bins. Each item may be used only once. A) Movement of heat through space or air B) Movement of heat through solid C) Movement of heat via the movement of particles

1) Conduction B) Movement of heat through solid 2) Convection C) Movement of heat via the movement of particles 3) Radiation A) Movement of heat through space or air

Which of the following statements is true? A) Coastal cities on the Pacific coast have warmer temperatures than inland cities during the winter. B) Coastal cities always have colder temperatures than inland cities. C) Coastal cities have warmer temperatures than inland cities during the summer. D) Coastal cities always have warmer temperatures than inland cities.

A) Coastal cities on the Pacific coast have warmer temperatures than inland cities during the winter. During the winter, the ocean moderates the temperatures on the coast, leading to higher temperatures than inland cities at similar latitudes.

Where would you expect to find the highest temperatures in July? A) Land in the Northern Hemisphere B) Land in the Southern Hemisphere C) Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere D) Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere

A) Land in the Northern Hemisphere

When are the Sun's rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the equator? Choose all that apply. A) March Equinox B) December Solstice C) June Solstice D) September Equinox

A) March Equinox & D) September Equinox

During which of the following times does the North Pole receive no hours of sunlight? A) Fall equinox B) Winter solstice C) Summer solstice D) Spring equinox

B) Winter solstice When the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun during the winter months, the North Pole receives little to no sunlight. What is happening in the South Pole during this time?

Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana would experience clouds caused by all of the lifting mechanisms, except _____ A) localized convective lifting B) orographic lifting C) frontal lifting D) convergence

B) orographic lifting There are no mountains in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.

Which of these is a good characteristic of an instrument shelter where you would want to put a thermometer? A) completely enclosed box B) painted white C) next to a large building D) in the middle of a parking lot E) on top of a building

B) painted white The instrument shelter should be painted white to reflect incoming solar radiation. Other colors absorb incoming radiation and will warm the inside of the shelter.

The concentration of what gas in the atmosphere can range from about 0% to near 4%? A) aerosols B) water vapor C) ozone D) argon C) carbon dioxide

B) water vapor (Water vapor can vary from 0% in the driest deserts to about 4% in very humid rainforests.)

The _____ can dictate how you dress on a particular day or whether you take an umbrella with you when you go out; the _____ can dictate the types of clothes you have in your closet and whether your home has an air conditioner, a heater, or both. A) temperature; weather B) weather; climate C) climate; temperature D) climate; weather E) temperature; pressure

B) weather; climate (Weather changes from day to day. Climate describes the usual conditions.)

Chicago, IL recorded the following temperatures in one day: High temperature: 40 °F Low temperature: 32 °F What is the daily mean temperature? A) 72 °F B) 38 °F C) 36 °F D) 8 °F E) The daily mean temperature cannot be determined with the data provided

C) 36 °F The average of 40 °F and 32 °F is 36 °F.

According to the video, which of the following correctly identifies the projected percentage of people who will be living in urban areas in the next 50 years? A) 70 percent B) 50 percent C) 80 percent D) 35 percent

C) 80 percent According to the video, the projected percentage of people who will be living in urban areas is 80 percent in the next 50 years.

On December 22, which placemarked location has a solar-noon Sun angle of 21.5∘? A) E B) B C) C D) D E) A

C) C (At 45∘ north latitude, the solar-noon Sun angle here on December 22 would be 21.5∘ above the horizon.)

Where would you expect to find the lowest temperatures in January? A) Land in the Southern hemisphere B) Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere C) Land in the Northern Hemisphere D) Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere

C) Land in the Northern Hemisphere

Rank the following temperatures from highest to lowest. Place the highest temperature on the left side of the screen and the lowest temperature on the right side of the screen. A) High temperatures on cloudy days B) Low temperatures on clear days C) High temperatures on clear days D) Low temperatures on cloudy days

all side by side in this order C) Hight temperatures on clear days A) High temperatures on cloudy days D) Low temperatures on cloudy days B) Low temperatures on clear days Clear days have the warmest daytime temperatures and coldest nighttime temperatures, while cloudy days are more moderated in their temperature variations

When is the warmest part of a typical day? A) 5 PM B) 8 AM C) sunset D) 3 PM E) noon

D) 3 PM

Which of the following materials the best conductor of heat? A) A wool blanket B) Water C) The Sun D) A filament in an incandescent light bulb

D) A filament in an incandescent light bulb Light bulb filaments are made of metal; metals are good conductors.

Which location receives the most sun energy per unit area during the winter solstice? A) South Pole B) Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes C) Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes D) Equatorial regions

D) Equatorial regions (During the winter solstice, the most sun energy per unit area occurs at the equator.)

Based on the location of the Sun and the North Star, determine the orientation of the Earth's axis at each location. Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets. Labels may be used more than once. Image has the sun in the middle w/ 4boxes around it w/ the north star in the upper lefthand corner

Choose the "earths" that have the axis pointing to the left (towards the north star) for all 4 answers The Earth's axis is tilted toward the North Star at approximately 23.5 degrees.

Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets. (map is apart of question) (World map image labeled from bottom left up to right) 1) dot to the southeast of South America west of the (but near) -40 long about -50 lat 2) dot west of South America below the -20 lat line about -110 3) dot north of South America and southeast of North America just below +20 lat and west of -40 long 4) east of Asia just above +20 lat and east of +120 long

1) least likely to strengthen cyclones 2) third most likely to strengthen cyclones 3) second most likely to strengthen cyclones 4) most likely to strengthen cyclones (Now that you understand latent heat, you can readily appreciate how even hidden energy affects everyday weather phenomena that occur all around you—from the morning dew to Superstorm Sandy in 2012.)

Miami, FL recorded the following: High temperature: 32 °C Low temperature: 20 °C What is the daily temperature range? A) 12 °C B) The daily temperature range cannot be determined with the data provided. C) 26 °C D) 20 °C E) 32 °C

A) 12 °C The difference between 32 °C and 20 °C is 12 °C

If a parcel starts with a temperature of 20 °C and is lifted 1 km into the air, the parcel is stable if ______. A) the parcel is dry and the environment temperature at 1 km is 11 °C B) the parcel contains a cloud and the environment temperature at 1 km is 11 °C C) the parcel is dry and the environment temperature at 1 km is 9 °C D) the parcel contains a cloud and the environment temperature at 1 km is 9 °C

A) the parcel is dry and the environment temperature at 1 km is 11 °C The new parcel temperature is 10 °C, which is less than 11 °C. The parcel will sink and is therefore stable.

Which of the following cities would have temperatures most influenced by a cool ocean current? A) Cairo B) Jakarta C) Lagos D) Los Angeles E) Rio de Janeiro

D) Los Angeles The California Current is a cool ocean current off the coast of California.

Given the location of the Sun and the tilt of the Earth in the image below, label which of the four locations represents the summer solstice, winter solstice, fall equinox, and spring equinox respectively. Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets. Summer Solstice Winter Solstice Spring Equinox Fall Equinox

(Image shows 4 blue circles with axis leaning to the right around the sun) answers -from the left to the bottom to the right to the top A) Summer solstice B) Fall Equinox C) Winter Solstice D) Spring Equinox

Which of the following statements is correct? A) Landmasses have a higher temperature range than oceans. B) Oceans have warmer summer temperatures than land. C) The Southern Hemisphere has a larger temperature range than the Northern Hemisphere. D) Annual temperature range is largest near the mid-latitudes. E) Landmasses have warmer winter temperatures than oceans.

A) Landmasses have a higher temperature range than oceans. Landmasses heat up and cool off faster than oceans, so the temperature range would be larger.

How does the inclination of Earth's axis change over the course of a year? A) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shorter. B) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes longer. C) The inclination of Earth's axis does not change. D) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes steeper. E) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shallower.

C) The inclination of Earth's axis does not change.

________ is defined as the fraction of incoming sunlight that is reflected back to space A) Absorption B) Scattering C) Reflection D) Planetary albedo E) Transmission

D) Planetary albedo (Albedo is the fraction of radiation that is reflected by an object. Planetary albedo is the average reflectivity of the entire planet.)

Which of the following moisture variables describes the actual amount of moisture in the air? A) dewpoint temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure B) vapor pressure, saturation vapor pressure, and dewpoint temperature C) absolute humidity, relative humidity, and dewpoint temperature D) saturation vapor pressure, relative humidity, and dewpoint temperature E) vapor pressure, dewpoint temperature, and mixing ratio

E) vapor pressure, dewpoint temperature, and mixing ratio These each describe the actual amount of moisture in the air.

Imagine a parcel of air that has a temperature of 40 ∘C at the surface and a dew-point temperature of 20 ∘C at the lifting condensation level. Assume that the environmental lapse rate is 8 ∘C per 1000 meters, the dry adiabatic lapse rate is 10 ∘C per 1000 meters, and the wet adiabatic lapse rate is 6 ∘C/1000 meters. The table below contains data for the environmental temperature, the parcel temperature, and the temperature difference (parcel temperature minus the environmental temperature) at each height. Height (m) Parcel Temperature (∘C) Environmental Temperature (∘C) Temperature difference (parcel−environmental) 7000 m −10 −16 6 6000 m −4 −8 4 5000 m 2 0 2 4000 m 8 8 0 3000 m 14 16 2 2000 m 20 24 4 1000 m 30 32 2 Surface 40 40 0 Using the table determine whether the atmosphere is stable or unstable at each height.

STABLE: 1) Surface 2) 1000m 3) 2000m 4) 3000m 5) 4000m UNATABLE: 6) 5000m 7) 6000m 8) 7000m

The June and December solstices On the June and December solstices, the Sun's declination reaches its northernmost and southernmost extremes. Latitudes beyond the tropics never receive the direct rays of the Sun. The following conditions occur during the June solstice, which takes place annually on June 20 or 21: A) The North Pole is tilted towards the Sun. B) The Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, its northernmost declination. C) The Northern Hemisphere experiences summer, and daylength is at its longest. The Sun never sets at latitudes within the Arctic Circle, even at night, leading to the phenomenon of the "Midnight Sun," or constant light. D) The reverse occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, where daylength is at its shortest. South of the Antarctic Circle, however, there is constant darkness. E) Daylength at the equator remains approximately equal to the length of night.

The reverse conditions occur during the December solstice, which falls on December 21 or 22: A) The South Pole is tilted towards the Sun. B) The Sun's direct rays fall on the Tropic of Capricorn, the southernmost point of declination. C) The Southern Hemisphere experiences summer and its longest day of the year, and the "Midnight Sun" phenomenon occurs at latitudes within the Antarctic Circle. D) The Northern Hemisphere experiences the reverse conditions of a winter season, and the longest night of the year. Constant darkness occurs north of the Arctic Circle. E) Day and night still remain approximately equal at the equator.

Does this example describe absolute stability, absolute instability, or conditional instability?

This example describes conditional instability because of the surface temperature and the temperature of the parcel. The temperature of the parcel becomes warmer than its environment at 5000m causing the parcel to become less dense and rise because of its own buoyancy and becoming unstable. unstable..

Would you forecast thunderstorms under these conditions?

Yes, conditional instability usually occurs during the summertime. Which is associated with humid, warm air; and when conditionally unstable air rises above the condensation level, the weather often consist of thunderstorms and even tornado weather.

Which of the following statements correctly explain how radiation and cloud cover interact? Choose all that apply. A) More outgoing radiation is reflected back to Earth on clear nights than is reflected on cloudy nights. B) More incoming radiation reaches the surface of the Earth on cloudy nights than does on clear nights. C) More incoming radiation reaches the surface of the Earth on clear days than does on cloudy days. D) More outgoing radiation is reflected back to Earth on cloudy nights than is reflected on clear nights.

C) More incoming radiation reaches the surface of the Earth on clear days than does on cloudy days. D) More outgoing radiation is reflected back to Earth on cloudy nights than is reflected on clear nights. Clouds reflect both incoming and outgoing radiation, leading to lower daytime temperatures than on clear days, but higher nighttime temperatures than on clear days.

How is temperature defined? A) energy associated with an object by virtue of its motion B) energy transferred into or out of an object. C) a measure of the average kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules in a substance D) energy released or absorbed due to a phase change E) the transfer of heat through molecular collisions from one molecule to another

C) a measure of the average kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules in a substance (The average kinetic energy is used to describe temperature)

(Google Earth) In terms of the study of the composition of the atmosphere, what could these two data sets be used to analyze? A) The difference between the distribution of a variable gas and a permanent gas B) The regions of the highest recorded precipitation in January 2013 and July 2012 C) The measurement of the relative humidity at any given location D) The temporal variation in the distribution of water vapor in a column of air E) The measurement of water vapor in the homosphere

D) The temporal variation in the distribution of water vapor in a column of air (These data sets highlight the variability of water vapor over time, for example, showing that water vapor levels in a column of air over most of North America are higher in July than January.)

What is the approximate length of the day in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City on March 27, from first light to total darkness? A) 11 hours B) 9 hours C) 7 hours D) 15 hours E) 13 hours

E) 13 hours (On March 27, this location experiences daylight from approximately 6 A.M. to 7 P.M. local time, for a total of 13 hours.)

Assuming measurement is done at solar-noon on the equinox, which of the labeled layers A through E would receive the same amount of energy from the Sun as the Sample Location site? A) D B) A C) E D) B E) C

E) C The area at 45∘ N is approximately 1.4 times the size of the Sample Location layer and therefore receives about the same amount of energy.

Scattering of sunlight off of air molecules during the middle of the day causes the sky to look _______. A) yellow B) white C) black D) red E) blue

E) blue (Atmospheric gases scatter shorter wavelength light (blue) more effectively than longer wavelength light (red), so the sky looks blue at mid-day. This is called Rayleigh scattering.)

In North America, which of the following vegetation types is most commonly associated with average January temperatures below -25° Fahrenheit? A) grassland B) mixed grassland and mesquite C) tundra D) broadleaf evergreen shrubland E) needleleaf evergreen forest

C) tundra Tundra is a treeless realm of sedges, grasses, mosses, and lichen dominated by a long, bitterly cold winter

Which of the following situations would lead to the highest nighttime temperatures? A) Cloudy conditions during the day and cloudy conditions at night B) Clear conditions during the day and clear conditions at night C) Clear conditions during the day and cloudy conditions at night D) Cloudy conditions during the day and clear conditions at night

C) Clear conditions during the day and cloudy conditions at night Clear conditions during the day allow for most of radiation from the Sun to reach the surface. Cloudy conditions at night prevent outgoing radiation from escaping as quickly.

Where would you expect to find the highest temperatures in January? A) Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere B) Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere C) Land in the Southern Hemisphere D) Land in the Northern Hemisphere

C) Land in the Southern Hemisphere

Which location receives the most sun energy per unit area during the spring equinox? A) Northern Hemisphere polar regions B) Equatorial regions C) Southern Hemisphere polar regions D) Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes E) Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes

B) Equatorial regions (The equator always receives the most sun energy per unit area because the sunlight always hits the equatorial regions at the highest angle (90 degrees).)

Which list ranks the gases in the present-day atmosphere from most abundant to least abundant? A) oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon B) argon, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide C) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide D) carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, and argon E) oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide

C) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide (Most of the atmosphere is nitrogen. Nitrogen and oxygen make up 99% of the atmosphere)

Which of the following regions has the largest annual temperature range? A) western Europe B) northern South America C) north-central Asia D) central Africa E) Antarctica

C) north-central Asia North-central Asia has a large annual temperature range because of its subpolar location and distance from the oceans.

Which of the following will enhance stability in the atmosphere? A) air moving up a mountain B) asphalt parking lot heated by the sun C) snow on the ground D) southerly winds bring in warmer air

C) snow on the ground Cold air is dense and will not rise easily.

What is the December solstice? A) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun B) The time of the year when the Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun. C) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun

C) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun

Based on your knowledge of the relationship between photosynthesis, respiration, and carbon dioxide, which of the following region and date combinations exhibits the most unexpected CO2 readings? A) High values over Serbia during January B) Low values over eastern Russia during July C) High values over Paraguay during July D) Low values over Argentina during January E) High values over the southeastern United States during July

E) High values over the southeastern United States during July (We would expect the higher rates of respiration and photosynthesis during the high-sun season to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide compared to the levels seen during the low-sun season, but that was not the case during July 2004.)

Which of the following statements about dewpoint temperature is true? A) The dewpoint temperature is equal to temperature in a cloud. B) As dewpoint temperature increases, relative humidity decreases for a given temperature. C) The dewpoint temperature is always greater than temperature. D) The dewpoint temperature describes the maximum amount of moisture the air can contain. E) The dewpoint temperature does not tell the actual amount of moisture in the air.

A) The dewpoint temperature is equal to temperature in a cloud. Relative humidity is 100% in a cloud, so the dewpoint temperature and the air temperature are equal.

What causes it to be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer in the northern hemisphere? A) Summer temperatures are warmer because the Earth is closer to the Sun during the summer. B) Summer temperatures are warmer because more sun energy per unit area is received during this time. C) Summer temperatures are warmer because less sun energy per unit area is received during this time. D) Summer temperatures are warmer because the Earth is farther from the Sun during the summer

B) Summer temperatures are warmer because more sun energy per unit area is received during this time. (Why would less sun energy lead to higher temperatures?)

Which of the following factors influence surface temperatures? Choose all that apply. A) The presence of ocean currents B) The angle of incidence of the Sun C) The presence of land D) The distance of the Earth from the Sun

A) The presence of ocean currents B) The angle of incidence of the Sun C) The presence of land Ocean currents, land, and the angle of incidence of the Sun's rays all influence surface temperatures.

How will the daily temperature range change if you moved from a desert to a rainforest at the same latitude? A) decrease B) stay the same C) The answer cannot be determined from the information given. D) increase

A) decrease The presence of moisture reduces the daily temperature range. Both the rainforest and the desert have warm days, but nights in the desert can be quite cold.

When do the Sun's rays hit the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes at the highest angle? A) Spring equinox B) Summer solstice C) Winter solstice D) Fall equinox

B) Summer solstice (The Sun hits the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes at about 73.5 degrees during the summer solstice. How is this associated with the warmer temperatures observed during summer?)

If you move from the equator to a location in the mid-latitudes, the wintertime average temperature will _____ and the temperature range will _____. A) decrease; increase B) decrease; decrease C) increase; increase D) decrease; stay the same E) increase; decrease

A) decrease; increase The wintertime temperature would be colder. The difference between the wintertime low temperature and the summertime high temperature would increase.

Where does the length of day remain the same throughout the year? A) at the Tropic of Cancer B) at the equator C) at the Tropic of Capricorn D) within 10 degrees of the North Pole E) within 10 degrees of the South Pole

B) at the equator

You are driving through the country and you notice isolated cumulus clouds in the sky. Which lifting mechanism is most likely responsible for these cumulus clouds? A) orographic lifting B) localized convective lifting C) convergence D) frontal lifting

B) localized convective lifting Localized convection causes pockets of warm air (thermals) to rise and form individual clouds.

Conditional instability is a situation in which _______. A) the parcel is stable with respect to an unsaturated parcel and unstable with respect to a saturated parcel B) the environmental lapse rate is less than 5 °C per 1000 meters C) the environmental lapse rate is greater than 10 °C per 1000 meters D) the parcel is stable with respect to a saturated parcel and stable with respect to an saturated parcel E) the parcel will rise on its own regardless of the environmental lapse rate

A) the parcel is stable with respect to an unsaturated parcel and unstable with respect to a saturated parcel

Using the info above.... Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets. Place the blue solstice characteristic labels in the blue targets and the pink solstice name labels in the pink targets. The yellow lines, of course, represent the Sun's rays. A) Longer nights, shorter days B) December Solstice C) Midnight Sun D) June Solstice E) Sun's declination, summer, Southern Hemisphere F) equal days, night G) Sun's declination, summer, Northern Hemisphere (image shows two earths side by side w/ yellow arrows in between; each tilted 23.5 N&S. Has 5 blue boxes on top 3(boxes 1-3) for earth 1 and 2(boxes 4-5) for earth 2; Each has 1 red box underneath (boxes 6-7 from left to right)

1) A) Longer nights, shorter days (in shade, points to the Tropic of Capricorn line, west of South America) 2) G) Sun's declination, summer, Northern Hemisphere (in sunlight, points to the Tropic of Cancer Line east of central America) 3) C) Midnight Sun (in sunlight; Arctic Circle line) 4) E) Sun's declination, summer, Southern Hemisphere (in sunlight; points to the Tropic of Capricorn line west of South America) 5) F) equal days, night (in sunlight; points to the equator; west of South America) 6) D) June Solstice (earth 1; arctic pole is in sunlight) 7) B) December Solstice (earth 2; Antarctic Circle is in sunlight) You can see that solstices mark the extreme points of the Sun's declination—the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere during the June solstice, and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere during the December solstice. The hemisphere experiencing the direct rays of the Sun experiences summer and the longest daylengths of the year, with its highest latitudes experiencing constant daylight, also called the "Midnight Sun." Days and nights at the equator remain approximately equal, as always. Earth's orbit around the Sun includes two other major positions of Earth relative to the Sun's rays, one transitioning to the June solstice and the other to the December solstice. Those two positions signal the start of the other two seasons of the year.

The role and amounts of latent heat involved in everyday weather phenomena Phase transitions such as freezing, condensation, and vaporization take place continuously. Identify everyday weather occurrences in terms of these transitions. Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right. Make certain each sentence is complete before submitting your answer. 1) Latent heat released during dew formation is ______ the latent heat required for water to freeze from its liquid state. 2) The latent heat released during rainfall is _______ the latent heat released during snowfall. 3) Latent heat absorbed during evaporation of lake water is _______ the latent heat released during fog formation. 4) Latent heat is ______ during glacial melt. 5) Latent heat is ______ during frost formation.

1) more than 2) less than 3) same as 4) absorbed 5)released (As you saw, the absorption and release of latent heat as Earth's water transitions from one phase to another plays a crucial role in all the weather-related phenomena you see around you.) You can apply this understanding to larger-scale weather types, too. Part B will help you understand why cyclones are stronger in some areas than in others.

GeoTutor: Latent Heat Why does it get warmer when it snows on an otherwise cold winter day? The answer lies in our understanding of latent heat. Energy is present in all states of matter, whether solid, liquid, or gas. Latent heat is the amount of energy absorbed or released by matter as it transitions from one state or phase to another without a change in temperature of the substance. You cannot sense or feel latent (or hidden) heat, but you can see its effects around you every day. Here are some key facts to note: (help with the next question) 1) Latent heat of melting and freezing: When matter transitions from a higher to a lower order state (e.g., melting of water from solid ice to liquid), energy is absorbed to break molecular bonds. In the reverse transition to a more compacted phase (e.g., from liquid water to solid ice), energy is released. The amount of energy in these two transitions is the same.

2) Latent heat of condensation and vaporization/evaporation: The latent heat of condensation, or the energy released when matter transitions from a gas to a liquid state, is equal to the latent heat of vaporization (also called evaporation), which is the amount of energy absorbed when a liquid changes to a gas. The amount of latent heat involved in these two processes is the same, but it is several times greater than the latent heat of freezing and melting because these transitions are to and from a gas, the least compact state of matter. 3) Latent heat when skipping phases: Two transitions skip phases—sublimation, or the transition from ice (solid) to water vapor (gas), and its reverse, deposition, the transition from water vapor (gas) to ice (solid). In these transitions, water skips the liquid phase. Such phase transitions involve the greatest amounts of latent heat because they equal the total amount of latent heat involved in all phase changes that fall in between. See the phase changes illustrated in the diagram below.

Where would you expect to find the lowest temperatures in July? A) Land in the Southern Hemisphere B) Land in the Northern Hemisphere C) Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere D) Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere

A) Land in the Southern Hemisphere

When do all locations on Earth experience equal lengths of day and night? Choose all that apply. A) March Equinox B) June Solstice C) December Solstice D) September Equinox

A) March Equinox & D) September Equinox

Given the following cities and their elevations, which list ranks these cities in order from highest surface pressure to lowest surface pressure? Denver, Colorado at 1,609 m (5,280 ft) Panama City, Florida at 2 m (7 ft) El Aguilar, Argentina at 4895 m (16,059 ft) A) Panama City, Denver, and El Aguilar B) El Aguilar, Denver, and Panama City C) El Aguilar, Panama City, and Denver D) Panama City, El Aguilar, and Denver E) Denver, Panama City, and El Aguilar

A) Panama City, Denver, and El Aguilar (Panama City has the lowest elevation so it has the most air above it and the highest pressure. El Aguilar has the highest elevation so it has the least air above it and the lowest pressure. Denver is in between these two elevation extremes.)

Which layers of the atmosphere are examples of temperature inversions? A) stratosphere and thermosphere B) troposphere and mesosphere C) troposphere and stratosphere D) mesosphere and thermosphere E) stratosphere and mesosphere

A) Stratosphere and thermosphere (Both the stratosphere and thermosphere are regions where temperature increases with height. Ozone heats the stratosphere. In the thermosphere, the molecules are moving very fast, but there aren't many of them.)

Why does the Northern Hemisphere have warm summers? Choose all that apply. A) The Sun's energy is more concentrated. B) The north pole is tilted toward the Sun. C) Earth is closer to the Sun in June. D) The Sun's rays hit the ground at a more perpendicular angle. E) Days are longer.

A) The Sun's energy is more concentrated. B) The north pole is tilted toward the Sun. D) The Sun's rays hit the ground at a more perpendicular angle. E) Days are longer. (A,B,D,E ---NOT C)

In which situation is radiation the most dominant form of heat transfer? A) The movement of heat from the Sun to Earth B) The movement of heat within the mantle C) The movement of heat within a lake D) The movement of heat within a stove coil

A) The movement of heat from the Sun to Earth (Heat radiated from the Sun heats the Earth)

According to the video, which of the following does the urban heat island effect NOT influence? A) decreases in air pollution levels B) increases in spending to cool the home during warmer months C) increases in spending to heat the home during cooler months D) asthma symptoms

A) decreases in air pollution levels Urban heat islands do not decrease the amount of air pollution levels in urban areas

Which of the following phase changes would release heat to the surrounding environment? A) deposition B) sublimation C) melting D) evaporation

A) deposition Deposition is the phase change from vapor to solid, so molecules slow down and release excess energy to the surrounding environment.

Which of the following climate types is dominantly found adjacent to warm ocean currents? A) humid subtropical B) subarctic C) semiarid D) marine west coast E) humid continental, cool summer

A) humid subtropical Humid subtropical climates generally occur on the eastern side of continents next to warm ocean currents

Most of the water on Earth is stored ___. A) in the ocean as salt water B) in the atmosphere as water vapor C) below the surface as fresh water D) in rivers and lakes as fresh water E) in Antarctica and Greenland as ice sheets

A) in the ocean as salt water The oceans contain 97% of Earth's water.

In areas that receive less than 100 watts per square meter of insolation, what are the average July temperatures? A) less than 0° Celsius B) between 0° and 6° Celsius C) between 9° and 15° Celsius D) between 18° and 24° Celsius E) greater than 27° Celsius

A) less than 0° Celsius The regions towards the poles have the coldest temperatures and receive the least amount of insolation on average annually.

Which of the following characteristics of Earth's relationship to the Sun explains the existence of Earth's seasons? Choose all that apply. A) Earth orbits around the Sun, completing one orbit each year. B) Earth has a satellite called the Moon, which rotates around Earth. C) Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane. D) Earth's axis always points in the same direction relative to the stars. E) Earth spins on its axis, completing one rotation each day

A)Earth orbits around the Sun, completing one orbit each year. C)Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane. D) Earth's axis always points in the same direction relative to the stars. E) Earth spins on its axis, completing one rotation each day (A, C,D&E)

Part B - Latent heat and tropical cyclones When ocean and sea surfaces heat up sufficiently, evaporation occurs. The warm vapor rises into the atmosphere, then cools and condenses, releasing its stored latent heat. Existing storms and tropical cyclones—which are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and typhoons in the Pacific and Indian oceans—gather up the released heat, which gives them greater energy and strength. Higher values of latent heat of evaporation indicate greater evaporation per unit area. This in turn signals the release of greater amounts of latent heat when condensation occurs. Therefore, latent heat of evaporation is one factor affecting the strength of tropical cyclones—the higher the values of latent heat of evaporation, the more powerful a storm. The map shows isolines indicating areas with the same values of latent heat of evaporation across the globe. Isolines, which are very useful in geographic and geologic studies, join areas of the same value, such as height or heat.

Assume that latent heat of evaporation is the only determining factor affecting cyclone strength, and that all target areas experience cyclones. The key below the map provides a general idea of the range of latent heat of evaporation within which a target area falls—for example, the deepest blue indicates latent heat of evaporation between 15 and 25 watts per square meter. Compare the isoline values indicating the amount of latent heat of evaporation around each target area to identify the following: 1) The target area that is most likely to experience the strengthening of cyclones The target area that is second most likely to experience the strengthening of cyclones 2) The target area that is third most likely to experience the strengthening of cyclones 3) The target area that is least likely to experience the strengthening of cyclones Note that you will use the value of the isolines and not the color on the maps to help determine the relative strengths of cyclones. This is because a single color code on the map represents a range of isoline values.

(question refers to a map and Average Monthly Temperature Graph)Porto, Portugal is located on the coast of the Iberian peninsula, while Madrid, Spain is located at a similar latitude inland from Porto. Using the graph provided, determine which of the following statements are true. Choose all that apply A) Line A is a temperature profile for the inland city of Madrid. B) Line A is a temperature profile for the coastal city of Porto. C) Line B is a temperature profile for the inland city of Madrid. D) Line B is a temperature profile for the coastal city of Porto

B) Line A is a temperature profile for the coastal city of Porto. C) Line B is a temperature profile for the inland city of Madrid. Line A, which has higher winter temperatures and lower summer temperatures shows the average monthly temperatures for Porto, Portugal. Line B, which has lower winter temperatures and higher summer temperatures shows the average monthly temperatures for Madrid, Spain.

Based on what you know about how the angle of incidence of the Sun's rays affects temperatures on Earth, determine which of the following statements are correct. Choose all that apply. A) The Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Southern Hemisphere during January. B) The Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Northern Hemisphere during January. C) The Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Northern Hemisphere during July. D) The Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Southern Hemisphere during July.

B) The Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Northern Hemisphere during January. D) The Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Southern Hemisphere during July. The Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight during January than the Northern Hemisphere, leading to higher temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter months. Similarly, higher temperatures occur in the Northern Hemisphere in July because the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight than the Southern Hemisphere.

Launch the Layered Thematic North America Map, and answer the following questions. The coolest temperatures in the western half of the United States are associated with which of the following physical features? A) valleys B) mountains C) basins D) coastlines E) plains

B) mountains Temperatures tend to decrease as elevation increases. The general lapse rate is 3.5 degrees per 1000 feet.

You go camping in Canada with a friend. You both go to bed when the Sun goes down and get up when the Sun comes up, but you both notice that you are not getting enough sleep! What time of year are you most likely near? A) fall (autumnal) equinox B) summer solstice C) spring (vernal) equinox D) winter solstice

B) summer solstice (Days are longest near the summer solstice, so nights would be shortest.)

Which of the following statements about coastal and inland temperatures are correct? Choose all that apply. A) During the course of the year, the highest monthly average temperature would occur in a coastal city. B) During the course of the year, the lowest monthly average temperature would occur in a coastal city. C) During the course of the year, the lowest monthly average temperature would occur in an inland city. D) During the course of the year, the highest monthly average temperature would occur in an inland city.

C) During the course of the year, the lowest monthly average temperature would occur in an inland city. D) During the course of the year, the highest monthly average temperature would occur in an inland city. Inland cities experience more extreme temperatures when compared to their coastal counterparts.

The lifting condensation level is the location of the _______. A) first place where the parcel becomes warmer than the environment B) first place where rain begins C) first place where the air becomes saturated D) first place where the parcel becomes colder than the environment E) top of the cloud

C) first place where the air becomes saturated The lifting condensation level is the base of the cloud

Condensation is a phase change from _______ to _______, which _______ the surrounding air. A) liquid; gas; warms B) liquid; gas; cools C) gas; liquid; warms D) gas; liquid; cools E) gas; liquid; neither warms nor cools

C) gas; liquid; warms (Condensation warms the surrounding air and melts the ice in your glass of lemonade! One other example of condensation is cloud formation.)

Which of the following terms is a measure of the weight of the air above a location? A) atmosphere B) aerosol C) pressure D) temperature E) meteorology

C) pressure (Atmospheric pressure is simply the weight of the air above a particular location.)

If an air parcel is warmer than the surrounding environment, then it will _____. A) rise or sink, depending on the time of day B) remain at its current position C) rise D) sink

C) rise Warm air (like in a hot air balloon) rises.

The statement, "The highest temperature ever recorded was 56.7 °C (134 °F) in Death Valley National Park, CA on July 10, 1913" provides information that can help understand Death Valley's ______. A) weather B) climate C) weather and climate

C) weather and climate [This is both weather and climate because it describes atmospheric conditions at a particular time and location, as well as a statistical property (highest temperature ever recorded.)]

At which of the following locations does the atmosphere exhibit the greatest variation in water vapor? A) Yucatan Peninsula B) Galapagos Islands C) Puerto Rico D) The region surrounding Lake Chad E) Cape York Peninsula

D) The region surrounding Lake Chad (Regions removed from the moderating effect of oceans typically have greater seasonal variation in atmospheric water vapor.)

Which of the following best explains the pattern of atmospheric carbon dioxide seen above Slovakia in January 2004? A) The relatively high levels of CO2 are the result of recent, widespread deforestation. B) The higher values are a result of Europe's large automobile fleet. C) There is no significant difference in CO2 in January compared to July 2004. D) The relatively high levels of CO2 are a result of diminished photosynthesis and respiration by flora during the low-sun season. E) The relatively low levels of CO2 are a result of diminished photosynthesis and respiration by flora during the low-sun season.

D) The relatively high levels of CO2 are a result of diminished photosynthesis and respiration by flora during the low-sun season. (In the high-sun season we would expect to see lower levels of carbon dioxide as photosynthesis and respiration increase.)

On the world temperature map for January (like Figure 3.17), notice that the west coast of the United States is warmer than the east coast if you look along the same latitude line. What is the best explanation for this? A) The west coast is near an ocean. B) The Sun has a stronger effect on the west coast. C) The ocean current on the west coast is a warm current, whereas the ocean current on the east coast is a cold current. D) The wind blows from west to east.

D) The wind blows from west to east. The wind is coming off of the ocean on the west coast and is blowing out to sea on the east coast. The ocean moderates the temperature more on the west coast than it does on the east coast.

You are boiling a pot of water on an electric stove. The pot sits directly on the heating coil and is primarily heated by _____. A) radiation B) latent heat C) convection D) conduction E) sensible heat

D) conduction (Conduction is the molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat from the heating coil to the bottom of the pot.)

During a typical daily temperature cycle, the coldest time of the day is early morning and the warmest is mid-afternoon. Which of the following will cause the greatest reduction in daily temperature range? A) leeward (downwind) coast B) dry air C) clear skies at night D) high latitude E) clear skies during the day

D) high latitude The sun angle does not vary as much at high latitudes, so the temperature range will not be as large.

Vapor pressure is defined as _________ A) the temperature at which the air becomes saturated B) the part of the total atmospheric pressure exerted by water vapor when the air is saturated C) the mass of water vapor in a unit of air compared to the remaining mass of dry air D) the part of the total atmospheric pressure exerted by water vapor E) the mass of water vapor in a given volume of air

D) the part of the total atmospheric pressure exerted by water vapor Vapor pressure is the partial pressure exerted by water vapor

When temperature increases, _____. A) the vapor pressure increases B) the saturation vapor pressure decreases C) the absolute humidity increases D) the saturation vapor pressure increases E) the vapor pressure decreases

D) the saturation vapor pressure increases Saturation vapor pressure describes the air's capacity to contain moisture. This does increase with temperature.

Which of the following, according to the video is NOT a contributing factor of the urban heat island effect? A) population of the urban area B) the mathematical area of an urban area C) the vegetation that surrounds the urban area D) wind speeds

D) wind speeds According to the video, wind speeds of the urban area and areas surrounding the urban area are not a contributing factor to the urban heat island effect.

You remove the pot of boiling hot water and set it on a cooler part of the stove. Which mechanism is responsible for cooling the pot of water? A) radiation B) latent heat C) convection D) conduction E) All of the listed mechanisms cool the pot.

E) All of the listed mechanisms cool the pot. (All of these mechanisms work together to cool the pot of boiling water)

The Sun is very hot, so it radiates _______ energy and the energy has a _______ wavelength than energy coming from Earth. A) more; longer B) less; longer C) less; shorter D) the same; shorter E) more; shorter

E) more; shorter (The Sun emits more energy than Earth and hotter objects emit shorter wavelength energy than cooler objects.)

The March and September equinoxes At the two equinoxes, Earth's tilt is neither toward nor away from the Sun. As a result, the Sun's declination is at the equator, meaning its rays fall directly there. The circle of illumination passes through the poles, resulting in near-equal days and nights everywhere on Earth, including the North and South Poles, as Figure 2 shows. On the March equinox, which occurs on March 20 or 21, the Northern Hemisphere experiences spring and the Southern Hemisphere has autumn. On the September equinox, which occurs on September 22 or 23, the reverse is true. After the spring equinox, in either hemisphere, days grow longer until reaching their maximum at the summer solstice. Then, they begin to shorten again until the autumnal equinox when daylength once again is equal to the length of the night. Days continue to shorten after this event until they are at their shortest at the winter solstice. Which of the following are true of equinoxes? Select the three that apply. A) Daylength decreases after autumnal equinox B) Midnight Sun or constant light at the North Pole during the March equinox C) Solar declination at the equator D) Solar declination at the Tropic of Cancer E) 12-hour daylength at all latitudes

Figure 2. Sunlight at the Equinoxes reveals a Globe with 5 yellow sun's rays lighting the majority of North America and none of South America. Caption states: At noon on the Northern Hemisphere's VERNAL (SPRING) EQUINOX in March and AUTUMNAL EQUINOX in September, the perpendicular rays of the Sun strike the equator, where the Sun is directly overhead. A) Daylength decreases after autumnal equinox C) Solar declination at the equator E) 12-hour daylength at all latitudes ( answers= A,C,E) As you have seen, the main characteristics of equinoxes are solar declination at the equator and 12 hours of day and night at all latitudes. The characteristics of equinoxes and solstices explain why daylight seems to linger longer from spring to summer and why some people try to find a cause to celebrate when they reach the winter solstice.