GEO 101 Mid
Which of the following air masses is usually the most stable? mT mP cP cT
cP
It is November 15, and you are standing at the North Pole. How long will the daylength be on this day? 0 hours about 8 hours 12 hours 24 hours
0 hours
The next two questions are based on the following information: A parcel of air is about to be forced over a mountain 3 km in height. The temperature of the parcel at 0 km is 25°C, the dew point is 15°C, the DAR is 10°C/km, the MAR is 5°C/km, and the ELR is 7°C/km. At what elevation will clouds begin to form in the parcel of air? 0 km 1 km 2 km 3 km
1 km
Commercially available global positioning system receivers can currently be used to determine location to an accuracy of 10 meters or less 100 meters 1 kilometer 1 degree
10 meters or less
Suppose that it is 11:30 p.m. Tuesday immediately west of the international date line. What is the time and day immediately east of the international date line? 11:30 a.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Monday 12:30 a.m. Monday 12:30 a.m. Tuesday
11:30 pm Monday
Now imagine the same situation, but an hour later (12:30 a.m. Wednesday). Again, what time is it immediately east of the international date line? 11:30 a.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Tuesday 11:30 p.m. Monday 12:30 a.m. Monday 12:30 a.m. Tuesday
12:30 am Tuesday
Which of the following representative fractions represents the largest scale? 1:10,000 1:24,000 1:50,000 1:100,000 1:1,000,000
1:10,000
At the equator the sun is never more than ________ degrees from a line that is perpendicular to the earth's surface. 90 66.5 23.5 12.5
23.5
Earth's albedo is approximately 6%. 22%. 31%. 48%. 69%.
31%
Suppose a parcel of air is about to be forced over a mountain 3 km in height. Given that the temperature of the parcel at 0 km is 25°C, the dew point is 15°C, the DAR is 10°C/km, the MAR is 5°C/km, and the ELR is 7°C/km, what will be the temperature of the parcel when it reaches the base of the other side of the mountain? 10°C 15°C 25°C 35°C
35°C
What will be the temperature of the parcel at the top (3 km) of the mountain? -15°C -5°C 5°C 10°C
5°C
How much of the insolation received by the earth-atmosphere system is eventually transferred back to space? 6% 31% 48% 69% 100%
69%
This scenario applies to the next two questions: Suppose you have two functioning wells, fairly close to each other, and one goes dry but the other does not. Which of the following probably explains your predicament? A cone of depression has developed around the dry well. The non-dry well is closer to the aquifer recharge area. You have an aquiclude near the dry well. The dry well is artesian.
A cone of depression has developed around the dry well.
Which of the following is incorrect? Earth represents a vast interconnected system. Earth represents a closed system in terms of energy. Earth represents a closed system in terms of matter. All of these are correct.
Earth represents a closed system of energy
Milankovitch cycles relate to the radiative output of the Sun true false
False
Over the oceans, there is more precipitation than evaporation. True False
False
Ten years of climate data are usually sufficient to characterize climatic change in an area true false
False
The principal weakness of paleoclimatic proxies is that they are all highly co-dependent and thus cannot be used to verify one another. true false
False
The scientific method should be seen as a sequence with distinct starting and ending points. True False
False
Worldwide, the highest population densities and growth rates occur in areas where water is readily accessible. True False
False
Which of the following would be used for overlay map analysis where two or more map layers are superimposed or integrated? GPS Landsat GIS AVHRR GOES
GIS
Which of the following statements would best describe the emphasis in college-level geography in the United States? Geography puts its greatest emphasis in learning where places are located. Geography primarily studies the physical aspects of the earth's surface. Geography's main emphasis is on spatial analysis of phenomena. Geography is basically a technical field primarily concerned with map-making.
Geography's main emphasis is on spatial analysis of phenomena
Why do hurricanes not form between the equator and about 5° latitude? Ocean temperatures are not high enough. The Coriolis force is not strong enough. The air is too stable. Evaporation is not high enough.
The COriolis force is not strong enough
What is the largest general climatic type worldwide, occupying about 30% of earth's land area? arid and semiarid climates polar and highland climates tropical climates mesothermal climates
arid and semiarid climates
Which of the following climatic types would you find in most of northern Africa? arid desert semiarid steppe tropical rainforest tropical savanna
arid desert
Which of the following objects would have the lowest albedo? fresh snow asphalt water concrete forest
asphalt
At which of the following locations is solar energy most concentrated? always at the equator anywhere on earth during perihelion at places where the angle of incidence is 90° at places where the angle of incidence is 0°
at places where the angle of incidence is 90°
A parcel of air always becomes saturated under which of the following points? at the highest temperature of the day at the lowest temperature of the day at the absolute humidity point at the dew point temperature
at the dew point temperature
According to the land-sea breeze cycle, what type of wind should a person expect when visiting a coastal beach during the day? blowing from sea towards land blowing from land towards sea blowing along the coast, from north to south no wind at all
blowing from sea towards land
Which of the following cloud types would be found at the highest altitude? cirrus stratus nimbostratus cumulus
cirrus
Regional-scale ocean currents or gyres in the Northern Hemisphere typically flow clockwise. counterclockwise. across the equator. consistently towards the North Pole.
clockwise
Which of the following are the three criteria used to classify the atmosphere? structure, origin, and temperature structure, origin, and evolution composition, temperature, and function composition, temperature, and evolution
composition, temperature, and function
What provides most of the energy that strengthens tornadoes? condensation lightning air pressure friction
condenstion
Which of the following accurately describes atmospheric conditions if the environmental lapse rate is between the dry adiabatic and moist adiabatic rates? stable unstable conditionally unstable environmentally unstable adiabatically stable
conditionally unstable
Which type of energy transfer involves molecule-to-molecule contact? conduction convection radiation advection reflection
conduction
Which of the following accurately describes the commonly used Mercator projection? Select all that apply. equivalent conformal cylindrical conic
conformal, cylindrical
Which of the following best describes climatic conditions during the Pleistocene Epoch? a gradual trend of increasing temperatures a gradual trend of decreasing temperatures constantly fluctuating glacial/interglacial cycles little variability with one abrupt cold period little variability with one abrupt warm period
constantly fluctuating glacial/interglacial cycles
The consistent afternoon thunderstorms that occur in Florida during the summer are usually produced by which lifting mechanism? orographic frontal convection convergence
convection
The physical transfer of heat through vertical movement of air is known as convection. conduction. advection. absorption.
convection
Which of the following is a capability of a geographic information system? Select all that apply. data storage, manipulation and analysis map production with different information layers electronic visualization of spatial analyses none of these
data storage, manipulation and analysis. map production with different information layers, electronic visualization of spatial analyses
Satellite images are based on standard photographic film which is recovered after a satellite returns to earth. digital data that are stored electronically and then transmitted to earth by radio waves. holographic images created from laser-generated interference patterns. signals compiled by global positioning system receivers. signals compiled by geographic information systems.
digital data that are stored electronically and then transmitted to earth by radio waves
Because geography uses elements from both the physical and human systems to explain the spatial distribution of various phenomena, we can call geography a(n) ____________ science. eclectic natural humanistic social physiographic
eclectic
Which of the following features are typically represented on topographic maps? Select all that apply. elevation rainfall atmospheric pressure wind
elevation
What is the term for the property of equal area on a map? conformality cylindrical equivalence azimuthal parallel
equivalence
Which of the following types of fog is most likely to form over water rather than land? radiation fog evaporation fog upslope fog valley fog
evaporation fog
Earth's energy budget is balanced at all latitudes. True False
false
It is much easier to minimize distortion on small-scale maps. True False
false
The United States has very little wind power potential. True False
false
The temperature of the atmosphere decreases with increasing altitude in the stratosphere. True False
false
The trade winds just north of the equator are easterly, while those just south of the equator are westerly. True False
false
At the surface of the earth, air flows from high pressure to low pressure. from low pressure to high pressure. from high pressure to high pressure. from low pressure to low pressure.
from high pressure to low pressure
Which of the following processes produces the energy we receive from the sun? combustion fusion perihelion auroras
fusion
Which of the following terms best identifies the focus of physical geography? ecosystems geosystems the lithosphere the ecosphere the biosphere
geosystems
Which of the following statements regarding glacial-interglacial cycles during the Pleistocene is incorrect? as much a third of Earth's land surface was covered with ice during glacials they appear to be primarily controlled by changes in Earth-Sun orbital relations glacial advance is encouraged by stronger seasonality the Last Glacial Maximum was about 20,000 years ago
glacial advance is encouraged by stronger seasonality
Most of the earth's fresh water is in which of the following forms? soil moisture lakes and rivers groundwater glaciers and ice caps
glaciers and ice caps
Select all options that correctly complete the sentence: When Earth's axial tilt is at 24.5° rather than the current 23.5° it causes greater seasonality, which encourages glacial advance. greater seasonality, which encourages glacial retreat. less radiation to be received by the Earth, which encourages glacial advance. more radiation to be received by the Earth, which encourages glacial retreat.
greater seasonality, which encourages glacial retreat.
Pumping of groundwater that exceeds the amount of natural recharge of an aquifer is called groundwater mining. groundwater acceleration. groundwater discharging. groundwater aeration.
ground water mining
Which of the following would best describe an area with a very high dew point? warm cold dry humid
humid
Which two climatic types are found along most of the East coast of the United States? Mediterranean and marine west coast arid desert and semiarid steppe humid continental and subarctic humid continental and humid subtropical
humid continental and humid subtropical
Which of the following climatic types would you be least likely to find on the west coast of the midlatitudes? marine west coast Mediterranean humid subtropical none of the these would be found on the west coast of the midlatitudes
humid subtropical
Which of the following climatic types would you find in most of the southeastern United States? arid desert tropical savanna humid subtropical humid continental
humid subtropical
Which of the following paleoclimatic proxies provides records of climate with annual resolution and lengths over 100,000 years? ice cores tree rings ocean sediment cores pollen
ice cores
During which stage of a midlatitude cyclone are cold fronts and warm fronts most clearly developed? cyclogenesis open dissolving occluded
open
Which of the following mechanisms of atmospheric uplift is least likely to be found over the ocean, helping to explain why evaporation is greater than precipitation over the oceans in the hydrologic cycle? convection convergence frontal orographic
orographic
Which of the following does not help to explain why we have seasons? Earth's tilted axis Earth's axial parallelism perihelion and aphelion the revolution of Earth around the sun
perihelion and aphelion
Ice-albedo feedback is an example of which kind of feedback? equilibrium steady-state negative positive
positive
Milankovitch cycles match the timing of glacial-interglacial cycles during the Pleistocene, but not the magnitude of the reconstructed changes. What probably explains this discrepancy? a fourth type of orbital change that we haven't discovered yet sunspot cycles positive feedback negative feedback
positive feedback
Which of the following is an example of active remote sensing? an aerial photograph radar infrared satellite imagery advanced very high resolution radiometer
radar
Which of the following winds frequently helps to produce major brushfires in Southern California? katabatic Santa Ana Chinook valley breezes
santa ana
Solar radiation is primarily ________ whereas radiation from the Earth is exclusively ________. ultraviolet; microwave gamma; visible shortwave; longwave radio wave; ultraviolet thermal infrared; near infrared
shortwave; longwave
The larger the scale of a map, the ________ the extent covered by the map and the ________ the amount of detail it provides. larger; more larger; less smaller; more smaller; less
smaller, more
Where are most of the world's desalination plants located? the United States southern Africa Australia the Middle East
the middle east
Where would you be most likely to find frontal lifting? the ITCZ the midlatitudes the high latitudes the poles
the midlatitudes
If net condensation is occurring in a rising parcel of air, at what rate will the parcel of air cool as it rises? the environmental lapse rate the dry adiabatic rate the moist adiabatic rate either the dry or moist adiabatic rate
the moist adiabatic rate
The plane of the earth's orbit about the sun is known as perihelion. aphelion. geoidal plane. the plane of the ecliptic. a great circle.
the plane of ecliptic
0° longitude is also known as the prime meridian. the international date line. the equator. the North Pole. the Tropic of Cancer.
the prime meridian
Which region in the United States is most susceptible to water deficits? the northwest the southwest the northeast the southeast
the southwest
In which of the following locations would one be most likely to find warm, dry, descending air? the polar highs the ITCZ the subtropical highs the subpolar front none of these
the subtropical highs
What is the principal control over arid desert climates? the subtropical highs the westerlies continental tropical air masses rainshadows
the subtropical highs
On the vernal equinox, which of the following events takes place at the North Pole? The sun drops sets for the first time in six months. The sun rises for the first time in six months. The sun is directly overhead at noon for the first time in six months. The sun is 66.5° from the horizon at noon.
the sun rises for the first time in six months
When isotherms on a temperature map bend poleward, it indicates a location where the temperature is cooler than expected based on latitude. the temperature is warmer than expected based on latitude. the temperature is changing. elevation is significantly affecting temperatures.
the temperature is warmer than expected based on latitude
When were problems with air pollution first reported? the time of the Romans (2000 years ago) the Middle Ages (approximately 550 AD to 1500 AD) the 1800s the mid-20th century
the time of the Romans (2000 years ago)
About 90% of the total mass of the atmosphere is contained within which of the following layers? the stratosphere the heterosphere the troposphere the thermosphere the ionosphere
the troposphere
What is the term for the boundary between the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation? the aquiclude the aquifer the water table the artesian surface
the water table
Air flowing from the subtropical highs to the subpolar lows produces which of the following global wind belts? the trade winds the polar easterlies the westerlies the doldrums
the westerlies
Which global wind belt is most common in the contiguous 48 United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)? the trade winds the polar easterlies the westerlies the northerlies the doldrums
the westerlies
You are standing at the Tropic of Capricorn at noon and you have no shadow. What day is it? the vernal (March) equinox the autumnal (September) equinox the winter (December) solstice the summer (June) solstice
the winter (december) solstice
What conditions are found with a thermal low pressure center? warm, rising air cool, sinking air cool, rising air warm, sinking air
warm, rising air
The specific heat of water is greater than that of land. This means water is warmer than land. land is warmer than water. water heats more slowly than land does. land heats more slowly than water does.
water heats more slowly than land does
Areas that experience monsoon circulation are characterized by ________ summers and ________ winters. dry; dry dry; wet wet; dry wet; wet
wet; dry
Which of the following is affected most strongly by the Coriolis force? ocean currents winds near earth's surface winds in the upper atmosphere winds near the equator
winds in the upper atmosphere
Which of the following best describes moisture conditions for Mediterranean climates? always wet always dry winter-wet, summer-dry winter-dry, summer-wet
winter-wet, summer-dry
A scale given as "one centimeter to one kilometer" is an example of which type of scale? written graphic representative fraction conformal equivalent
written
What is the term for the subsurface zone where air exists with water in the space between soil and rock particles? zone of saturation zone of aeration aquiclude dry zone
zone of aeration
What causes conditionally unstable air to become unstable? Select all that apply. the rising parcel of air switches from the DAR to the MAR the release of latent heat net condensation
All are selected
Which of the following objects radiates electromagnetic energy? the sun the earth you All of the above
All of the above
Which of the following is true regarding evidence for an anthropogenic contribution to global warming? Carbon isotope studies indicate that most of the current CO2 increases are from the burning of fossil fuels. Models of warming since 1950 do not match observations unless forcing from greenhouse gases is included. A recent survey found that 97% of climatologists who study climate change agree that human activities are a significant contributing factor. All of these.
All of these
Which of the following is true regarding sea-level rise in response to global warming? It is one of the most certain impacts of global warming. It will likely have particularly negative impacts on some of the poorest nations. It is the result of both melting ice and thermal expansion. all of these.
All of these
Which of the following is true regarding time zones? Select all that apply. They are 15° wide because the earth rotates through that distance in one hour. They are split approximately down the middle by a central meridian. They are based on distance from Greenwich, England.
All three of them
Which of the following accurately summarizes the differences in daylength and intensity of insolation with increasing latitude over the course of a year? Intensity increases and daylength becomes more variable as you move from low to high latitudes. Intensity decreases and daylength becomes more variable as you move from low to high latitudes. Intensity increases and daylength becomes less variable as you move from low to high latitudes. Intensity decreases and daylength becomes less variable as you move from low to high latitudes.
Intensity decreases and daylength becomes more variable as you move from low to high latitudes.
Which of the following is true regarding the role of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? It easily transmits both longwave and shortwave radiation. It easily transmits longwave but not shortwave radiation. It easily transmits shortwave but not longwave radiation. It transmits neither shortwave nor longwave radiation.
It easily transmits shortwave but not longwave radiation.
Which of the following statements about the Coriolis force is true? Select all that apply. It makes toilets flush clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. It only affects objects moving north to south. It helps to produce counterclockwise rotation of air around a low-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere. It is stronger where there is a lot of friction.
It helps to produce counterclockwise rotation of air around a low-pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which of the following statements about groundwater pollution is true? It is easier to clean than surface water. It purifies itself more rapidly than surface water. Aquifer recharge areas are good places for waste disposal ponds. It is contaminated from both point and nonpoint sources.
It is contaminated from both point and nonpoint sources.
Which of the following statements regarding the global hydrologic cycle is true? It is an example of open system with inputs and outputs. It is an example of a system in disequilibrium. It suggests that global precipitation and evaporation are balanced. It emphasizes that water is an endless resource.
It suggests that global precipitation and evaporation are balanced.
Which of the following statements regarding the global hydrologic cycle is true? It is an example of open system with inputs and outputs. It is an example of a system in disequilibrium. It suggests that precipitation and evaporation are balanced. It emphasizes that water is an endless resource.
It suggests that precipitation and evaporation are balanced.
Which of the following is not true regarding ozone? It reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface. It is beneficial if it is located in the stratosphere. It is harmful if it is located very near the surface of the earth. It traps longwave radiation emitted by the earth.
It traps longwave radiation emitted by the earth.
In the lake system diagram, if shoreline distance decreases, what will happen to lake surface area? It will increase. It will decrease. It will stay the same. It will reach steady-state equilibrium.
It will decrease
In the system diagram, if component A increases, what will happen to component C? It will increase. It will decrease. It will not change. It will explode.
It will decrease
In the lake system diagram example above, if lake surface area increases, what will happen to evaporation? it will increase it will decrease it will stay the same it will reach steady-state equilibrium
It will increase
In the system diagram, if an initial input to the system causes component A to increase, what will happen to component A after the input has traveled through the system one time? It will increase further. It will decrease. It will not change. It will change in the same way as component C.
It will increase further
With ice-albedo feedback, if temperature increases initially, what will happen to temperature after a complete loop? it will increase further it will decrease it will stay the same
It will increase further
(Use the diagram for the next four questions) Which of the following correctly describes the behavior of a system with positive feedback? It will respond to a change in input by moving further from an equilibrium condition. It will respond to a change in input by moving towards its equilibrium condition. It will not respond at all to a change in input. There is not enough information to tell because we do not know the nature of the system components.
It will respond to a change in input by moving toward its equilibrium condition
Use this climograph to answer the next two questions. (high in january and december, decrease towards the middle) What climatic type does this climograph represent? tropical rainforest tropical monsoon Mediterranean humid continental
Mediterranean
Which of the following represents a body of facts that is specific to geography? landforms climate political systems settlement patterns none of these; geography is governed more by method and approach than a specific body of facts
None of these; geography is governed more by method and approach than a specific body of facts
Which of the following features would prove most difficult to map if the cartographer desired to preserve features of both equal area and true shape? a bike trail through a park a city North America Australia
North America
Which of the following comes first in the scientific method? development of a hypothesis model development observation predictions
Observation
Which of the following example stations experiences the greatest moisture deficits? Kingsport, Tennessee Ottawa, Ontario Phoenix, Arizona Jacksonville, Florida
Phoenix, Arizona
Under which of the following conditions would a water deficit occur for a given area and time? Potential evapotranspiration is less than precipitation. Potential evapotranspiration is less than soil moisture storage. Potential evapotranspiration is greater than precipitation and soil moisture storage. Soil moisture storage is less than precipitation.
Potential evapotranspiration is greater than precipitation and soil moisture storage.
Which of the following would be the best, long-term solution to the problem? Dig the dry well deeper. Just use the non-dry well and extract more water to make up for the loss of the other. Reduce water extraction to match the aquifer recharge rate. Move somewhere else because both wells will definitely go dry no matter what you do.
Reduce water extraction to match the aquifer recharge rate.
Which of the following statements about the Colorado River is correct? The supply of water from the river is greater than the demand. John Wesley Powell was a strong advocate for current river policies. Glen Canyon Dam was sufficient to control flooding on the river during the 1982-1983 El-Nino event. River flow was unusually high when the Colorado River Compact was formed. Mexico receives plenty of water from the river.
River flow was unusually high when the Colorado River Compact was formed.
Which of the following statements regarding global warming and its effects is incorrect? Direct measurements and proxy paleoclimatic records indicate that Earth's average temperature is increasing. The earth today is warmer than it has ever been in the past. In 2012, Arctic summer sea ice reached its lowest extent in over 30 years. Poor nations along coasts are the most vulnerable to its negative effects.
The earth today is warmer than it has ever been in the past
Which of the following is not true regarding the Clean Air Act? The concentration of many air pollutants has declined over the past several decades. The economic costs have been greater than the benefits. Lead has been eliminated from all U.S. motor fuel. In 2013, New York City reported its cleanest air in 50 years as a result of reductions in sulfur dioxide and soot.
The economic costs have been greater than the benefits
Which of the following is NOT true regarding the Clean Air Act? The concentration of many air pollutants has declined over the past several decades. The economic costs have been greater than the benefits. Lead has been eliminated from all U.S. motor fuel. In 2013, New York City reported its cleanest air in 50 years as a result of reductions in sulfur dioxide and soot.
The economic costs have been greater than the benefits.
On the March equinox, which of the following events takes place at the North Pole? The sun drops below the horizon for the first time in six months. The sun rises above the horizon for the first time in six months. The sun is directly overhead at noon for the first time in six months. The sun is 66.5° from the horizon at noon.
The sun rises above the horizon for the first time in six months.
Which of the following is true regarding the concentration of CO2 and methane in the lower atmosphere? Select all that apply. They are both higher than they have been in 650,000 years. They are currently increasing rapidly. They have both stabilized. They are decreasing due to the re-planting of previously cut forests.
They are both higher than they have been in 650,000 years. They are currently increasing rapidly.
Which of the following is true regarding temperature inversions? They are caused by pollution. They help to reduce the effects of pollution. They occur when the normal decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in the troposphere is reversed. They are uncommon in mountainous areas such as Utah.
They occur when the normal decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in the troposphere is reversed.
Milankovitch cycles act to alter Earth's climate principally by influencing seasonality. true false
True
Most of earth's fresh, surface water is found in ice caps and glaciers. True False
True
Relative humidity can increase without new water vapor being added to the atmosphere. True False
True
Which of the following would provide the best evidence that Earth's climate is changing? a snowstorm in May in a mid-latitude location a particularly intense hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean a 50-year increase in global average temperatures Grandpa Joe's memories that "winters ain't as cold as they used to be."
a 50-year increase in global average temperatures
With regards to physical matter and resources, earth can be essentially considered a closed system. an open system. an infinite system. a non-equilibrium system.
a closed system
What type of front is produced where a cold air mass is moving into a warm air mass at the surface? a cold front a warm front a low front a high front a stationary front
a cold front
Which of the following describes the moisture condition if precipitation and soil moisture are inadequate to meet potential evapotranspiration? actual evapotranspiration a surplus a deficit soil moisture utilization
a deficit
Which of the following would you be most likely to find associated with a warm front? hard, driving rain hail thunder and lightning a gentle, drizzly precipitation
a gentle, drizzly precipitation
Which of the following terms best describes the shape of the earth? a sphere an egg a geoid an eratosthenoid
a geoid
If you are making a map that is likely to be photocopied and enlarged or shrunk by users, which type of scale would be best to include on your map? a graphic scale a written scale a ratio scale a fractional scale a conformal scale
a graphic scale
Earth's equator is an example of a great circle. a small circle. a prime meridian. a line of longitude.
a great circle
Which of the following provides the most accurate description of the Little Ice Age? a 600-year, consistently-cold global event a time when North American glaciers surged to their maximum extent a mostly cold period with rapid, short-term climate fluctuations it occurred about 20,000 years ago all of these
a mostly cold period with rapid, short-term climate fluctuations
In the system diagram, what is the term for the relationship or interaction between component A and component B? a positive coupling a positive feedback a negative coupling a negative feedback
a negative coupling
Geography is described as: an earth science a human science a physical science a spatial science
a spatial science
The Intertropical Convergence Zone is an example of which of the following? a westerly wind belt a thermal high-pressure zone a dynamic high-pressure zone a thermal low-pressure zone
a thermal low-pressure zone
When a system suddenly jumps to a new equilibrium level, we say the system has reached a feedback loop. an input. an equilibrium shift. a threshold.
a threshold
. The Gulf Stream current along the east coast of the United States is an example of a cool current. a warm current. a saline current. a countercurrent. an upwelling current.
a warm current
A regional ocean current that is flowing from the equator towards a pole is most likely a cool current. a warm current. a thermohaline current. an upwelling current.
a warm current
Which of the following represents all earth's properties of area, shape, direction, proximity, and distance correctly? Mercator projection Alber's equal-area conic projection Robinson projection an oval projection a world globe
a world globe
Insolation does not heat the earth until it is reflected. absorbed. transmitted. refracted. scattered.
absorbed
Select all the options that correctly complete this statement: The wavelength of electromagnetic energy changes when it is reflected. absorbed. transmitted. scattered.
absorbed
When water evaporates, latent heat is released by water molecules. absorbed by water molecules. transferred between water molecules. used to form water droplets.
absorbed by water molecules
. Which of the following types of fog results when warm, moist air moves horizontally to a colder area? radiation fog upslope fog evaporation fog advection fog
advection fog
Which of the following accurately describes the earth's distance from the sun? Select all that apply. The distance between them averages about 150 million km (93 million mi). It takes light an average of 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the sun to the earth. The earth is closer to the sun in January and farther away in July.
all are chosen
Which of the following locations will experience a 12-hour daylength at the vernal equinox? Select all that apply. the equator the Tropic of Cancer Provo, Utah (40° N latitude) the Arctic Circle
all are selected
. Which of the following represents an application of global positioning systems? ocean navigation tracking changes in the elevation of mountains backpacking research in physical geography all of these
all of these
The El-Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon involves which of the following? a weakening or reversal of the trade winds in the equatorial Pacific stoppage of ocean upwelling along the coast of Peru warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific connections to floods or droughts in various places throughout the world all of these
all of these
Which of the following is true regarding sea-level rise in response to global warming? it is one of the most certain impacts of global warming it will likely have particularly negative impacts on some of the poorest nations it is the result of both melting ice and thermal expansion all of these
all of these
What is the term for a water-bearing rock stratum? a water table an aquiclude a zone of aeration an aquifer
an aquifer
A well in which water rises to the surface without any necessary pumping is known as an aquifer recharge well. an artesian well. a water table well. an effluent well.
an artesian well
What is the generic term for any line that connects points of equal value on a map? an isopoint an isoline a rhumb line a legend a projectio
an isoline
Circulation around a high pressure center is termed cyclonic. anticyclonic. zonal. meridional
anticyclonic
Which of the following statements regarding climatic change and variability is incorrect? spatial scale is important in making accurate assessments temporal scale is important in making accurate assessments climate in a smaller area will tend to be more variable than in a larger area any abrupt jump should be considered climatic change
any abrupt jump should be considered climatic change
What is the largest climatic type worldwide, occupying about 30% of the earth's land area? arid and semiarid climates polar and highland climates tropical climates mesothermal climates
arid and semiarid climates
According to the mountain-valley breeze cycle, which of the following times would be best to take a bicycle trip up a canyon, assuming you want the wind at your back? very early in the morning in the afternoon very late at night any time high pressure dominates over the mountains none of these times
in the afternoon
In most places, when is relative humidity usually the lowest? in the morning in the afternoon near midnight
in the afternoon
. Loss of stratospheric ozone is occurring primarily in which of the following places? near the equator throughout the tropics in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere in the higher latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere
in the higher latitudes of the southern hemisphere
Which of the following would be most likely to be portrayed on a very large-scale map? continents and oceans time zones mountain ranges individual streets in a town
individual streets in a town
What controls the climatic type represented by the climograph? constant influence of the ITCZ influence of the ITCZ during summer and subtropical highs during winter influence of the ITCZ during winter and subtropical highs during summer constant influence of the subtropical highs
influence of the ITCZ during summer and subtropical highs during winter
What controls the climatic type represented by this climograph? continentality influence of the westerlies during summer and the subtropical highs during winter influence of the westerlies during winter and the subtropical highs during summer constant influence of the subtropical highs
influence of the westerlies during winter and the subtropical highs during summer
Electromagnetic energy reaches the earth atmosphere system from the sun via which of the following energy transfer processes? Select all that apply. conduction convection insolation refraction
insolation
Which of the following is true regarding energy that is reflected by the atmosphere? It raises the temperature of the atmosphere and allows life to exist. It increases the energy surplus of the planet. It does not heat the atmosphere. It is eventually transferred back to space as latent heat.
it does not heat the atmosphere
Which of the following accurately describes what happens to air as it rises? It contracts and cools. It expands and cools. It contracts and warms. It expands and warms.
it expands and cools
Which of the following statements about the Medieval Climate Anomaly is incorrect? temperatures were as warm or warmer than they are today crops were planted further north than where they can survive today it had no influence on human migration and settlement it occurred between about A.D. 800 and 1200
it had no influence on human migration and settlement
Which of the following best describes the value of a theory in the scientific method? It represents established and unquestionable fact. It has little value because it is "just a theory." It stimulates continued observation and testing. It always represents a negative feedback in the process.
it stimulates continued observation and testing
Which of the following is not true regarding ozone? It reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface. It is beneficial if it is located in the stratosphere. It is harmful if it is located very near the surface of the earth. It traps thermal radiation emitted by the earth.
it traps thermal radiation emitted by the earth
In the lake system diagram, if an input to the system causes lake level to increase initially, what will happen to lake level after the input has traveled through the system one time? It will increase further. It will decrease. It will not change. There is not enough information to tell.
it will decrease
If a parcel of air above its dew point is cooled, and the specific humidity remains constant, what will happen to the relative humidity of that parcel? It will remain constant. It will reach the evaporation point. It will increase. It will decrease.
it will increase
What is the main source of energy for both tornadoes and hurricanes? the Coriolis force latent heat high pressure centers friction
latent heat
What is the name of the heat energy involved in phase or state changes in water? mechanical heat sensible heat latent heat sublimation heat
latent heat
By which of the following processes does earth's surface lose most of the insolation it absorbs? conduction refraction radiation latent heat transfer scattering
latent heat transfer
Which of the following most strongly controls patterns of temperature on the surface of the earth? latitude altitude cloud cover land-water heating differences ocean currents
latitude
Maximum temperatures usually occur after peak radiation in a given day or year. In a maritime location, this lag is usually shorter compared to a continental location. longer compared to a continental location. the same as at a continental location. less predictable than at a continental location.
longer compared to a continental location
Radiation emitted by the earth falls within which of the following parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? ultraviolet shortwave longwave visible gamma
longwave
Which of the following is correctly matched? Select all that apply. low pressure—counter-clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere low pressure—counter-clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere high pressure—sinking air in the Northern Hemisphere low pressure—sinking air in the Southern Hemisphere
low pressure—counter-clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere high pressure—sinking air in the Northern Hemisphere
The specific heat of land is ________ than that of water, and therefore heats more ________. higher; slowly lower; slowly higher; quickly lower; quickly
lower, quickly
What type of air mass would you most likely experience in the southeastern United States? mT mP cP cT cA
mT
Which of the following air masses would be warm and wet? mT mP cP cT cA
mT
What two air masses usually collide to produce strong midlatitude cyclones, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes? mT and cT cT and cP mT and cP mP and cP
mT and cP
Which of the following greenhouse gases is the most efficient at absorbing longwave radiation from the earth? carbon dioxide methane nitrous oxide ozone
methane
The Coriolis force is strongest in the Northern Hemisphere. in the Southern Hemisphere. near the poles. at the equator. wherever there is a lot of friction
near the poles
(Use this diagram to answer the next two questions: Lake level + shoreline distance+ lake surface area+ evaporation- lake level) What type of feedback is represented by the lake system diagram example? positive feedback negative feedback both positive and negative feedback there is not enough information to tell
negative feedback
Which type of feedback will produce self-regulation and stability in a system? equilibrium feedback negative feedback positive feedback all of the above
negative feedback
What is the usual result of the scientific method? Select all that apply. an established set of unquestionable facts new knowledge a need for continued observation and testing a bunch of numbers
new knowledge, a need for continued observation and testing
. Which of the following cloud types would be found at the lowest altitude? cirrus altostratus altocumulus nimbostratus
nimbostratus
Which of the following cloud types would be associated with rain? nimbostratus cirrus cirrostratus altostratus
nimbostratus
Which of the following gases makes up most of our atmosphere? oxygen nitrogen carbon dioxide water vapor argon
nitrogen
Which area of the world experiences the largest annual range in temperature? northeastern Asia central Australia southern South America northern Africa
northeastern Asia
Which of the following comes first in the scientific method? development of a hypothesis development of governing laws observation predictions
observation
In the Northern Hemisphere, an object traveling from west to east will initially be deflected to the ________ by the Coriolis force. north south west east
south
When light passes into the atmosphere, it changes ________ in a process known as ________. color; reflection color; refraction color; Rayleigh scattering speed and direction; refraction speed and direction; reflection
speed and direction; refrAction
Air that sinks or does not rise is considered stable. unstable. adiabatic. humid. dry.
stable
Select all the options that correctly complete this statement: When ice melts or water evaporates, latent heat is stored in water molecules. released to the atmosphere. changed to measurable heat.
stored in water molecules
Your friend, knowing you are enrolled in Geography 101, decides to test your knowledge by asking you to identify the extensive, flat layer of clouds that has formed at low altitudes. Which of the following terms would you appropriately use? cumulus cumulonimbus stratus cirrostratus
stratus
If you do not like extreme seasonal changes in temperature, in which of the following climatic types would you be least happy? tropical rainforest tropical savanna subarctic polar
subarctic
Which climatic type experiences the greatest annual temperature ranges due to continentality? tropical monsoon tropical savanna humid subtropical subarctic
subarctic
What are the dominant controls over Mediterranean climates? influence of the ITCZ year-round subtropical highs during summer and the westerlies during winter influence of the subtropical highs year-round subtropical highs during winter and the westerlies during summer
subtropical highs during summer and the westerlies during winter
Which of the following pressure cells are located near 60° N in the Pacific Ocean? Select all that apply. the Bermuda High the Hawaiian High the Aleutian Low the Icelandic Low
the Aleutian Low
What controls the climatic type represented by this climograph? continentality the ITCZ the subtropical highs the westerlies
the ITCZ
Which of the following pairs of earth's global pressure systems are involved in the monsoon phenomenon? the ITCZ and the subpolar lows the subpolar lows and the polar highs the subpolar lows and the subtropical highs the ITCZ and the subtropical highs
the ITCZ and the subtropical highs
The "greenhouse effect" refers to the absorption of shortwave radiation by gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. the absorption of longwave radiation by gases such as carbon dioxide and methane the absorption of shortwave radiation by hydrogen.
the absorption of longwave radiation by gases such as carbon dioxide and methane
Which of the following correctly defines potential evapotranspiration? the moisture supply the amount of unmet water demand in an area the amount of water that would evaporate or transpire if it were available actual evapotranspiration under conditions of moisture deficit
the amount of water that would evaporate or transpire if it were available
Most of the United States is located between which of the following pairs of parallels? the Arctic Circle and and the Tropic of Cancer the Tropic of Cancer and the equator the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle
the artic circle and the tropic of cancer
Which of the following is true with regards to the earth's energy budget? The earth gains more energy than it loses. The earth loses more energy than it gains. The earth loses the same amount of energy as it gains. It is unbalanced because of the greenhouse effect.
the earth loses the same amount of energy as it gains
You are standing at the Tropic of Cancer at noon and you have no shadow. What day is it? the March equinox the September equinox the December solstice the June solstice
the june solstice
Which of the following best describes physical geographers' current interest in human features and processes across the earth? They are not concerned with human features or processes. They are strongly focused on human features or processes. They are only interested in how physical features and processes control or limit human features and processes. They are interested in the interactions between physical and human features and processes.
they are interested in the interactions between physical and human features and processes
Which of the following is true regarding lines of latitude? They are called meridians. They run north to south. They are parallel to each other. They are used in measuring time changes. They range from 0° to 180°.
they are parallel to each other
Which of the following is correct regarding the influence of clouds on global warming? they will enhance initial warming through positive feedback they will dampen initial warming through negative feedback they may enhance or dampen initial warming depending on the type of cloud produced they will not have any influence on warming
they may enhance or dampen initial warming depending on the type of cloud produced
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska are all part of thunderstorm central. hurricane row. tornado alley. cyclogenesis stripe.
tornado alley
Which of the following paleoclimatic proxies provides climatic information with the highest resolution? pollen tree rings ocean sediment cores all of these have the same resolution
tree rings
Which of the following climatic types does not have a strong seasonal component? Mediterranean tropical savanna tropical rainforest subarctic
tropic rainforest
Use this climograph to answer the next two questions. (high in m, j, j, a, s, o) What climatic type does the climograph represent? tropical rainforest tropical monsoon Mediterranean humid continental
tropical monsoon
Which of the following climatic types has very strong seasonality with regards to precipitation, but not temperature? tropical rainforest tropical monsoon subarctic marine west coast
tropical monsoon
Use this climograph to answer the next two questions. (all fairly high, September is the lowest May is highest) What climatic type does this climograph represent? tropical rainforest Mediterranean tropical savanna subarctic
tropical rainforest
Which climatic type is influenced by the ITCZ during part of the year, and the subtropical highs during another part? tropical savanna tropical rainforest humid subtropical Mediterranean
tropical savanna
. It is possible for water vapor to change directly to ice. True False
true
Anthropogenic pollutants are usually more harmful to humans than natural pollutants. True False
true
Clouds may cause either cooling or heating of the lower atmosphere. True False
true
During summer, maritime locations tend to be cooler than continental locations. True False
true
Hotter objects emit energy at shorter wavelengths than colder objects. True False
true
The land-sea breeze and mountain-valley breeze cycles are controlled by shifting thermal high and low pressure systems. True False
true
The scientific method includes both positive and negative feedback. True False
true
How many times each year does the subsolar point pass over the equator? once twice three times four times
twice
Which of the following best describes the current emphasis in the field of physical geography? collecting and cataloguing facts about natural phenomena on the earth understanding how the earth's systems interact to produce natural phenomena studying climates tracking changes in the world's biodiversity
understanding how the earth's system interact and produce natural phenomena
which of the following most accurately characterizes the goal of geography? memorization of names of places on the world and regional maps memorization of the imports and exports of a country understanding why a place has the characteristics that it does the production and analysis of maps
understanding why a place has the characteristics that it does
A parcel of air that is warmer than its surroundings is considered stable. unstable. adiabatic. humid. dry.
unstable
Which of the following accurately describes atmospheric conditions if the environmental lapse rate is 12°C/km, the dry adiabatic rate is 10°C/km, and the moist adiabatic rate is 6°C/km? stable unstable conditionally unstable adiabatically stable
unstable
The peak of radiation we receive from the sun falls within which of the following parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? microwaves radio waves ultraviolet visible infrared
visible
