Atmospheric Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the need to transfer heat from the tropics to the polar regions?

To prevent the tropics from becoming too hot and the poles from becoming too cold. (correct)

To create atmospheric pressure differences that drive global wind patterns.

To maintain a balanced global temperature distribution.

To facilitate the evaporation of water in the tropics and its condensation at the poles.

Which of the following factors contribute to the complex global atmospheric circulation patterns?

The Earth's rotation and the uneven distribution of land and water.

The Coriolis force and the tilting of the Earth's axis.

Seasonal changes in solar radiation and the varying heat capacity of different surface materials.

All of the above. (correct)

What is the effect of the Coriolis force on air movement?

It creates a clockwise circulation in the Northern Hemisphere and a counterclockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere.

It increases the speed of air movement.

It causes air to move in a straight line between high and low-pressure areas.

It deflects air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. (correct)

If the Earth did not rotate and had a uniform surface, what would the atmospheric circulation pattern be like?

A simple, symmetrical pattern of air rising at the equator and sinking at the poles. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the heat balance of the Earth uneven?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the oceans' role in the global heat transfer process is TRUE?

Oceans play a less significant role than atmospheric motions in transferring heat. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that directly influences the global atmospheric circulation patterns?

The Earth's magnetic field. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do seasonal changes affect the heat balance of different areas on Earth?

They alter the amount of solar radiation that specific areas receive. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is relative humidity calculated using the old-fashioned hygrometer?

By comparing the length of a hair at 0% and 100% humidity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does the sling psychrometer utilize to measure humidity?

Evaporation properties of water (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of thermometer was invented by Galileo for measuring temperature?

Liquid in glass thermometer (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an anemometer?

Measuring wind speed and force (D) Signup and view all the answers

What feature differentiates cup anemometers from other types?

Rotation of cups around a vertical axis (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the tipping-bucket rain gauge?

To collect water in a cylinder that tips when full (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable innovation attributed to hot wire anemometers?

They measure both wind speed and pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does a weighing rain gauge measure rainfall?

By tracking the change in weight as water accumulates (C) Signup and view all the answers

When did the sling psychrometer come into use?

19th century (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of an optical rain gauge?

Hanging buckets (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of cup anemometers among professionals?

For research and commercial activities (B) Signup and view all the answers

What measurement does the tipping-bucket rain gauge provide when a bucket tips?

0.01 inches of rain (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are optical rain gauges considered relatively expensive?

Their reliance on advanced technology and components (A) Signup and view all the answers

What causes the southeast trades to become southerly and southwesterly winds in the Northern Hemisphere?

The Coriolis effect due to Earth's rotation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are the horse latitudes characterized by light, variable winds?

There are weak pressure gradients in the region (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do the stagnant conditions in the horse latitudes differ from those in the doldrums?

The horse latitudes have descending air currents (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which hemisphere do the prevailing westerlies become northwesterly winds?

Southern Hemisphere (A) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon leads to the formation of the southwest monsoons along coasts?

Diverted southeast trades (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about tropical cyclones is accurate?

They are commonly observed in the equatorial low-pressure region (A) Signup and view all the answers

What causes the variations in wind patterns observed in the Northern Hemisphere?

The presence of large landmasses (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which region is described as having good weather but commonly low clouds?

Horse latitudes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the hot wire anemometer operate on?

It assesses how fast the wind cools the wire. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemometer is specifically designed to measure both wind speed and direction?

Windmill anemometer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of ultrasonic anemometers?

They rely on sonic pulses for wind measurement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does a pressure tube anemometer provide wind direction?

By moving the larger end into the wind. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary application of Laser Doppler anemometers?

Used in jet engine testing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the rise of the pressure tube anemometer indicate?

The wind's speed increases. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the operation of hot wire anemometers?

They detect changes in wire cooling due to airflow. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemometer is least likely to provide precise numerical data on wind speed?

Pressure tube anemometer (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard lapse rate of the atmosphere?

2° C (3.6° F) per thousand feet (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate weight of a cubic foot of air at standard sea-level temperature and pressure?

1/817th the weight of an equal volume of water (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the decrease in air pressure as altitude increases?

The decrease in the density of air (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is characterized by the strongest winds, typically greater than 60 knots?

Jet stream (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the height of the tropopause vary based on latitude?

Lower at high latitudes, higher at low latitudes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the standard atmosphere?

A constant temperature of –56.5° C at altitudes above 11 kilometers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a layer of the atmosphere that lies above the tropopause?

Stratosphere (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why knowledge of wind patterns was important for sailing vessels?

It was important to choose routes with favorable wind conditions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course title: Meteorology and Oceanography
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Institution: University of Cebu

Course Outcome

Students will be able to forecast weather conditions for a set period in a specific area based on available information.
Students will be able to maintain safety of navigation.

Learning Outcomes

Understand basic principles of meteorology and oceanography.
Recognize different meteorological instruments and their functions.
Understand the foundational knowledge of tides and ocean currents.
Calculate tidal conditions for a specific port using a standard form.

Course Content

Introduction to Meteorology and Oceanography
Meteorological Instruments and Their Uses
Basics of Tides and Ocean Currents
Tides and Tidal Calculation

Week 1: Introduction to Meteorology and Oceanography

Marine Meteorology: Marine meteorology is a branch of meteorology that focuses on weather and climate in marine, island, and coastal environments. It examines interactions between the ocean and atmosphere.
Weather and Climate Elements: Weather describes the current state of the atmosphere, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, visibility, cloudiness, and other aspects. Climate is the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular region.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere is a mixture of gases, water vapor, and particulates surrounding the Earth. It has layers including the troposphere (where most weather occurs).
Atmospheric Pressure: Pressure decreases with altitude. Differences in atmospheric pressure cause wind.
Wind: Wind movement is affected by atmospheric pressure differences and the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect). Forces cause winds to blow in different directions.
General Circulation of the Atmosphere: The Earth's uneven heating and rotation create large-scale wind patterns.

Week 2: Meteorological Instruments and Their Uses

Thermometers: Measure temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Barometers: Measure atmospheric pressure (millibars).
Hygrometers: Measure humidity.
Anemometers: Measure wind speed and direction.
Wind Vanes: Indicate wind direction.
Rain Gauges: Measure rainfall.
Hail Pads: Assess the size of hail.
Campbell Stokes Recorder: Measures sunshine duration.
Types of Anemometers: Descriptions of cup, hot-wire, windmill, pressure tube, and ultrasonic anemometers.
Barometer Types and Units: Descriptions of mercury and aneroid barometers, along with measurement units like millibars and others.
Hygrometer Types: Explaining sling psychrometer, electrical hygrometers, and dew-point hygrometers

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Description

Test your knowledge on the crucial processes of heat transfer, atmospheric circulation, and humidity measurement. This quiz covers topics related to the Earth's climate system and meteorological instruments, providing a comprehensive overview for those interested in atmospheric sciences.