Atmospheric Science Quiz

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

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

Why is the heat balance of the Earth uneven?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What mechanism does the sling psychrometer utilize to measure humidity?

<p>Evaporation properties of water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Liquid in glass thermometer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an anemometer?

<p>Measuring wind speed and force (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature differentiates cup anemometers from other types?

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

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

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

What is a notable innovation attributed to hot wire anemometers?

<p>They measure both wind speed and pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a weighing rain gauge measure rainfall?

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

When did the sling psychrometer come into use?

<p>19th century (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of an optical rain gauge?

<p>Hanging buckets (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of cup anemometers among professionals?

<p>For research and commercial activities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>0.01 inches of rain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are optical rain gauges considered relatively expensive?

<p>Their reliance on advanced technology and components (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

In which hemisphere do the prevailing westerlies become northwesterly winds?

<p>Southern Hemisphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Diverted southeast trades (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about tropical cyclones is accurate?

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

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

<p>The presence of large landmasses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Horse latitudes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the hot wire anemometer operate on?

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

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

<p>Windmill anemometer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of ultrasonic anemometers?

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

How does a pressure tube anemometer provide wind direction?

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

What is a primary application of Laser Doppler anemometers?

<p>Used in jet engine testing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the rise of the pressure tube anemometer indicate?

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

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

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

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

<p>Pressure tube anemometer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard lapse rate of the atmosphere?

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

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

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

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

<p>The decrease in the density of air (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Jet stream (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

<p>Stratosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Flashcards

Atmosphere

A thin shell of air, water vapor, and particulates surrounding Earth.

Air Pressure

The weight of the atmosphere per square inch on Earth's surface.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere, where most weather occurs.

Tropopause

The transition zone between the troposphere and stratosphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Standard Atmosphere

A reference model of the atmosphere at sea level pressure and temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lapse Rate

The rate at which temperature decreases with altitude in the atmosphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Jet Stream

Strong winds in a narrow band of the upper atmosphere affecting weather.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weather Influence of Winds

Winds significantly affect navigation and sea behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Heat Transfer

Processes that move heat from tropics to polar regions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Atmospheric Motions

Movements of air that facilitate heat transfer.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ocean's Role

Oceans contribute to heat transfer, but less than the atmosphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Coriolis Force

Apparent force due to Earth’s rotation affecting air movement.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Heat Balance

Equilibrium between heat received and radiated by Earth's regions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seasonal Changes

Variations in sunlight exposure causing temperature differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth’s Tilt

Angle of Earth's axis affecting seasonal heating.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-uniform Surface

Irregular distribution of land and water on Earth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

The Trade Winds

Winds blowing from the southeast in the tropics, affecting weather patterns.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Southwest Monsoons

Seasonal winds originating from southeast trades that affect coastal weather in Africa and Central America.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Horse Latitudes

Regions of weak winds located at the poleward side of trade winds characterized by calm weather.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Doldrums vs Horse Latitudes

Doldrums have more stagnant periods due to ascending warm air; horse latitudes are less persistently stagnant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prevailing Westerlies

Winds blowing from the west in the temperate zones, moving towards the poles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Effect of Earth's Rotation

The Coriolis effect causes winds to curve right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Gradient

The change in wind speed and direction with altitude influenced by pressure differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Landmass Influence

Larger landmasses distort wind patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, affecting the pattern of prevailing westerlies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hygrometer

An instrument that measures humidity based on hair length changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sling Psychrometer

A device with two thermometers used to measure humidity through evaporation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wet Bulb Temperature

Temperature read by a thermometer with a wet bulb exposed to airflow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Galileo's Thermometer

An early thermometer that measures temperature via water density changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anemometer

A device for measuring wind speed or force.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cup Anemometer

Anemometer type with rotating cups that measure wind speed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Digital Anemometer

Anemometer that displays wind speed readings digitally.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hot Wire Anemometer

Anemometer that measures wind speed and pressure using a heated wire.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauge

A device that measures rainfall using two tipping buckets. Each tip indicates 0.01 inches of precipitation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weighing Rain Gauge

A rain gauge that uses an electronic scale to measure the weight increase of water, providing rainfall data.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Optical Rain Gauge

A rain gauge that uses a laser and detector to measure rainfall based on light intensity changes as raindrops pass through.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rainfall Measurement

The process of determining the amount of precipitation using various types of rain gauges.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electronic Signals in Rain Gauges

Signals generated by rain gauges, indicating the amount of rain collected after bucket tips or weight changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Windmill Anemometer

Measures wind speed and direction using a spinning propeller.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pressure Tube Anemometer

A wind-sock that indicates wind direction and relative speed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ultrasonic Anemometer

Uses sonic pulses to measure wind speed without moving parts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Laser Doppler Anemometer

Measures air flow using the Doppler effect with laser light.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Speed Measurement

The rate at which air moves, measured by various anemometers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Direction Measurement

Determining the direction from which the wind is blowing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Applications of Anemometers

Used in weather forecasting and HVAC systems for airflow control.

Signup and view all the flashcards

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

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

MET-O - Week 1 - Introduction to Meteorology and Oceanography PDF

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser