Atmospheric Science Unit Test
40 Questions
0 Views

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 term for the atmospheric condition that occurs when there is a horizontal net inflow of air into a specified region?

  • Divergence
  • Stagnation
  • Convergence (correct)
  • Isobaric flow

In terms of wind direction, what is the average angle at which the wind crosses the isobars?

  • 30° (correct)
  • 45°
  • 15°
  • 60°

What keeps air from rushing off into space despite the pressure gradient force acting on it?

  • Earth's gravity
  • Coriolis effect
  • Atmospheric inertia
  • Hydrostatic balance (correct)

Winds blow in which direction relative to high and low-pressure areas?

<p>Outward from high pressure, inward to low pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between air pressure and height?

<p>Inversely proportional (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If facing north, what wind direction would be indicated if the wind is coming from your left?

<p>270° (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the instrument used to measure wind speed and direction?

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

Which of the following has been traditionally used to generate electricity since the early 1970s?

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

Which statements about air density are correct?

<p>Most of our atmosphere is crowded close to the earth’s surface. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between pressure and density?

<p>Higher pressure at constant temperature results in higher density. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to atmospheric pressure as altitude increases?

<p>It decreases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does horizontal temperature difference affect air?

<p>It contributes to variation in air pressure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the prevailing wind and the wind of least frequency?

<p>The prevailing wind is SE and the wind of least frequency is NNE. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate effect of the removal of air from a surface?

<p>Surface temperature will rise due to reduced air pressure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the incorrect statement about atmospheric pressure.

<p>Decreasing air above the surface causes air pressure to rise. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What allows you to identify the smell of the burger from the restaurant?

<p>You recognize the smell of that restaurant’s famous burger. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the degree of hotness or coldness in air?

<p>Air temperature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about wind is true?

<p>Wind is a significant weather element that can influence the environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Select the statement that is true.

<p>At a given pressure, cooler air is denser than warmer air. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the net force acting on air as it moves from higher pressure to lower pressure?

<p>Pressure gradient force (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pressure gradient produces strong winds?

<p>Steep pressure gradients produce strong winds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can occur as a result of the imbalance between the Coriolis force and pressure gradient force?

<p>Cyclonic flow is a possible result. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which winds blow continuously and predictably over long distances?

<p>Global winds are influenced by the Earth's rotations and pressure systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial energy source that produces winds?

<p>The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most commonly used barometer that consists of a glass column with mercury and inches markings?

<p>Mercury Barometer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with surface high pressure areas?

<p>Sinking air and fair weather (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When observing a barometer, what would a rising reading indicate about the weather?

<p>It is expected to have good weather (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct conversion of 15 hPa to millibar?

<p>15 mb (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of map do meteorologists use to show areas of high and low pressure as well as wind direction?

<p>Weather map (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Coriolis effect have on currents in the northern and southern hemispheres?

<p>Deflection to the East in the northern hemisphere and West in the southern hemisphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the wind belt observed on the poleward side of the polar front called?

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

What happens to air moving eastward more slowly than the earth rotates?

<p>It appears as a west wind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial cause of atmospheric convection and global winds?

<p>Unequal heating of the Earth by the sun (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chinook is classified as which type of wind?

<p>Warm wind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which winds are also known as the Roaring Forties?

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

What is the primary characteristic of westerly winds?

<p>They originate from sub-tropical high pressure areas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Westerly winds in the Southern Hemisphere are generally regarded as:

<p>Stronger and maintain a constant direction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of polar fronts?

<p>They result from a meeting of cold and warm air masses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes jet streams?

<p>They are influenced by the planet's rotation and atmospheric heating (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines the direction of land and sea breezes at coastal regions?

<p>Uneven heating of land and water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Air Density

The mass of air per unit volume. It's how much air is packed into a certain space.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of the air above a certain point. It's the pressure you feel from the air pushing down on you.

Temperature's Effect on Density

For a constant amount of gas, warmer air is less dense than colder air. Warm air expands, making it less packed.

Pressure's Effect on Density

For a constant temperature, air at higher pressure is denser than air at lower pressure. More pressure means more air molecules packed in.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Atmospheric Pressure and Altitude

Atmospheric pressure decreases as altitude increases. As you go higher, there is less air above you, so less weight pushing down.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Horizontal Temperature Difference

Uneven heating of the earth's surface creates differences in air temperature which lead to differences in air pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Removal of Air

Removing air from a region causes a decrease in air pressure and typically results in a drop in surface temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Atmospheric Pressure Changes

Adding or removing air alters atmospheric pressure. Heating or cooling the air can also create pressure variations causing air movement.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pressure and Cold Air

When cold air is present, the atmospheric pressure tends to decrease more rapidly. This is because cold air is denser, leading to a steeper pressure gradient.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mercury Barometer

A mercury barometer is a common tool that uses a glass column filled with mercury to measure atmospheric pressure. It's easy to read because the height of the mercury column directly corresponds to the pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

hPa to millibar

1 hectopascal (hPa) is equal to 1 millibar (mb). So 15 hPa is equivalent to 15 mb.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Factors Affecting Barometer Reading

The height of the mercury column in a barometer is affected by factors like temperature, gravity and the fluidity of mercury. These elements can slightly alter the measurement, so adjustments might be needed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weather Map

A weather map is used by meteorologists to depict areas of high and low atmospheric pressure. Arrows indicate the direction of wind movement, providing insight into weather patterns.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rising and Falling Barometer Readings

A rising barometer reading indicates fair weather, while a falling reading suggests the possibility of cloudy weather. These changes reflect shifts in air pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

High and Low Pressure Areas

Areas with high pressure are associated with sinking air, resulting in generally fair weather. Conversely, low pressure areas are characterized by rising air, often leading to cloudy conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Polar Easterlies

The polar easterlies are a wind belt located poleward of the polar front, typically characterized by cold, dry winds blowing from higher latitudes towards lower latitudes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Crossing Isobars

The angle at which wind crosses isobars (lines connecting points with equal pressure) varies but averages around 30 degrees due to the Coriolis effect.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Convergence

Convergence is the piling up of air in a particular region, caused by the wind flowing into that area.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydrostatic Balance

Hydrostatic balance is the state of equilibrium where the upward pressure gradient force (caused by air pressure differences) is balanced by the downward force of gravity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind's Flow Around Low and High Pressure

Winds blow towards the center of low pressure and away from the center of high pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Surface System Dissipation

If low and high pressure areas aloft are not directly above low and high pressure areas at the surface, the surface system will dissipate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Air Pressure and Height Relationship

Air pressure is inversely proportional to height; as altitude increases, air pressure decreases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Direction (Facing North)

If facing North and the wind blows from your left, the direction of the wind is 270 degrees (West).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Aerovane

An aerovane is a meteorological instrument used to measure wind speed and direction. It is also called a skyvane.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prevailing Wind

The wind direction that occurs most frequently in a particular location.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind of Least Frequency

The wind direction that occurs least often in a particular location.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Direction

The direction from which the wind blows.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wind Speed

The rate at which wind travels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pressure Gradient Force

The force that drives air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Coriolis Force

The force that deflects moving objects (like wind) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cyclonic Flow

A pattern of air circulation that moves counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Global Winds

Winds that blow consistently and predictably over long distances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What causes atmospheric convection and global winds?

Unequal heating of the Earth by the sun causes differences in air temperature and density, driving convection and global wind patterns.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Chinook wind?

A warm, dry wind that descends down mountain slopes, often bringing rapid temperature increases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Westerly winds?

Winds that blow from west to east in middle latitudes, moving from sub-tropical high pressure areas towards sub-polar low pressure areas.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the Horse latitudes?

Regions of high pressure near the equator, characterized by calm and dry conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Polar front?

A boundary zone where cold polar air meets warm subtropical air, often associated with stormy weather.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Jet streams?

Fast-flowing air currents high in the atmosphere, driven by the Earth's rotation and temperature differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Loo?

A hot, dry wind that can occur in deserts, often associated with dust storms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a land and sea breeze?

A local wind pattern caused by the uneven heating of land and water, creating a breeze blowing from the cooler area towards the warmer area.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Multiple Choice Questions - Unit Test

  • Question 1: Air density is the mass of air above a given point. Most of the atmosphere is concentrated near the surface, causing air pressure to decrease with altitude. If temperature is constant, air density decreases as temperature increases, and vice versa. Only one of these statements is correct.
  • Question 2: If temperature is constant, air density decreases with increasing pressure, and vice versa. Air pressure is highest at the surface and decreases with altitude. Two statements are correct.
  • Question 3: Atmospheric pressure always decreases with increasing altitude. Air temperature is the measure of hotness or coldness. Cold air is denser than warm air at the same pressure. Two statements are correct.
  • Question 4: Horizontal temperature differences create horizontal pressure differences. These cause differences in air movement and cooling. Horizontal temperature difference creates a horizontal pressure difference.
  • Question 5: Removing air causes surface temperature to drop.
  • Question 6: All answers about atmospheric pressure are correct, EXCEPT... [The question needs the options for a complete answer.]
  • Question 7: Atmospheric pressure decreases more rapidly in a cold air column.
  • Question 8: The most commonly used barometer is a mercury barometer. It's a glass column with mercury and markings.
  • Question 9: 15 hPa is equal to 15 mb.
  • Question 10: Factors that affect mercury column height in barometers include fluidity, temperature, and force of gravity.
  • Question 11: A weather map displays high and low-pressure areas and wind direction.
  • Question 12: Rising barometer reading typically indicates good weather, while a falling reading typically indicates cloudy weather.
  • Question 13: Surface high-pressure areas are associated with fair weather, and surface low-pressure areas are associated with cloudy weather.
  • Question 14: The wind belt on the poleward side of the polar front is the prevailing westerlies.
  • Question 15: Air moving eastward more slowly than the Earth's rotation appears to be moving clockwise.
  • Question 16: The Coriolis effect deflects air and water currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Question 17: [Needs the options to identify the false statement about winds.]
  • Question 18: [Need the options to answer the reason behind the wind crossing the isobars.]
  • Question 19: Convergence is the piling up of air caused by horizontal inflow.
  • Question 20: The downward force of gravity balances the upward pressure gradient force, preventing air from escaping into space.
  • Question 21: Winds blow toward low-pressure and away from high-pressure areas.
  • Question 22: If highs and lows aloft (at higher altitudes) are directly above highs and lows at the surface, surface weather systems would dissipate.
  • Question 23: Air pressure and height are inversely proportional.
  • Question 24: If you're facing north and feel the wind from your left, the wind direction is 270°.
  • Question 25: Observing object movements or using wind vanes helps determine wind direction.
  • Question 26: A windsock or wind vane is a wind instrument used to indicate wind speed and direction. Other options are instruments measuring wind or related phenomena.
  • Question 27: [needs options for the equipment].
  • Question 28: The prevailing wind in the given wind rose is SE and the least frequent wind is NNE/NE.
  • Question 29: The smell of the burger was carried by the wind.
  • Question 30: Wind is characterized by its direction, gustiness, and speed, and affects the environment.
  • Question 31: [needs options for the net force].
  • Question 32: Tightly packed isobars indicate strong pressure gradients and high winds, while widely spaced isobars indicate weak pressure gradients and light winds. Steep pressure gradients cause strong winds, while gentle pressure gradients cause weak winds.
  • Question 33: An imbalance between Coriolis force and pressure gradient force leads to gradient wind, cyclonic flow, or anticyclonic flow.
  • Question 34: Global winds blow continuously, predictably across long distances.
  • Question 35: The initial source of wind energy is solar energy, and it comes from the sun.
  • Question 36: Unequal heating of the Earth's surface causes atmospheric convection and global winds.
  • Question 37: Chinook winds are warm winds.
  • Question 38: Westerlies are also known as the "Roaring Forties."
  • Question 39: Loo Winds are hot.
  • Question 40: Westerly winds blow from subtropical high-pressure areas to subpolar low-pressure areas.
  • Question 41: Westerly winds are stronger and maintain a constant direction in the Northern Hemisphere than their counterpart.
  • Question 42: Polar fronts are where cold polar air and warm subtropical air meet, usually associated with storms.
  • Question 43: Horse latitudes are associated with belts of subtropical highs.
  • Question 44: Jet streams are important elements of westerlies, are in the upper atmosphere, and their paths often aren't straight, involving twists and turns.
  • Question 45: Uneven heating between land and water is the primary cause of land and sea breezes.
  • Question 46: Land breeze is from land to sea at night.
  • Question 47: Sand heats up and cools down faster than water.
  • Question 48: Land breeze and sea breeze are due to convection.
  • Question 49: Warm air rising above land, replaced by cooler sea air, leads to a land breeze.
  • Question 50: The Coriolis force influences wind direction by curving winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Group-3 Unit Test PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on air density, temperature, and pressure with this atmospheric science unit test. Dive into questions about the relationships between altitude, air temperature, and pressure dynamics. Each question challenges your understanding of fundamental atmospheric principles.

More Like This

Air Density and Water Vapor Quiz
3 questions

Air Density and Water Vapor Quiz

EminentHawkSEye avatar
EminentHawkSEye
Atmospheric Science: Properties and Altitude
48 questions

Atmospheric Science: Properties and Altitude

EliteHyperbole495 avatar
EliteHyperbole495
Weather Science: Pressure, Density, and Winds
8 questions

Weather Science: Pressure, Density, and Winds

InfluentialExuberance5412 avatar
InfluentialExuberance5412
Atmospheric Pressure Overview
24 questions

Atmospheric Pressure Overview

AgreeableTurkey3411 avatar
AgreeableTurkey3411
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser