Meteorology Quiz

The Atmosphere

• Definition: A layer of gas surrounding Earth, approximately 1,000 kilometers thick.
• Layers: Exosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere
• Temperature Trends:
  • Troposphere: Decreases with height, approximately 6°C per 1000 meters.
  • Stratosphere: Increases due to ozone absorbing UV radiation.
  • Mesosphere: Decreases, the coldest layer.
  • Thermosphere: Increases, the warmest layer.
  • Exosphere: Void of air molecules.
• Tropopause: Boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere (debated as part of atmosphere).
• Reasons for temperature change: Fewer air molecules in higher altitudes, ozone absorbing UV radiation, and the efficient absorption of solar radiation by N₂, O₂, and O.

Weather

• Definition: The condition of the atmosphere at a specific place and time.
• Characteristics: Variability in weather elements.
• Weather Elements:
  • Temperature (°C or °F)
  • Precipitation (mm or cm)
  • Humidity (%)
  • Air Pressure (millibars)
  • Wind Speed (mph or kph)
  • Wind Direction (compass directions)
  • Cloud Cover (oktas)
  • PM10/PM2.5
  • UV

Weather Measurement

• Instruments: Thermometers, rain gauges, hygrometers, barometers, anemometers, wind vanes, wind socks, optical particle counters.
• Units of measurement: For each weather element.
• Stevenson Screen: Components and purpose of this screen for weather measurement.

Atmospheric Processes

• Convection currents
• Wind formation
• Precipitation formation
• Solar radiation effects on temperature at different latitudes
• Uneven heating of Earth's surface leading to weather formation
• Formation of rain and clouds
• Fog formation: Radiation fog and other conditions

Weather Phenomena and Extreme Weather

• Definition of extreme weather.
• Thunderstorms: Heavy rain, lightning, thunder.
• Differences between lightning, lightening, and thunder.
• Flooding and its impacts.
• Social, economic, and environmental impacts of extreme weather.

Weather Monitoring and Forecasting

• Weather monitoring stations: Ships, high hills, major roads/bridges, airports, residential/commercial areas.
• Weather balloons and satellites.
• Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG).

Aviation and Weather

• Reasons for airplanes ascending to the stratosphere after takeoff.
• Avoiding extreme weather conditions in the troposphere.

Climate and Geography

• Relationship between latitude and temperature.
• Earth's spherical shape impact on solar radiation.
• Global distribution of rainforests along the equatorial low-pressure belt.

Atmospheric Dynamics

• Pressure gradient force
• Coriolis force: Wind deflection in Northern and Southern hemispheres.
• High and low-pressure systems.
• Formation of unstable weather.

Specific Weather Phenomena

• Fog: Definition, formation process (radiation fog), conditions and formation process, factors contributing to its formation (clear sky, gentle wind), and its disappearance process.
• Smog: Combination of fog and pollutants.

Global Weather Patterns

• Factors influencing global weather patterns.
• Equatorial low-air pressure belt and its effects.

Test your knowledge on meteorological concepts with this quiz. Answer questions about weather monitoring stations, the stratosphere, radiation fog, fog pollutants, and the Earth's impact on climate. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of atmospheric sciences.