Weather and Climate Study Guide Chapters 1-8

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following factors would have the net effect of making a place warmer in the summer?

In the middle of a landmass (correct)

At a high latitude

At a high elevation

Near an ocean

Cloud cover reduces both the daily high and daily low temperatures.

False

Summer temperatures along the California coast are cooler than along the coast of South Carolina, due to the influence of:

Specific heat

Altitude

Ocean currents (correct)

Evaporation

Latitude

A primary reason for drawing isotherms on a map of temperature values is to allow:

Recognition of temperature patterns Signup and view all the answers

The annual temperature range at most latitudes in the southern hemisphere is much smaller than in the northern hemisphere. Why?

There is more area covered by water in the southern hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

During a typical day, the lowest temperature usually occurs about midnight.

False Signup and view all the answers

A location on a windward coast refers to a place where the prevailing wind is:

Toward the land Signup and view all the answers

The annual temperature range is quite small near the equator. This is true primarily because:

Solar radiation is nearly uniform all year Signup and view all the answers

A poleward moving (northward moving in the Northern Hemisphere) ocean current is:

A warm current Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following associations is CORRECT?

Water N high specific heat Signup and view all the answers

How is the annual mean temperature calculated?

It is the average of all 12 monthly mean temperatures Signup and view all the answers

The annual temperature range at most latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere is much smaller than that in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason for this is that:

There is a greater percentage of water surface in the Southern Hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

The melting point of ice is 32°C.

False Signup and view all the answers

The most important cause of temperature variations is:

Differences in receipt of solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

Surface air temperatures rise and fall more slowly over land areas.

False Signup and view all the answers

The warmest temperature ever recorded in the United States occurred in Death Valley, CA.

True Signup and view all the answers

Overnight temperatures are warmer when the air is humid because:

Water vapor is a good absorber of outgoing longwave radiation Signup and view all the answers

An isotherm on a map:

Connects points of equal temperature Signup and view all the answers

Locations that have the same Sun angle always have very similar temperatures.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lifting mechanism results from warm air lifting over cold air?

Frontal wedging Signup and view all the answers

Sinking or subsiding air cannot form clouds due to the:

Warming temperatures Signup and view all the answers

In which phase do water molecules have the lowest kinetic energy?

Ice Signup and view all the answers

The temperature of rising air parcels ________ as they move upward.

Decreases Signup and view all the answers

A stable atmosphere is one in which:

Upward vertical motions are resisted Signup and view all the answers

The attractive forces between the hydrogen atoms in one water molecule and the oxygen atoms in another molecule are known as:

Hydrogen bonds Signup and view all the answers

The most important process of cloud formation in the atmosphere is:

Cooling by expansion of air Signup and view all the answers

These two conditions, working together, will make the atmosphere the most unstable.

Warm the surface and cool the air aloft Signup and view all the answers

The capacity of the air to hold water vapor:

Increases with an increase in temperature Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are lifting mechanisms in the atmosphere EXCEPT:

Divergence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between concepts of weather and climate?

Time period involved Signup and view all the answers

Studies have shown that the average ozone depletion is greatest over which area?

Antarctica Signup and view all the answers

Water vapor represents what fraction of the air near the Earth's surface?

Less than 4% Signup and view all the answers

Scientific hypotheses are rejected when they do not agree with observed data.

True Signup and view all the answers

While ascending through the atmosphere, which region are you most likely in if the temperature rises from -48°C to -18°C over the last 10 km?

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

With an increase in altitude, air pressure:

Decreases at a decreasing rate Signup and view all the answers

The 'weather sphere' is in the:

Troposphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outlines the steps of the scientific method in the correct order?

Collect data; develop hypothesis; test hypothesis; accept/modify/reject hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

This atmospheric component absorbs damaging ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

Ozone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST important atmospheric component with regard to the Earth's climate and the formation of weather systems?

Water vapor Signup and view all the answers

Weather and climate are synonymous terms.

False Signup and view all the answers

The four thermal layers of the atmosphere in order beginning from the surface are:

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere Signup and view all the answers

Ninety percent of our atmosphere lies below an altitude of about:

16 km Signup and view all the answers

Weather influences people, but people don't influence weather.

True Signup and view all the answers

The ozone layer is found in the:

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which two gases make up a combined total of 99% of clean, dry air in the homosphere?

Nitrogen and Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

The basic elements of weather and climate include all of the following, except:

The chemical composition of the air Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is the MOST abundant gas in the atmosphere?

Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

The term meteorology:

Is the study of the atmosphere and its related weather systems Signup and view all the answers

A scientific hypothesis may be regarded as a tentative explanation of observed facts or events.

True Signup and view all the answers

Ozone:

Protects life on Earth by filtering harmful UV radiation from sunlight Signup and view all the answers

The summit of Mt. Everest (8.85 km) is found in the:

Troposphere Signup and view all the answers

Ozone is concentrated in the:

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is an expression of climate?

February is the wettest month in Los Angeles, CA, with an average rainfall of 3.92 inches Signup and view all the answers

What best explains the 'bumps' seen in the CO2 concentrations on the graph?

Changes in plant growth that result in less CO2 being absorbed during the dormant season Signup and view all the answers

According to current scientific theory, what is the likely reason for the upward trend in overall CO2 concentrations?

Rapidly increasing fossil fuel combustion and the resulting emissions Signup and view all the answers

Atmospheric pressure is caused by:

The weight of the air above Signup and view all the answers

On average, for every 1 km increase in altitude in the troposphere, the air temperature:

Drops about 6.5 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

Assuming the average value of the environmental lapse rate, what would be the temperature in the troposphere at a height of 3 km if the temperature at the surface is 20°C?

0.5°C Signup and view all the answers

In the process of scientific inquiry, a theory is best defined as:

A hypothesis that has been extensively tested and is generally accepted by the scientific community Signup and view all the answers

During natural processes, heat transfer is always from:

Warmer to cooler substances Signup and view all the answers

Heat:

Is a transfer of energy from areas with high temperatures to those with low temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Fairbanks, Alaska (65°N), has more hours of daylight in June than Miami, Florida (26°N).

True Signup and view all the answers

Over the course of this year, the tilt of Earth's polar axis will:

Remain constant at 23.5 degrees Signup and view all the answers

The Earth receives energy from the Sun by:

Radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT happen to solar radiation as it passes through the atmosphere?

Intensification Signup and view all the answers

Low sun angles result in reduced solar energy because:

Energy is spread over a larger area Signup and view all the answers

Most of the solar energy absorbed by planet Earth and its atmosphere is absorbed by:

The Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

The absorption of longwave radiation by certain gases in the lower atmosphere is responsible for:

Greenhouse effect Signup and view all the answers

The spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on approximately:

March 21 Signup and view all the answers

Pure white sunlight contains all of the colors of the visible light spectrum.

True Signup and view all the answers

The length of daylight gets progressively longer going south from the equator on:

June 21 Signup and view all the answers

Deserts, with their very dry air, experience cool nighttime temperatures because of a weaker greenhouse effect.

True Signup and view all the answers

The longest day of the year in the United States occurs on:

June 21 Signup and view all the answers

Snow-covered surfaces have a low albedo.

False Signup and view all the answers

The primary cause of Earth's seasons is:

Tilt of Earth's rotation axis, which causes sun angles and daylight length to vary Signup and view all the answers

The process of ________ involves the movement or circulation of a mass or substance.

Convection Signup and view all the answers

Of the following choices, the surface with the HIGHEST albedo is:

Fresh snow Signup and view all the answers

The primary factor which determines what type and how much radiation an object emits is its:

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the equinoxes?

Days and nights are equal in length in all parts of the world Signup and view all the answers

The atmosphere is highly ________ with respect to solar radiation.

Transparent Signup and view all the answers

Seasonal temperature variations are due primarily to the changing distance between the Earth and the Sun.

False Signup and view all the answers

Clouds are most likely to ________ incoming solar radiation.

Both absorb & reflect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases is the best absorber of ultraviolet light?

Oxygen (including ozone) Signup and view all the answers

What would happen on Earth if the Sun were 'turned off' and ceased to provide heat?

Winds and ocean currents would stop Signup and view all the answers

Most of the radiation emitted by the Earth and its atmosphere is in the category of:

Infrared Signup and view all the answers

The 90-degree angle rays strike the Tropic of Cancer on:

June 21 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases does not absorb any portion of incoming solar radiation?

Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

At 45 degrees S latitude, the angle of the noon Sun is lowest and the length of daylight is shortest on:

June 21 Signup and view all the answers

The wavelengths emitted by the Earth are:

Longer than those emitted by the Sun Signup and view all the answers

The primary purpose served by surface ocean currents is to:

Transfer heat and equalize the imbalance of energy between the poles and the equator Signup and view all the answers

Isotherm lines do not always pass directly through observing station locations.

True Signup and view all the answers

Surface air temperatures rise and fall more slowly over land areas.

True Signup and view all the answers

Comfortable room temperature is roughly 22°C.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors influences the sensation of temperature that the human body feels?

Wind speed, air temperature, and humidity Signup and view all the answers

What type of severe weather event killed up to 35,000 people in Europe during the summer of 2003?

A heat wave Signup and view all the answers

How is the daily maximum temperature affected by the presence of clouds?

Cooler Signup and view all the answers

Locations on Earth which have the largest annual temperature change from summer to winter are often:

At high latitudes Signup and view all the answers

Consider the isotherm map of the United States shown above. Which of the following is the best realistic estimate of the current temperature at the spot marked by an X?

75°F Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors influences the sensation of temperature that the human body feels?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

A place located along a windward coast:

Will probably have cooler summer temperatures than an inland place at the same latitude Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weather and Climate Foundations

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term weather patterns over time.
Average ozone depletion is most significant over Antarctica.

Atmospheric Composition

Water vapor constitutes less than 4% of the air near Earth's surface.
Ozone plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Nitrogen and oxygen together make up 99% of clean, dry air.

Scientific Methodology

A scientific hypothesis is rejected if it contradicts observed data.
Steps of the scientific method: collect data, develop hypothesis, test hypothesis, accept/modify/reject hypothesis.
A scientific theory is a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and accepted by the scientific community.

Atmospheric Layers

The stratosphere is identified as the layer where temperature increases with altitude.
The troposphere is known as the "weather sphere," containing most of Earth's weather activities.
The ozone layer exists within the stratosphere.

Temperature and Pressure Dynamics

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, primarily due to the weight of the air above.
For every 1 km increase in altitude, air temperature drops about 6.5 degrees Celsius on average.
Ninety percent of Earth's atmosphere is located below an altitude of approximately 16 km.

Environmental Factors Influencing Weather

Heat transfer always occurs from warmer to cooler substances.
Clouds absorb and reflect incoming solar radiation, affecting daily temperature variations.
Locations on windward coasts generally experience cooler summer temperatures compared to inland areas.

Climate and Seasonal Variations

Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees is the primary reason for seasonal changes.
The greenhouse effect is caused by certain gases absorbing longwave radiation emitted by the Earth.
During equinoxes, day and night are of equal length across the globe.

Solar Radiation Interactions

Most solar energy is absorbed by Earth's surface while some is scattered or absorbed by atmospheric gases.
The absorption of ultraviolet light is best done by oxygen and ozone.
The wavelengths emitted by Earth are longer than those emitted by the Sun, with most being in the infrared category.

Ocean Currents and Temperature Patterns

Surface ocean currents play a key role in transferring heat and balancing energy distribution between polar and equatorial regions.
Cooler summer temperatures are often observed along coasts influenced by ocean currents compared to inland areas.

Temperature Sensation and Variation

Human sensation of temperature is influenced by air temperature, wind speed, and humidity.
The daily maximum temperature tends to be cooler in the presence of clouds.
Areas at high latitudes exhibit the largest annual temperature changes from summer to winter.

Conclusively Understanding Weather Patterns

Weather influences human activities, but humans have minimal direct impact on weather phenomena.
Surface temperatures generally rise and fall more slowly over land compared to water bodies.### Temperature and Climatology
Near the equator, the annual temperature range is small due to uniform solar radiation throughout the year.
Poleward moving ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere are warm currents.

Temperature Range and Characteristics

High latitude areas have low annual temperature ranges; water has a high specific heat, affecting temperature stability.
The annual mean temperature is the average of the 12 monthly mean temperatures.
The Southern Hemisphere has a smaller annual temperature range due to a greater percentage of ocean surface compared to land.

True or False Statements

The melting point of ice is not 32°C; it is actually 0°C.
Surface air temperatures vary faster over land than over water.
The highest temperature recorded in the United States was in Death Valley, CA.

Humidity and Temperature

Warmer overnight temperatures occur with humidity because water vapor absorbs outgoing longwave radiation effectively.

Isotherms and Temperature

Isotherms on maps connect points of equal temperature, allowing for visual representation of temperature distribution.
Locations with the same Sun angle can have different temperatures due to various geographical and atmospheric factors.

Lifting Mechanisms

Frontal wedging is the mechanism where warm air rises over cold air, leading to cloud formation.
Sinking air does not form clouds due to warming temperatures associated with subsiding air.

Kinetic Energy in States of Water

Water molecules in ice exhibit the lowest kinetic energy compared to vapor and liquid states.

Air Parcel Behavior

As air parcels rise, their temperature decreases, impacting weather patterns and cloud formation.

Atmospheric Stability

A stable atmosphere resists upward vertical motions; this is crucial for weather predictions.

Molecular Interactions

Hydrogen bonds are the attractive forces between water molecules, critical for water's unique properties.

Cloud Formation

The main process of cloud formation in the atmosphere is cooling by the expansion of air, which leads to condensation.

Instability in the Atmosphere

The atmosphere becomes most unstable when the surface is warm and the upper air is cold, promoting vertical movement of air.

Water Vapor Capacity

The capacity of air to hold water vapor increases with rising temperatures.

Atmospheric Lifting Mechanisms

Atmospheric lifting mechanisms include Convection, Orographic lifting, and Frontal wedging, while Divergence is not classified as a lifting mechanism.

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Prepare for your upcoming test with this comprehensive study guide on weather and climate concepts, specifically covering Chapters 1 to 8. These flashcards will help reinforce your understanding of key differences, ozone depletion, and other essential topics in meteorology.