Weather Chapter 7

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Questions and Answers

Which air mass is characterized by high humidity and originates over warm ocean waters?

cP (Continental Polar)

cT (Continental Tropical)

mP (Maritime Polar)

mT (Maritime Tropical) (correct)

What is the primary lifting mechanism that occurs when air converges at a low-pressure area?

Orographic Lifting

Frontal Lifting

Convective Lifting

Convergent Lifting (correct)

Which type of front is depicted with a line that has semi-circles on one side?

Cold Front

Occluded Front

Stationary Front

Warm Front (correct)

In which stage of a midlatitude cyclone does the storm system begin to weaken and lose its defined characteristics?

Dissolving Stage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes describes how greenhouse gases change global temperatures?

By absorbing longwave radiation from the Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is primarily used for monitoring atmospheric conditions at higher altitudes?

Weather Balloons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following proxy records can indicate past climate conditions by examining tree growth patterns?

Tree rings Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a super-cell thunderstorm from other types?

It has a rotating structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which climatic region is characterized by warm temperatures year-round and minimal seasonal variation?

Tropical Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main causes of sea level rise as the climate warms?

Melting land ice and thermal expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of Earth's orbit do the Milankovitch cycles describe?

Eccentricity, obliquity, and precession Signup and view all the answers

Which climate type predominantly features high temperatures, a seasonal monsoon influence, and heavy rainfall during specific months?

Tropical Monsoon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following greenhouse gases has the highest concentration in the atmosphere?

Water Vapor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs correctly describes the two carbon cycles on Earth?

Geologic Carbon Cycle and Biologic Carbon Cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of the Keeling Curve?

It shows CO2 concentration over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines positive feedback mechanisms in climate systems?

They enhance initial changes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7 Weather

Be able to describe air masses impacting North America, including temperature and humidity characteristics and source regions.
- mP (Maritime Polar)
- CP (Continental Polar)
- mT (Maritime Tropical)
- CT (Continental Tropical)
Be able to describe 4 lifting mechanisms.
- Convergent Lifting
- Convective Lifting
- Orographic Lifting
- Frontal Lifting
Understand windward and leeward precipitation patterns around mountains.
Know how warm and cold fronts cause lifting, and the types of clouds/precipitation associated.
Identify symbols on weather maps for warm, cold, occluded, and stationary fronts.
Know the stages in a midlatitude cyclone's lifecycle.
- Cyclogenesis
- Open Stage
- Occluded Stage
- Dissolving Stage
Be able to describe weather monitoring and forecasting tools.
- Ground stations (ASOS)
- Weather Balloons
- Weather Satellites (GOES)
- RADAR
Be able to describe thunderstorm types.
- Single-Cell (pop-up/air mass)
- Squall Lines
- Super-Cell (rotating)
Know the scale used to rate tornado strength.
Be able to describe differences between tropical and midlatitude cyclones.
- Tropical cyclones do not have warm or cold fronts since they do not involve cold air masses.

Chapter 9 Climate Regions

Be able to describe the 5 major climate classes.

Chapter 10 Climate Change

Be able to describe how greenhouse gases act to change global temperatures.
Be able to describe how proxy records relate to changes in climate.
- Tree rings
- Ice cores
- Sediment cores
Be able to name major geologic events that cooled Earth's climate over the last 50 million years.
- India-Asia collision
- Antarctic Circumpolar Current
- Isthmus of Panama
Be able to describe Milankovitch cycles (Earth's orbit characteristics).
- Eccentricity
- Obliquity
- Precession
Be able to describe the two carbon cycles on Earth.
- Geologic Carbon Cycle
- Biologic Carbon Cycle
Be able to identify positive and negative feedbacks on the climate system.
- Positive feedback = enhances initial change
- Negative feedback = dampens or lessens initial change
Be able to describe factors causing sea-level rise due to warming.
- Melting land ice
- Thermal expansion
Be able to describe the Keeling Curve (CO2 graph from Mauna Loa Observatory).

Overall Trends

Be able to describe how Carbon 12 and Carbon 13 ratios have changed due to fossil fuel burning.
Be able to describe the 3 characteristics of greenhouse gases that control how much they impact climate change.
- Efficiency at absorbing longwave radiation
- Gas concentration
- Residence Time
Be able to describe the 5 major greenhouse gases, in order of concentration, residence time, and anthropogenic sources.
- Water Vapor (H₂O)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
- Methane (CH₄)
- Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
- Halogenated Gases (CFCs)

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore the dynamics of weather systems in North America, focusing on air masses, lifting mechanisms, and precipitation patterns. Understand the lifecycle of midlatitude cyclones and the tools used for weather monitoring and forecasting. This quiz will test your knowledge on fronts, thunderstorm types, and the symbols associated with weather maps.