Climate Test Review

Front

What are prevailing winds?

Back

Prevailing winds are winds that blow predominantly from a single general direction over a particular point on the Earth's surface. They influence climate and weather patterns.

Front

How do coastal mountains affect precipitation?

Back

Coastal mountains can cause orographic lift, where moist air is forced to rise over the mountains, cooling and condensing to form clouds and precipitation on the windward side.

Front

What is the climate characteristic of a humid region?

Back

A humid region typically has high moisture content in the air, leading to higher precipitation levels and smaller temperature variations between seasons.

Front

What is El Niño?

Back

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.

Front

How does El Niño affect precipitation in the Pacific Ocean?

Back

During an El Niño event, the western Pacific tends to be drier while the eastern Pacific becomes wetter, altering typical weather patterns.

Front

What is the relationship between elevation and climate?

Back

Generally, as elevation increases, temperature decreases, leading to cooler and often wetter conditions at higher altitudes compared to lower areas.

Front

What is lake-effect snow?

Back

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over a warmer lake, picking up moisture and depositing it as snow on the leeward shores.

Front

What factors influence the climate of a coastal city?

Back

The climate of a coastal city is influenced by proximity to the ocean, prevailing winds, ocean currents, and geographical features like mountains.

Front

What is orographic lift?

Back

Orographic lift is the process by which an air mass is forced to rise over a topographic barrier, leading to cooling and precipitation.

Front

What is the difference between arid and humid climates?

Back

Arid climates are characterized by low precipitation and high evaporation, while humid climates have high moisture levels and significant precipitation.