Unit 4-7th grade (weather and climate)

Which of the following is a measure of the force with which molecules in the atmosphere push on a surface?

• air pressure
• temperature
• precipitation
• relative humidity

One measure of weather includes the maximum distance at which large objects can be seen and identified with the unaided eye. What does this describe?

• visibility
• wind speed
• temperature
• air pressure

Both stationary and moving technological methods are used in weather data collection. Which of the following is an example of a stationary method?

• ships
• satellites
• airplanes
• anchored weather buoys

Condensation is part of the water cycle and also plays a role in the weather. Which of the following directly results from condensation?

• Ice forms.
• Clouds form.
• Dew evaporates.
• Strong winds develop.

Ocean currents influence weather. Which ocean current directly affects the weather along the southernmost coast of the eastern United States?

• Gulf Stream
• Monsoon Current
• North Atlantic Drift
• South Pacific Equatorial Current

A barometer measures the air pressure. Imagine that the barometer in Key West is falling. What does this indicate about the weather?

• A low-pressure system is moving toward Key West.
• A high-pressure system is moving toward Key West.
• A cold air mass is heading in the direction of Key West.
• A warm air mass is heading in the direction of Key West.

The sun’s energy influences climate in different ways. For example, the latitudes at the equator receive more intense energy from the sun and therefore have warmer temperatures. How does the sun’s energy most directly influence precipitation in an area?

• The sun’s energy drives the water cycle, which determines precipitation.
• The sun’s energy controls the amount of condensation and therefore precipitation.
• The sun’s energy powers the water cycle by causing runoff, which leads to precipitation.
• The sun’s energy creates surface currents in oceans that bring precipitation to different areas.

Elevation is the measure of how high something is above a reference point. What is the most common reference point used to refer to the elevation of natural landforms?

• sea level
• lake level
• land level
• river level

What climate zone is the United States mostly located in?

• Polar
• Tropical
• Temperate
• sub-tropical 

What causes wind?

• ocean currents
• differences in elevation
• condensation in the atmosphere
• the uneven heating of the Earth by the Sun