Weather and Climate Assessment Review

Winds curve as they blow due to

• gravitational attraction

• the rotation of the earth

• lack of pressure difference between regions

• being blocked by winds from the opposite direction

Tropical seas have a high rate of evaporation because of the direct rays of the sun. Because of this high rate of evaporation, we would expect the water in tropical seas to have __________ than seas in colder climates.

• a lower density

• less algal growth

• cooler temperatures

• higher salt concentrations

During the summer months, the sun warms an area of tropical ocean water and a large amount of water evaporates into the air. Which of these weather events will MOST LIKELY will occur?

• blizzard

• hurricane

• tornado

• tsunami

Higher than normal temperatures in the Pacific Ocean causing weak trade winds and abnormal weather patterns result in a weather event called

• El Niño

• a typhoon

• a hurricane

• the westerlies

What role does heat energy from the Sun play in influencing ocean currents?

• The higher rate of evaporation at the equator causes water from the poles to move toward the equator.

• The polar ice caps melt due to the heat of the Sun, causing warm currents to move toward the equator.

• The colder temperatures at the poles causes water to freeze and expand, pushing cold currents toward the equator.

• The warm water at the equator moves toward the poles and the cooler water from the poles moves toward the equator.

Why are coastal areas cooler during the day than inland areas?

• It rains during the day in coastal areas.

• A cool breeze blows from the sea during the day.

• Coastal areas experience storms every other day.

• The sea absorbs the heat of the air over coastal areas.

Four locations (I, II, III, IV) are labeled on the diagram. At which of the four locations is the hurricane predicted to be LEAST intense?

• I

• II

• III

• IV

The uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun's energy creates pressure differences.

Which effect is a direct result of this?

• formation of clouds

• generation of winds

• occurrence of lightning

• an increase in humidity

The circle graph represents the gases in our atmosphere. What gas is represented by the green section in the circle?

• ozone

• hydrogen

• nitrogen

• carbon monoxide

Which of the gases found in the Earth's atmosphere is an important factor for weather conditions?

• oxygen

• hydrogen

• nitrogen

• water vapor