Test part 3

Rising moist air causes the frequent occurrence of which weather condition at Location X?

• high surface pressure

• cloudy and rainy

• cool and dry

• low evaporation rate

Temperature inversions are common in the Los Angeles area. Which statement describes a

characteristic of a temperature inversion that can lead to extended periods of poor air quality?

• Inversions reverse the direction of sea and land breezes.

• Inversions reverse the normal composition of atmospheric gases.

• Inversions prevent the normal convection of air masses.

• Inversions prevent the reaction of carbon dioxide with water vapor.

The average yearly rainfall for Miami, Florida is about 58 inches. During the year, Miami goes through a dry period where it receives very little rainfall. Which factor is most likely responsible for the dry period?

• cold air moving in from the north

• distance from the Gulf Stream current

• location of latitude north of the equator

• warm air moving in from the Atlantic Ocean

What are the characteristics of maritime polar air masses?

• cool and dry

• warm and dry

• cool and humid

• warm and humid

When a cold front moves over a land region that has warm, moist air, a transfer of energy occurs. Cold air sinks and pushes warmer air upward. As energy is removed from the air, which change will most likely take place?

• Ozone in the atmosphere will decrease.

• Less ultraviolet radiation will reach the land.

• More water will be absorbed from the area lakes.

• Water in the atmosphere will undergo a phase change.

Air mass 1 would most likely bring which weather conditions to a region?

• cool and dry

• warm and dry

• cool and humid

• warm and humid

A student predicts that if the air is calm on a specific night, a temperature inversion may occur. How could strong winds prevent a temperature inversion from forming?

• by preventing the dissipation of hot gases emitted from fossil fuel combustion

• by carrying cool air masses to higher altitudes that are much colder

• by mixing the warm upper air layer with the cool lower air layer

• by increasing the evaporation rate of cold surface water

The Earth’s equator receives more direct sunlight than the regions to its north and south. This distribution of sunlight accounts directly for which phenomenon?

• The westward deflection of equatorial winds.

• The movement of rising air currents away from the equator.

• The rotation of storm systems.

• The formation of calm “eyes” in the centers of cyclones.

The air masses that interact to form hurricanes and cyclones rise and fall due to changes in air density and air pressure. Why do these storms also spin?

• Ocean currents drag the air above them in circles.

• The Moon’s gravity pulls air currents with the tides.

• Low pressure air pushes high pressure air sideways.

• Earth’s rotation causes the air to turn as it moves north.

Which storm most likely develops as air masses interact with the warm water in the northwest Pacific Ocean?

• typhoon

• tornado

• blizzard

• monsoon