050-08 - Climatology

Which one of the following statements regarding the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is correct?

• Frequent and widespread thunderstorms are to be expected within the area of the ITCZ.

• The ITCZ is always associated with a strong jet stream.

• The ITCZ does not change its position during the course of the year.

• Thunderstorms seldom occur within the area of the ITCZ.

When are the rainy seasons in equatorial Africa?

• December to February and July to October.

• March to May and October to November.

• March to May and August to October.

• April to July and December to February.

Which wind systems converge on the ITCZ, when it lies at the equator?

• SW monsoon and NW monsoon

• SE trade winds and NE trade winds

• NW monsoon and SW trade winds

• SW monsoon and NW trade winds

How is the Mediterranean climate best described?

• Cyclonic and chilly in summer, frontal depressions in winter.

• Anticyclonic and warm the whole year.

• Anticyclonic and hot in summer, frontal depressions in winter.

• Depressions due to the polar front affect the weather throughout the whole year.

What is a Foehn wind?

• It is a flow of warm air up a slope of a hill caused by surface heating.

• It is an adiabatically heated wind blowing down a mountain side. The temperature on the lee side is normally higher than on the windward side of the mountain at the same level.

• It is an adiabatically heated wind blowing down a mountain side. The temperature on the lee side is normally lower than on the windward side of the mountain at the same level.

• It is a warm and moist anabatic wind that usually carries precipitation.