Science Test REVIEW

Which of the following air conditions would be least likely to have precipitation?

• cold, dry air

• cold, moist air

• warm, moist air

• warm, dry air

Answer explanation

In order for precipitation to happen, there should be moisture in the air. Dry air definitely won't cause this!

Use the letter W, M, P, or T to indicate what the instrument measures:

W = wind, M = moisture, P = pressure, T = temperature

barometer:

Answer explanation

Barometers measure the air pressure.

"Increasing air pressure" indicates which of the following types of air is moving into your area?

• cold, dry air

• cold, moist air

• warm, moist air

• warm, dry air

Answer explanation

high-pressure: cold and dry

low-pressure: warm and moist

Orographic uplift is best described as __________.

• warm, moist air rising over cold, dense air

• two airflows colliding head on

• air being forced upward

• airflow confronting a mountain barrier, causing the air to rise

Answer explanation

Orographic uplift —When airflow confronts a mountain barrier, the air rises.

Converging warm winds over warm ocean waters is the starting point for which of the following?

• midlatitude cyclone

• thunderstorm

• tornado

• tropical cyclone

Answer explanation

Tropical cyclones form when warm air blows over warm ocean water and picks up moisture, and convergence forces the air upward.

Which of the following states would likely get hit by both hurricanes and tornadoes?

• Montana

• Massachusetts

• Texas

• Washington

Answer explanation

Good job!

Which action is appropriate if you are caught outside in a thunderstorm?

• Seek shelter under a tree.

• Squat down low and cover your head.

• Put up your umbrella.

• Lie face down in a ditch.

Answer explanation

Nicely done!

Changes in air pressure directly affect which of the following?

• the amount of moisture in the air

• the size of the air mass

• the temperature of the air

• the movement of air

Answer explanation

Pressure affects the movement of air.

Changes in air pressure drive the movement of air and winds. Think of a bicycle pump. When you pull up on the handle, you expand the cylinder and decrease the pressure inside, thereby causing air to move into the cylinder. When you press down on the handle, you compress or increase the pressure on the air inside.

Use the letter W, M, P, or T to indicate what the instrument measures:

W = wind, M = moisture, P = pressure, T = temperature

hygrometer:

Answer explanation

Hygrometers measure moisture in the air.

If the temperature increases and the barometric pressure falls, then which symbols will denote this on a weather map?

• A cold, moist air mass is approaching as a cold front.

• An occluded front is approaching.

• Cold, dry air is approaching as a cold front.

• A warm, moist air mass is approaching as a warm front.

Answer explanation

As temperatures increase and pressure decreases, the skies will clear as a warm air mass passes through.