Reading Check: Geography of the U.S.

Which states are in the Pacific Northwest region?

• California, Oregon, Washington

• Oregon, Washington, Idaho

• Washington, Idaho, Montana

• Montana, Wyoming, Colorado

Answer explanation

The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is typically considered to encompass Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Although some definitions include parts of California, the most commonly accepted states are Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Oregon, Washington, Idaho'.

Which region is known for dry winds and storms due to the clash of dry and moist air masses?

• The Pacific Northwest

• The Great Basin and Intermountain West

• The Great Plains

• The Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys

Answer explanation

The Great Plains is known for its dry winds and storms, mainly caused by the clash of dry and moist air masses. This region is particularly notorious for this phenomenon, unlike the Pacific Northwest, the Great Basin and Intermountain West, or the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys.

What causes severe storms and tornadoes in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys?

• Arctic air from Canada

• Pacific air from the West

• Tropical systems from the Gulf of Mexico

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Severe storms and tornadoes in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys are caused by a combination of weather systems. This includes Arctic air from Canada, Pacific air from the West, and tropical systems from the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'All of the above'.

What is the main weather hazard in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region?

• Drought

• Earthquakes

• Winter storms

• Heatwaves

Answer explanation

The main weather hazard in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region is Winter storms. These regions are known for their harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and icy conditions being common. The other options such as Drought, Earthquakes, and Heatwaves are less common hazards in these regions.

Which region is known for heavy snowfall events called lake effect snow?

• The Pacific Northwest

• The Great Basin and Intermountain West

• The Great Lakes

• The Appalachians

Answer explanation

The Great Lakes region is known for its heavy snowfall events, termed as 'lake effect snow'. This phenomena occurs due to cold air masses moving over warmer lake waters, leading to heavy snow on the downwind shores. Hence, 'The Great Lakes' is the correct answer to the question.

How do the Appalachian Mountains affect precipitation on either side of the range?

• Increase precipitation to the west and decrease to the east

• Decrease precipitation to the west and increase to the east

• Increase precipitation to both sides

• Decrease precipitation to both sides

Answer explanation

The Appalachian Mountains act as a barrier to the westerly winds, causing them to rise and cool, leading to precipitation on the western side. Conversely, as the air descends on the eastern side, it warms up and dries, resulting in less precipitation. Hence, precipitation increases to the west and decreases to the east of the range.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

• Climate is the weather over a long period, while weather is the atmosphere at a specific time.

• Weather is the weather over a long period, while climate is the atmosphere at a specific time.

• There is no difference between weather and climate.

• Climate is the atmosphere at a specific time, while weather is the weather over a long period.

Answer explanation

The difference between weather and climate lies in the duration. Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions at a specific point in time, whereas climate is about the weather conditions over an extended period. Hence, the statement 'Climate is the weather over a long period, while weather is the atmosphere at a specific time' is correct.

What is a jet stream?

• A relatively narrow band of strong winds flowing west to east in the upper atmosphere.

• A large area of grassland with few trees.

• Type of snow that falls when cold air blows over a warm lake.

• A mountain range that extends from Canada into central Alabama.

Answer explanation

A jet stream refers to a relatively narrow band of strong winds that flow in the upper atmosphere from west to east. This definition aligns with the correct answer. Other options such as grasslands, snowfall in cold climates, or a mountain range, do not fit the description of a jet stream.

What is a large area of grassland with few trees called?

• Forest

• Desert

• Prairie

• Tundra

Answer explanation

A large area of grassland with few trees is called a Prairie. This answer is correct because a forest is densely populated with trees, a desert has sparse vegetation due to its dry climate, and a tundra is a treeless polar desert.

How does geography affect weather in the United States? State your answer as a claim. Support your claim with evidence from the article. Think about what you read about geography and weather, then explain why the evidence from the text supports your claim.