10/13 Fri Geography and Regional Weather Reading Quiz

Which states are included in the Pacific Northwest region?

• California, Oregon, Washington

• Oregon, Washington, Idaho

• Washington, Idaho, Montana

• Montana, Wyoming, Colorado

Answer explanation

The Pacific Northwest region includes the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. This region is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastlines. California is not part of the Pacific Northwest, while Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado are part of the Rocky Mountain region.

What is the main factor that divides the Pacific Northwest region into two climates?

• The Pacific Ocean

• The Cascade Mountain Range

• The Rocky Mountains

• The Great Basin

Answer explanation

The main factor that divides the Pacific Northwest region into two climates is the Cascade Mountain Range. This range acts as a barrier, causing the western side to have a wet, maritime climate, while the eastern side experiences a drier, continental climate. The other options, such as the Pacific Ocean, Rocky Mountains, and Great Basin, do not have the same dividing effect on the region's climate.

Which mountain ranges are located to the west and east of the Great Basin and Intermountain West region?

• Cascade and Sierra Nevada

• Rocky and Appalachian

• Sierra Nevada and Rocky

• Appalachian and Cascade

Answer explanation

The Great Basin and Intermountain West region is flanked by two major mountain ranges in the United States. To the west, it is bordered by the Cascade Range, and to the east, it is bordered by the Sierra Nevada. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Cascade and Sierra Nevada'.

Why is the Great Basin largely a desert?

• It is located on the downwind side of the Sierra Nevadas and Cascades

• It receives very little precipitation from Pacific storms

• It is a closed system that doesn't drain into the ocean

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The Great Basin is largely a desert due to several reasons. It is located on the downwind side of the Sierra Nevadas and Cascades, which limits the amount of moisture it receives. Additionally, it receives very little precipitation from Pacific storms. Lastly, it is a closed system that doesn't drain into the ocean, further contributing to its arid conditions. Therefore, all the given options are correct.

What is the Great Plains region known for?

• Dry winds

• Frequent severe storms

• Localized heavy snowfall

• Coastal storms

Answer explanation

The Great Plains region is known for its dry winds. This region, which spans across multiple states in the U.S., is characterized by its semi-arid climate. This climate results in dry winds, which are a common occurrence in the area. The other options, such as frequent severe storms, localized heavy snowfall, and coastal storms, are not as characteristic of the Great Plains region as dry winds are.

Which air masses meet in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys region?

• Arctic air from Canada, mild Pacific air from the West, and moist tropical systems from the Gulf of Mexico

• Dry winds from the Great Plains, moist air from the Pacific, and arctic air from Canada

• Warm air from the Gulf of Mexico, dry air from the Great Plains, and moist air from the Pacific

• Moist tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico, dry air from the Great Plains, and arctic air from Canada

Answer explanation

The Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys region is where three different air masses meet. These include the Arctic air from Canada, mild Pacific air from the West, and moist tropical systems from the Gulf of Mexico. This combination of air masses contributes to the region's weather patterns.

What causes localized heavy snowfall events in the Great Lakes region?

• Arctic air from Canada

• Moist tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico

• Coastal storms from the Atlantic Ocean

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Localized heavy snowfall events in the Great Lakes region are caused by a combination of factors, including Arctic air from Canada, moist tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico, and coastal storms from the Atlantic Ocean. All of these factors contribute to the formation of heavy snowfall in the area.

How do the Appalachian Mountains affect precipitation in nearby areas?

• Increase precipitation to the west and decrease precipitation to the east

• Increase precipitation to the east and decrease precipitation to the west

• Have no effect on precipitation

• Cause frequent severe storms

Answer explanation

The Appalachian Mountains affect precipitation in nearby areas by increasing precipitation to the west and decreasing it to the east. This occurs because the mountains act as a barrier, causing moist air to rise and cool on the western side, leading to increased precipitation. On the eastern side, the air descends and warms, resulting in decreased precipitation.

What are the main weather hazards in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region?

• Dry winds and winter storms

• Flooding and winter storms

• Coastal storms and flooding

• Severe storms and tornadoes

Answer explanation

The main weather hazards in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region are coastal storms and flooding. Coastal storms, such as nor'easters, can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges, leading to flooding in coastal areas. This combination of hazards makes coastal storms and flooding the most significant weather threats in this region.

Which region is largely influenced by the Atlantic Ocean?

• Pacific Northwest

• Great Basin and Intermountain West

• Great Plains

• Mid-Atlantic and New England

Answer explanation

The Mid-Atlantic and New England region is largely influenced by the Atlantic Ocean due to its geographical location along the eastern coast of the United States. The ocean's currents and weather patterns have a significant impact on the climate, precipitation, and overall weather conditions in this region, making it distinct from the other options listed.