Atmospheric Circulation Quiz

Which atmospheric cross section best represents the general air circulation over the North Pole?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which diagram best represents the general position and direction of flow of the polar front jet stream in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter months?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

At the time of an equinox, the subtropical jet streams in Earth's troposphere generally are located closest to

• 0° and 90° S

  
  

• 30° N and 30° S

  
  

• 60° N and 60° S

  
  

• 90° N and 90° S

Answer explanation

During an equinox, the subtropical jet streams in Earth's troposphere are located closest to 30° N and 30° S, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The planetary surface winds and air currents near Earth's equator are usually

• converging and sinking

  
  

• diverging and sinking

  
  

• converging and rising

  
  

• diverging and rising

Answer explanation

The planetary surface winds and air currents near Earth's equator are usually converging and rising.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In which planetary wind belt do most storms move toward the northeast?

• 30° N to 60° N

  
  

• 0° to 30° N

  
  

• 0° to 30° S

  
  

• 30° S to 60° S

Answer explanation

Most storms move toward the northeast in the 30° N to 60° N planetary wind belt.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Compared to the amount of rainfall that India receives during the summer monsoon season, the amount of rainfall that India receives during the winter monsoon season is

• less because winds blow from the water to the land

  
  

• less because winds blow from the land to the water

  
  

• more because winds blow from the water to the land

  
  

• more because winds blow from the land to the water

Answer explanation

During the winter monsoon season, India receives less rainfall because winds blow from the land to the water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In which cross section do the arrows represent the most probable direction of air movement over land and water surfaces at an ocean coast on a hot, sunny, summer afternoon?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Summer monsoon rains normally occur in India when

• high pressure exists near location X, pulling moisture in from the Indian Ocean

  
  

• high pressure exists near location X, pushing moisture out to the Indian Ocean

  
  

• low pressure exists near location X, pulling moisture in from the Indian Ocean

  
  

• low pressure exists near location X, pushing moisture out to the Indian Ocean

Answer explanation

Summer monsoon rains in India occur when low pressure near location X pushes moisture out to the Indian Ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which cross section best represents how surface winds form by midaftemoon near a shoreline on a hot summer day? [Diagrams are not drawn to scale.]

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The major cause of monsoon rains in India and southeast Asia is seasonal

• shifts in the prevailing wind belts

  
  

• shifts in ocean currents

  
  

• changes in the energy radiated from the Sun

  
  

• changes in worldwide atmospheric temperatures

Answer explanation

Monsoon rains in India and southeast Asia are primarily caused by shifts in the prevailing wind belts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6