Aviation Weather Quiz

Which type of cloud is commonly associated with thunderstorms?

• Cirrus

• Cumulonimbus

• Stratus

• Altostratus

What is a cold front?

• The leading edge of a cooler mass of air, replacing (at ground level) a warmer mass of air

• The transition zone where a cold air mass is replacing a warmer air mass

• The leading edge of a warmer mass of air, replacing a cooler air mass at ground level

• The transition zone where a warm air mass is replacing a cooler air mass

What type of turbulence is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface?

• Mechanical turbulence

• Thermal turbulence

• Clear air turbulence

• Wake turbulence

Which condition is most conducive to the formation of airframe icing?

• Heavy rain

• High humidity and freezing temperatures

• Low humidity and high temperatures

• Clear skies and high temperatures

What is wind shear?

• A sudden change in wind direction and/or speed over a very short distance

• A steady increase in wind speed with altitude

• A decrease in wind speed with altitude

• A constant wind direction and speed

What does the term "ceiling" refer to in aviation weather?

• The highest altitude at which a pilot can safely fly

• The lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast

• The maximum visibility in an aircraft at a specific altitude

• The altitude above which visibility becomes unlimited

The Coriolis force is caused by which of the following?

• The uneven heating of the Earth's surface

• The rotation of the Earth

• The gravitational pull of the moon

• The tilt of the Earth's axis

Which best describes atmospheric circulation?

• The movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure

• The circular movement of air due to the Coriolis effect

• The vertical movement of air due to thermal heating

• All of the above

What are the prevailing westerlies?

• Winds that blow from west to east in the temperate zones of the Earth

• Winds that blow from east to west in the equatorial region

• Winds that blow from north to south in the polar regions

• Winds that blow from south to north in the temperate zones

A high-pressure system is generally associated with which of the following weather conditions?

• Stormy and wet weather

• Clear and dry weather

• High winds and turbulence

• Low visibility and fog