Atmospheric Science Flashcard

Front

Are there more clouds in the sky when air pressure is high or low?

Back

Low

Answer explanation

Clouds form when air rises and cools, which is more likely in low-pressure systems. High pressure typically leads to clear skies, while low pressure is associated with more cloud formation and precipitation.

Front

If Earth’s axis is tipping away from the sun, that means the Northern Hemisphere is in which season?

Back

Winter

Answer explanation

When Earth's axis tips away from the sun, the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight, leading to colder temperatures. This corresponds to winter, making 'Winter' the correct answer.

Front

If Chile is experiencing a particularly warm year, this could be attributed to: tides, The Jet Stream, El Nino, La Nina

Back

El Nino

Answer explanation

El Nino is a climate pattern that can cause warmer temperatures in Chile. It disrupts normal weather patterns, leading to increased warmth, making it the most likely cause for a particularly warm year in the region.

Front

Which air circulation cell is found from 0 - 30 degrees North latitude?

Back

Hadley cell

Answer explanation

The Hadley cell is the primary circulation cell located between 0 and 30 degrees North latitude. It is responsible for the trade winds and tropical weather patterns, unlike the Polar and Ferrel cells, which are found at different latitudes.

Front

In the Northern hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes wind to bend

Back

In a clockwise pattern

Answer explanation

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes winds to bend to the right, resulting in a clockwise pattern around high-pressure systems. This is why the correct answer is 'In a clockwise pattern'.

Front

The layer of the atmosphere that contains the ozone layer is the

Back

stratosphere

Answer explanation

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere. It plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Front

Location with high solar insolation in December, low in July, and large difference between the two months: Ecuador, South Africa, Canada, North Pole

Back

South Africa

Answer explanation

South Africa experiences high solar insolation in December due to summer, while July is winter, resulting in low insolation. This creates a significant difference between the two months, unlike the other locations listed.

Front

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of El Nino?

• Weaker upwelling on South American coastline
• Unusually weak trade winds or presence of westerlies
• Sea level higher in eastern Pacific than western Pacific
• Flooding in Australia and Indonesia

Back

Flooding in Australia and Indonesia

Answer explanation

Flooding in Australia and Indonesia is typically associated with La Niña, not El Niño. El Niño leads to drier conditions in these regions, while the other options correctly describe El Niño characteristics.

Front

Which type of map shows air pressure readings?

Back

Isobaric

Answer explanation

An isobaric map displays lines of equal air pressure, known as isobars. This type of map helps visualize pressure patterns in the atmosphere, making it the correct choice for showing air pressure readings.

Front

Which tool is used to measure air pressure? Options: Hygrometer, Thermometer, Barometer, Anemometer

Back

Barometer

Answer explanation

A barometer is specifically designed to measure air pressure. In contrast, a hygrometer measures humidity, a thermometer measures temperature, and an anemometer measures wind speed.