Weather Predictions Unit review

What is the primary cause of the Earth's seasons?

• The distance of the Earth from the Sun

• The tilt of the Earth's axis

• The rotation of the Earth on its axis

• The orbit of the Moon around the Earth

Answer explanation

The primary cause of the Earth's seasons is the tilt of the Earth's axis. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Argon

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide is a significant greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. In contrast, oxygen, nitrogen, and argon do not have this effect.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What type of weather is typically associated with a high-pressure system?

• Stormy and rainy

• Clear and sunny

• Snowy and cold

• Windy and cloudy

Answer explanation

High-pressure systems are associated with descending air, which inhibits cloud formation. This typically results in clear and sunny weather, making it the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which factor is most responsible for the movement of ocean currents?

• The Earth's rotation

• The Moon's gravitational pull

• The Sun's heat

• The Earth's magnetic field

Answer explanation

The Earth's rotation is the primary factor driving ocean currents through the Coriolis effect, which influences the direction and speed of these currents. Other factors like the Moon's pull and the Sun's heat play a lesser role.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the Gulf Stream affect the climate of Western Europe?

• It makes the climate colder

• It makes the climate warmer

• It has no effect on the climate

• It causes more rainfall

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream warms the waters of the North Atlantic, which in turn moderates the climate of Western Europe, making it significantly warmer than other regions at similar latitudes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best describes the role of convection in the atmosphere?

• It causes the Earth to rotate

• It distributes heat and moisture

• It creates ocean currents

• It forms mountains

Answer explanation

Convection in the atmosphere is crucial for distributing heat and moisture. It helps transfer warm air upwards and cooler air downwards, influencing weather patterns and climate.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Explain how the unequal heating of the Earth's surface leads to wind formation.

• Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating a cycle

• The Earth's rotation causes air to move

• The Sun's rays directly push air

• The Moon's gravity pulls air

Answer explanation

Unequal heating causes warm air to rise, creating low pressure, while cooler air sinks, leading to high pressure. This cycle of rising and sinking air generates wind, making the correct choice about warm air rising and cool air sinking.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Develop a simple model to show how air masses interact to form a cold front.

• A warm air mass slides over a cold air mass

• A cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass

• Two warm air masses collide

• Two cold air masses collide

Answer explanation

A cold front forms when a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass, forcing the warm air to rise. This interaction leads to the development of clouds and precipitation, distinguishing it from other air mass interactions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Analyze the impact of increased carbon dioxide levels on global temperatures over the past century.

• Decrease in global temperatures

• No change in global temperatures

• Increase in global temperatures

• Fluctuating global temperatures

Answer explanation

Increased carbon dioxide levels have been linked to a rise in global temperatures due to the greenhouse effect, where CO2 traps heat in the atmosphere. This correlation has been evident over the past century, leading to an overall increase in temperatures.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Predict the weather conditions in a region where a warm front is approaching.

• Sudden drop in temperature and clear skies

• Gradual warming and light rain

• Heavy snow and strong winds

• Clear skies and no precipitation

Answer explanation

As a warm front approaches, warm air rises over cooler air, leading to gradual warming and often light rain due to moisture in the warm air. This contrasts with the other options, which do not accurately describe warm front conditions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5