Oceans and Weather Systems Quiz

Name: (First and last)

What is the main factor that determines the formation and strength of tropical cyclones?

• Latitude
• Oceanic temperature
• Atmospheric pressure
• Wind speed

Which ocean current plays the biggest role in feeding warm, moist air into tropical cyclones?

• Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
• Gulf Stream
• North Atlantic Gyre
• El Niño-Southern Oscillation

What is the main mechanism by which tropical cyclones gather energy from the ocean?

• Evaporation of seawater
• Upwelling of cold deep water
• Condensation of water vapor
• Absorption of solar radiation

Which type of weather system typically precedes the formation of a tropical cyclone?

• High pressure system
• Cold front
• Low pressure system
• Dry line

What causes the catastrophic storm surge associated with a making landfall tropical cyclone?

• Strong onshore winds
• Heavy rainfall
• Rapid air pressure drop
• Coastal geography

Why are tropical cyclones more common in the northern hemisphere than the southern hemisphere?

• Warmer ocean temperatures
• Stronger Coriolis effect
• Higher humidity levels
• More landmass

What is the primary difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?

• Wind speed
• Precipitation amount
• Ocean region
• Rotation direction

How do ocean currents influence the paths of tropical cyclones?

• They deflect them towards the poles
• They steer them along the currents
• They intensify them through heat transfer
• They dissipate them through cooler waters

Why do tropical cyclones typically weaken once they make landfall?

• Decreased surface moisture
• Increased air pressure
• Loss of heat source
• Reduced wind shear