Understanding Weather and Climate Patterns

What is the primary source of energy that drives weather patterns on Earth?

• The Moon

• The Sun

• Ocean currents

• Earth's core

Which of the following best describes how the Sun's energy affects the hydrosphere?

• It causes the water to freeze.

• It evaporates water, leading to cloud formation.

• It makes the water salty.

• It changes the color of the water.

Explain how the interaction between the Sun's energy and the atmosphere can influence climate.

• The Sun's energy has no effect on climate.

• The Sun's energy heats the atmosphere, which can lead to changes in climate patterns.

• The Sun's energy cools the atmosphere, stabilizing climate.

• The Sun's energy only affects the surface of the Earth, not the atmosphere.

What is a global pattern of atmospheric movement that influences local weather?

• Ocean tides

• Jet streams

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic eruptions

How do jet streams affect local weather conditions?

• They cause earthquakes.

• They can bring cold or warm air, affecting temperature and precipitation.

• They have no effect on local weather.

• They only affect weather in the polar regions.

Analyze how changes in global atmospheric patterns can lead to extreme weather events.

• Changes in patterns have no impact on weather.

• Changes can lead to extreme weather by altering temperature and precipitation patterns.

• Changes only affect ocean currents, not weather.

• Changes stabilize weather conditions.

What is the primary factor that causes ocean currents to interact with air masses?

• The Moon's gravitational pull

• Temperature differences

• Earth's magnetic field

• Human activity

Describe how ocean currents can influence the formation of tropical cyclones.

• Ocean currents have no effect on cyclones.

• Warm ocean currents can provide energy and moisture, leading to cyclone formation.

• Cold ocean currents prevent cyclone formation.

• Ocean currents only affect land temperatures.

Evaluate the role of ocean currents and air masses in the development of hurricanes.

• They have no role in hurricane development.

• They interact to create conditions favorable for hurricane development.

• They only affect hurricanes after they form.

• They prevent hurricanes from forming.

What is the carbon cycle?

• The process by which carbon is used to make diamonds.

• The movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

• The cycle of carbon in the Earth's core.

• The process of carbon turning into oxygen.