Weather Patterns, Hydrosphere and Ocean Currents

How do global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather conditions?

• They have no effect on local weather.

• They determine the temperature and precipitation patterns.

• They only affect weather in coastal areas.

• They cause earthquakes.

Answer explanation

Global patterns of atmospheric movement, such as wind and ocean currents, significantly influence local weather by determining temperature and precipitation patterns, making this the correct choice.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10B

Explain how the Coriolis effect influences atmospheric movement and weather patterns.

• It causes air to move in a straight line across the Earth.

• It deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

• It has no effect on atmospheric movement.

• It causes air to rise and fall vertically.

Answer explanation

The Coriolis effect causes moving air to be deflected: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection influences wind patterns and weather systems globally.

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TEKS.SCI.8.10B

Describe the interaction between warm ocean currents and air masses in the development of hurricanes.

• Warm ocean currents cool the air masses, reducing hurricane strength.

• Warm ocean currents heat the air masses, providing energy for hurricane formation.

• Warm ocean currents have no effect on air masses.

• Warm ocean currents create high-pressure systems that prevent hurricanes.

Answer explanation

Warm ocean currents heat the air masses, increasing their moisture and energy, which is crucial for hurricane formation. This process enhances the development and intensity of hurricanes, making the correct choice the second option.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10C

Evaluate the impact of ocean currents on the intensity and path of tropical cyclones.

• Ocean currents have no impact on the intensity or path of tropical cyclones.

• Ocean currents can increase the intensity and alter the path of tropical cyclones.

• Ocean currents only affect the path, not the intensity, of tropical cyclones.

• Ocean currents only affect the intensity, not the path, of tropical cyclones.

Answer explanation

Ocean currents influence sea surface temperatures, which can enhance the energy available for tropical cyclones, increasing their intensity. Additionally, currents can redirect the movement of these storms, altering their paths.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10C

What is the primary factor that causes the deflection of wind patterns on Earth?

• The Earth's magnetic field.

• The rotation of the Earth.

• The gravitational pull of the moon.

• The presence of mountains.

Answer explanation

The primary factor causing the deflection of wind patterns on Earth is the rotation of the Earth, which leads to the Coriolis effect. This effect causes winds to curve rather than move in a straight line.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10B

Which of the following is a direct result of the interaction between ocean currents and air masses?

• Formation of deserts.

• Development of tropical cyclones.

• Creation of mountain ranges.

• Occurrence of solar eclipses.

Answer explanation

The development of tropical cyclones is directly influenced by the interaction of warm ocean currents and moist air masses, which provide the necessary energy and moisture for these storms to form.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10C

How do atmospheric pressure systems influence local weather patterns?

• High-pressure systems generally bring clear skies and calm weather.

• Low-pressure systems always bring sunny weather.

• Atmospheric pressure systems have no effect on local weather.

• High-pressure systems cause hurricanes.

Answer explanation

High-pressure systems are associated with descending air, which inhibits cloud formation, leading to clear skies and calm weather. This is why the correct choice states that high-pressure systems generally bring such conditions.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10B

Discuss the role of the Gulf Stream in the development of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.

• The Gulf Stream cools the Atlantic Ocean, preventing hurricanes.

• The Gulf Stream provides warm water that fuels hurricane development.

• The Gulf Stream has no effect on hurricanes.

• The Gulf Stream creates high-pressure systems that dissipate hurricanes.

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream provides warm water, which is essential for hurricane development. Warm ocean water fuels hurricanes, allowing them to gain strength and intensity as they move across the Atlantic.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10C

Assess the potential effects of a change in ocean current patterns on the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones.

• There would be no change in the frequency or intensity of tropical cyclones.

• Changes in ocean current patterns could increase both the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones.

• Only the frequency of tropical cyclones would be affected.

• Only the intensity of tropical cyclones would be affected.

Answer explanation

Changes in ocean current patterns can affect sea surface temperatures and moisture levels, which are critical for tropical cyclone formation. Warmer waters can lead to more frequent and intense cyclones, making this the correct choice.

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TEKS.SCI.8.10C

Identify the main factor that contributes to the development of typhoons in the Pacific Ocean.

• Cold ocean currents.

• Warm ocean currents and air masses.

• High-altitude winds.

• Mountain ranges.

Answer explanation

Typhoons form over warm ocean waters, where warm ocean currents and air masses provide the necessary heat and moisture. This combination fuels the storm's development, making it the main factor in typhoon formation.

Tags

TEKS.SCI.8.10C