Science STAAR Weather

The weather map shows the weather conditions for one day across the United States.Based on the weather map, which city will most likely experience decreasing temperatures during the next 24 hours? 
A.Denver, because it is raining there 
B.Minneapolis, because a cold front is approaching 
C.Atlanta, because a warm front is approaching 
D.Houston, because it is in a high-pressure area

• A
• B
• C
• D

What is one condition that is necessary for a hurricane to form? 
A.Warm ocean water 
B.A strong cold front 
C.Cold ocean water 
D.A strong warm front
 

• A
• B
• C
• D

Which of these best explains why the oceans have a great impact on the weather over the continents?
A) Ocean waves move more easily than continental rock.
B) The oceans contain a wider variety of organisms than the continents.
C) The oceans store and transfer more heat than the continents.
D) Ocean water contains more salt than most continental lake water.

• A
• B
• C
• D

Why do hurricanes in the northern hemisphere move from Africa towards North America? 
A.The Coriolis Effect and the trade winds steer most weather patterns from right to left in the northern hemisphere.
B.Trade winds have a tendency to influence weather patterns to move from left to right across the northern hemisphere increasing the chances of hurricanes to form.
C.The strength of the Coriolis Effect is much weaker in higher latitudes and the trade winds drive weather patterns to move in a north-easterly pattern.
D.Strong ocean waves push weather patterns in a north-westerly motion across the Atlantic and produces hurricanes as they move.

• A
• B
• C
• D

THIS IS ON 2017 TEST
In 2011, Typhoon Nesat struck the Philippines and caused widespread flooding. After hitting the Philippines, Typhoon Nesat was predicted to hit the large city of Hanoi, Vietnam.If Typhoon Nesat had continued along the same path, which development would most likely have reduced its strength before it hit Hanoi? 
A.The formation of a low-pressure area south of Bangkok
B.The formation of a high-pressure area south of Bangkok
C.Cool water moving into the sea east of Hanoi
D.Warm water moving into the sea east of Hanoi

• A
• B
• C
• D

Thunderstorms are more common in some areas than in others. The map shows the average number of thunderstorms per year in different parts of the United States.Why are there significantly more thunderstorms in Florida than in California? 
A.The state of Florida is smaller than the state of California. 
B.The air in Florida is more stable than the air in California. 
C.The air above Florida holds less moisture than the air above California. 
D.The ocean currents near Florida are warmer than the ocean currents near California.

• A
• B
• C
• D

Hurricanes and similar storm systems begin over oceans. The map below shows average surface temperatures of the oceans in the summer.
Based on the map, which area probably produced the most violent storm systems?  A.Area 1
B.Area 2
C.Area 3
D.Area 4

• A
• B
• C
• D

What is one condition that is necessary for a hurricane to form? 
A.Warm ocean water 
B.A strong cold front 
C.Cold ocean water 
D.A strong warm front
 

• A
• B
• C
• D