Horizons Temperature and Fronts

Which time of day is typically the hottest?

• Near midnight

• Morning (~7 am)

• Near noon

• Late afternoon/early evening

Answer explanation

The maximum temperature typically occurs when there is large outgoing earth energy that begins to exceed the diminishing incoming solar energy. This typically happens when the sun starts to set in the late afternoon/early evening.

Which time of day is typically the coldest?

• Near midnight

• Slightly after sunrise

• Near noon

• Late afternoon/early evening

Answer explanation

The minimum temperature typically occurs when there is low outgoing earth energy that begins to be surpassed by the increasing incoming solar energy. This typically happens slightly after sunrise.

Why is it generally warmer in the summer than the winter?

• Because there is increased cloud cover leading to increased heating at night

• Because the Earth is closer to the Sun

• Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis allows for more direct sunlight received for longer hours.

• All of the above

Answer explanation

• Due to the tilt of the Earth, the Northern Hemisphere gets more direct sunlight from the spring equinox to the fall equinox (late Mar. to late Sept.), leading to warmer temperatures. The Earth is typically further from the Sun during Northern Hemisphere summer and clouds often decrease in the summer compared to the winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which location is typically warmer?

• Location A (North Dakota)

• Location B (Texas)

Answer explanation

Generally, Location B (Texas) would be warmer than Location A (North Dakota) because it closer to the equator and therefore receives more direct sunlight throughout the year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which location is typically warmer?

• Location A (valley) since temperature normally decreases with altitude within the troposphere

• Location B (hill/mountain top) since as you go up in elevation, you get closer to the sun

• Location A (valley) since it is closer to the equator

• Location B (hill/mountain top) since clouds normally form on top of mountains

Answer explanation

As you go up in altitude, temperature decreases within the troposphere. The tops of mountains often are covered with snow/ice!

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which location is typically warmer during autumn months?

• Location A (North New Jersey) because it is closer to the equator

• Location A (North New Jersey) because land warms up quicker than water

• Location B (Long Island New York) because the location is very close to water which retains heat longer after summer months

• Location A (North New Jersey) because it is at a higher altitude

Answer explanation

Water retains heat better than land so locations near water remain warmer for longer periods of time.

Which location is typically warmer at night?

• Location A (North New Jersey) because it experiences greater cloud cover

• Location B (Long Island New York) because water retains heat longer after sunset

Answer explanation

Water retains heat better than land so locations near water remain warmer for longer periods of time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which location typically has warmer temperatures during summer months?

• Location A (Northern Coastal California) because it is closer to the equator

• Location B (Long Island New York) because the east coast of continents typically has warmer ocean currents

• Location A (Northern Coastal California) because the west coast of continents typically has warmer ocean currents

• Location B (Long Island New York) because it typically has higher cloud cover

Answer explanation

The east coast of continents typically has warmer ocean currents than the west coast. The ocean current near the U.S. East Coast is called the Gulf Stream. The ocean current near the U.S. West Coast is called the California Current.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which is typically warmer (assuming all other factors remain the same)?

• A grassy field

• A parking lot

Answer explanation

Assuming no differences in latitude, altitude, proximity to water, cloud cover, or other geographic factors, the asphalt in the parking lot would reflect less solar energy, leading to warmer temperatures compared to the grassy field.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

During the day, does cloud cover lead to warmer or cooler temperatures?

• Cooler temperatures because they reflect and absorb incoming energy from the Sun

• Cloud cover has no effect on daytime temperatures

• Cooler temperatures because they store water vapor

• Warmer temperatures because they trap outgoing energy from the Earth

Answer explanation

During the day, clouds block (reflect and absorb) incoming energy from the Sun, keeping the Earth cooler.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4