Atmospheric Circulation Quiz

Read the passage 'Atmospheric Circulation' and answer the question below: Which statement BEST describes the airflow pattern at 30° north and south of the equator, as well as at the poles?

• The airflow into these regions is cool and moist, since the air is sinking.

• The airflow into these regions is warm and dry, since the air is rising.

• The airflow into these regions is cool and dry, since the air is sinking.

• The airflow into these regions is warm and moist, since the air is rising.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Both cold and warm currents move through the oceans to circulate water and redistribute heat. London is located farther north than New York, but London has a warmer climate than New York. Which statement provides the BEST explanation for this phenomenon?

• The cold ocean water near New York absorbs heat from the land nearby. The warm ocean water near London releases heat to the land nearby.

• The cold ocean water near New York releases heat to the land nearby. The warm ocean water near London absorbs heat from the land nearby.

• The warm ocean water near New York absorbs heat from the land nearby. The cold ocean water near London releases heat to the land nearby.

• The warm ocean water near New York releases heat to the land nearby. The cold ocean water near London absorbs heat from the land nearby.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Locations A and B are found at the same latitudes, yet they have different average temperatures. Which choice best explains the difference in temperatures?

• Areas near the ocean experience less extreme temperatures.

• Areas closer to the equator have warmer temperatures.

• Areas in the Eastern Hemisphere are warmer than in the Western Hemisphere.

• Large landmasses experience less extreme temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Read the passage 'Air Movement Over Mountains' and choose the correct statement.

• Air moves faster over mountains.

• Air moves slower over mountains.

• Air movement is unaffected by mountains.

• Air movement stops over mountains.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which statement describes why precipitation occurs as air moves upwards over mountains?

• Water vapor warms and condenses, forming precipitation.

• Water vapor cools and evaporates, forming precipitation.

• Water vapor cools and condenses, forming precipitation.

• Water vapor warms and evaporates, forming precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Sean and his family are listening to the weather report. The local meteorologist states: "There is a large patch of cool, dry air coming down from the north, and that is going to collide with warm, moist air coming from the south. We expect to see a lot of wind shear when these two air masses collide." Should Sean and his family be concerned about a tornado forming? Why or why not?

• Yes, because the cool, dry air will rapidly rise when it meets the warm, moist air and create a vertical vortex that may lead to a supercell thunderstorm and a tornado.

• No, because tornadoes only form out of thunderstorms that are created when two masses of warm air collide.

• Yes, because strong wind shear will create a horizontal vortex and the warm, moist air will create an updraft that may lead to a supercell thunderstorm and a tornado.

• No, because tornadoes cannot form out of thunderstorms that are created in the presence of any wind shear.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A cold, dry air mass collides with a warm, humid air mass over flat land. The warm air is forced upward, causing a powerful updraft. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, creating a powerful downdraft. What type of weather event is forming?

• a flood

• a tsunami

• a hurricane

• a thunderstorm

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

How do weather fronts affect the formation of tornadoes?

• Tornadoes can form when one weather front moves in a circle.

• Tornadoes can form when one weather front reverses direction.

• Tornadoes can form when two weather fronts pass one another.

• Tornadoes can form when two weather fronts move into one other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The picture shows the clouds that Alyssa sees one cold morning. The thermometer outside of her house reads 1°C. Which change in the weather will most likely happen if the temperature drops?

• Rain will begin to fall.

• Snow will begin to fall.

• There will be a tornado.

• There will be a thunderstorm.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following is correct when convection occurs in the atmosphere?

• Cool air rises and warm air sinks.

• Cool air sinks and warm air rises.

• Cool and warm air sink.

• Cool and warm air rise.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6