Weather Patterns

What are the three major factors that contribute to weather patterns?

• Ocean currents, air masses, and topography

• Temperature, pressure, and humidity

• Sun, wind, and precipitation

• Latitude, longitude, and altitude

Ocean currents are described as:

• Small streams in the ocean

• Massive "rivers" of water moving through our oceans

• Areas of still water in the ocean

• Tidal movements near the shore

How do ocean currents affect weather?

• They have no effect on weather

• They only affect underwater ecosystems

• They carry heat from the equator toward the poles

• They create hurricanes

Why are coastal cities often milder than inland areas?

• Because of air pollution

• Due to the influence of ocean currents

• Because they are always at sea level

• Due to higher population density

What is an air mass?

• A cloud formation

• A large body of air with similar temperature and humidity

• A type of weather front

• A high-pressure system

Which of the following is NOT a type of air mass?

• Maritime tropical

• Continental polar

• Oceanic equatorial

• Continental arctic

What characterizes a maritime air mass?

• Dry and cold

• Warm and dry

• Moist and warm

• Cold and moist

Which type of air mass would most likely bring rain to an area?

• Continental polar

• Maritime tropical

• Continental tropical

• Arctic

Where do fronts form in relation to air masses?

• Within a single air mass

• Where two air masses meet

• Only over oceans

• Only over land

How does topography affect weather?

• It has no effect on weather

• It only affects local plant life

• It changes air flow patterns and influences temperature and precipitation

• It only affects weather during winter