Regents Earth Science Climate Factors

How does the average annual surface temperature compare from latitude to latitude?

• As latitude increases, the average annual surface temperature decreases.
• As latitude increases, the average annual surface temperature increases.
• As latitude increases, the average annual surface temperature remains the same. 
• Well, it's not this one. 

What is the best explanation for these two statements?
1. Some mountains located near the Earth's Equator have snow-covered peaks. 
2. Icecaps exist at the Earth's poles.

• High elevation and high latitude have a similar effect on climate. 
• Both mountain and polar regions have arid climates.
• Mountain and polar regions receive more energy from the Sun than other regions.
• An increase in snowfall and an increase in temperature have a similar effect on climate. 

Which graph best shows the general effect that differences in elevation above sea level have on the average annual temperature?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Why are temperature variations usually not as great on Long Island as they are in central New York State?

• Central New York State has a higher elevation.
• Central New York State is more heavily wooded.
• Long Island has a more southerly latitude.
• Long Island is surrounded by a large body of water. 

What effect does a large body of water usually have on a nearby landmass?

• The water causes cooler summers and colder winters. 
• The water causes cooler summers and warmer winters. 
• The water causes hotter summers and warmer winters. 
• The water causes warmer summers and colder winters. 

A city located near the center of a large continent has colder winters and warmer summers than a city at the same elevation and latitude located on the continent's coast. Which statement best explains the difference between the cities climates? 

• Windspeeds are greater over land than over oceans. 
• Air masses originate only over land. 
• Land has a lower specific heat than water.
• Water changes temperature more rapidly than land. 

At which latitudes do currents of dry, sinking air cause the dry conditions of Earth's major deserts?

• 0° and 30°N
• 60°N and 60°S
• 30°N and 30°S
• 60°S and 90°S

Which statement best explains why a desert often forms on the leeward side of a mountain? 

• Sinking air compresses and warms.
• Sinking air expands and warms.
• Rising air compresses and warms.
• Rising air expands and warms. 

The planetary winds on Earth are indicated by the curving arrows in the diagram. 
The curved paths of the planetary winds are a result of 

• changes in humidity.
• changes in temperature.
• Earth's rotation on its axis
• Earth's gravitational force

A storm system centered over Elmira, New York, Will most often track toward

• Albany
• Jamestown
• Rochester
• New York City