Factors That Influence Climate

Brandy has built a computer model of a weather system. She has included information about bodies of water, the Sun, and the atmosphere.

In her model, Brandy doubles the size of an inland sea. How will this likely affect temperatures in areas along the sea's coast?

• Temperatures will be more constant.

• Temperatures will be less constant.

• Temperatures will increase.

• Temperatures will remain the same.

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The parts of the Earth near the equator receive more sunlight than the north or south poles. How does this impact the climate at the equator?

• It makes the climate warmer.

• It makes the climate rainy.

• It makes the climate dry.

• It makes the climate cooler.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The fact that water heats and cools more slowly than land causes many different types of weather.

What is the primary source of heat for land and water?

• energy from the Sun

• energy from electricity

• heat from friction in the air

• heat from inside the Earth

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The equator tends to contain regions with hot climates. However, the Rwenzori Mountains, which are located close to the equator, are covered in ice caps. Why is the climate of the Rwenzori Mountains not hot?

• Regions away from the ocean are cooler.

• Clouds form a cold blanket over the mountains.

• The mountains block radiation from the Sun.

• Temperatures decrease with elevation.

In which of the following ways can mountains influence climate?

• Mountains have a higher elevation than surrounding areas. Because these areas are closer to the sun, they enjoy a warmer climate.

• Mountains have no affect on the climate of an area.

• Mountains cause air to rise. The rising air cools, resulting in condensation and precipitation.

• Mountains interfere with moving air. The air moves up the mountain, and circles back down, eventually causing tornadoes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Brandy has built a computer model of a weather system. She has included information about bodies of water, the Sun, and the atmosphere. Brandy records the average daily temperature of a continental city that is at sea level (City A). She then records the noontime temperature of a continental city at the same latitude but at a greater elevation (City B).

If all other factors in her model are the same for both cities,

• It will always rain in City B but never in City A.

• City A will have a higher temperature overall than City B.

• City B will have a higher temperature overall than City A.

• It will always rain in City A but never in City B.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The average yearly temperatures and latitudes of four cities are shown in the table. Which of the following is demonstrated by the cities in the table?

• As latitude decreases, average yearly temperature generally decreases.

• The climate of an area is never influenced by the region's latitude.

• As latitude decreases, average yearly temperature generally increases.

• Climate is only influenced by latitude in the Southern Hemisphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following factors would affect the weather patterns of a region?

• nearby bodies of water

• altitude

• latitude

• all of these

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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The Sierra Nevada mountain range is located primarily in California. Warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean travels up the western side of the mountain range, causing precipitation, and drying out as it reaches the top of the mountains. As the dry air comes down the eastern side of the mountain range, it causes a rain shadow. The Great Basin region of Nevada is located in this rain shadow. How does this affect the climate of the Great Basin region of Nevada?

• The rain shadow effect causes the Great Basin region to have very cold winters.

• The rain shadow effect causes frequent flooding in the Great Basin region.

• The rain shadow effect causes frequent tornadoes in the Great Basin region.

• The rain shadow effect causes the Great Basin region to have a very dry climate.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

When clouds pass over mountain ranges, precipitation often occurs on the seaward side of the mountain. Which of the following explains why this happens?

• The mountains release heat energy, which warms the water vapor in the air.

• The mountains force the clouds to rise and the air cools, condensation occurs.

• The mountains act as a barrier and prevent precipitation from falling.

• The mountains create a high pressure system which leads to rainfall.

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