Understanding Weather and Climate

Which of the following best describes the relationship between weather and climate?

• Weather is long-term, while climate is short-term

• Weather and climate are the same thing

• Weather is day-to-day, while climate is the average over a long period

• Climate only refers to temperature, while weather includes other factors

Why are air masses important in understanding weather patterns?

• They determine the Earth's rotation

• They influence the formation of fronts and weather changes

• They only affect ocean currents

• They have no impact on weather

Which global wind belt is responsible for hurricanes often curving northward in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Trade Winds

• Polar Easterlies

• Prevailing Westerlies

• Equatorial Doldrums

How do meteorologists use station models?

• To predict earthquakes

• To symbolically represent weather observations at specific locations

• To measure ocean temperatures

• To launch weather balloons

What is the primary difference between a cold front and a warm front?

• Cold fronts move faster than warm fronts

• Warm fronts bring clear skies, while cold fronts bring storms

• Cold fronts push under warm air masses, while warm fronts slide over cold air masses

• There is no difference between them

Which of the following would likely indicate an approaching warm front?

• Sudden drop in temperature

• Clearing skies and decreasing humidity

• Gradually lowering clouds and increasing precipitation

• Strong, gusty winds from the northwest

How do the Polar Easterlies differ from the Prevailing Westerlies?

• They blow in opposite directions

• Polar Easterlies are found near the equator

• Prevailing Westerlies are stronger

• There is no difference between them

What causes pressure differences in the atmosphere?

• The Earth's rotation only

• Variations in temperature and density of air masses

• Ocean currents

• The moon's gravitational pull

In an occluded front, what typically happens?

• Two warm air masses collide

• A cold front overtakes a warm front

• A warm front overtakes a cold front

• Two cold air masses collide

Which of the following best describes the Trade Winds?

• Winds that change direction frequently

• Steady winds blowing from east to west near the equator

• Winds that only occur over oceans

• Strong winds found in the polar regions