Climate

Washington D.C. will experience lower yearly temperatures than a location on the Equator; this is due to which climate factor?

• latitude

• ocean currents

• longitude

Answer explanation

Washington D.C. is at a higher latitude than locations on the Equator. Latitude affects solar energy received, leading to warmer temperatures near the Equator and cooler temperatures at higher latitudes like D.C.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Based on the direction of the prevailing winds, which city is most likely to have a rainy climate?

• A

• B

• C

Answer explanation

City A is likely to have a rainy climate due to the prevailing winds bringing moisture from the ocean. This results in higher precipitation compared to cities B and C, which may be located in drier areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which climate factor is most likely responsible for making location A cooler than location B?

• proximity to water

• elevation

• latitude

Answer explanation

Latitude affects climate by determining the angle of sunlight received. Location A is cooler than location B likely due to its higher latitude, resulting in less direct sunlight and cooler temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Coastal locations will have cooler summers and warmer winters (compared to inland locations at the same latitude) this is a result of:

• the low specific heat value of water

• the high specific heat value of water

• the low density of water

• evaporation from bodies of water

Answer explanation

The high specific heat value of water allows coastal areas to moderate temperature changes, resulting in cooler summers and warmer winters compared to inland areas at the same latitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Compared to Springfield, Virginia Beach will have

• cooler summers

• warmer summers

Answer explanation

Virginia Beach has a coastal climate, which generally results in cooler summers compared to Springfield, which is further inland and tends to experience hotter summer temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Compared to Springfield, Virginia Beach will have

• cooler winters

• warmer winters

Answer explanation

Virginia Beach has a milder climate compared to Springfield, leading to warmer winters. This is due to its coastal location, which generally results in less severe winter temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Compared to Springfield, Virginia Beach will have

• a dramatic change in average temperatures throughout the year

• a more balanced temperature throughout the year

Answer explanation

Virginia Beach has a more moderate climate due to its coastal location, leading to less temperature variation throughout the year compared to Springfield, which experiences more dramatic seasonal changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which surface ocean current most directly affects the climate of Virginia Beach?

• Florida C.

• California C.

• Canary C.

• Gulf Stream C.

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream C. is a warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the U.S. East Coast, significantly influencing the climate of Virginia Beach by moderating temperatures and affecting weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The difference in the average monthly temperatures between Cities A and B is most likely the result of:

• differences in prevailing wind belts

• elevation

• the high specific heat value of water

• ocean currents

Answer explanation

The high specific heat value of water affects temperature regulation, leading to differences in average monthly temperatures between cities. Water's ability to absorb and release heat moderates climate, making it a key factor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Despite its location in the Tropics, the peak of Mauna Kea, Hawaii is often covered in snow. This is the result of which climate factor?

• ocean currents

• proximity to water

• elevation

• latitude

Answer explanation

The peak of Mauna Kea is often covered in snow due to its high elevation. Despite being in the Tropics, the altitude allows temperatures to drop low enough for snow to form, making elevation the key climate factor.