METEOROLOGY TEST REVIEW #2

What is the short-term atmospheric condition in a specific place called?

• Climate

• Weather

• Atmosphere

• Lithosphere

Answer explanation

The short-term atmospheric condition in a specific place is called 'weather'. It refers to the day-to-day changes in temperature, humidity, precipitation, and other atmospheric factors, unlike 'climate', which describes long-term patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What describes long-term average weather patterns over a period of time?

• Weather

• Climate

• Troposphere

• Hydrosphere

Answer explanation

Climate describes long-term average weather patterns over time, while weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions. The troposphere is a layer of the atmosphere, and the hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the major source of energy for Earth?

• The Moon

• The Sun

• The Stars

• The Oceans

Answer explanation

The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth, providing light and heat that drive weather, photosynthesis, and climate. Other sources like the Moon, stars, and oceans do not contribute as significantly to Earth's energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which layer of Earth contains water such as oceans, rivers, and lakes?

• Lithosphere

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Stratosphere

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere is the layer of Earth that contains all water, including oceans, rivers, and lakes. It encompasses all forms of water on the planet, making it the correct choice for this question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the Earth's solid surface called?

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Lithosphere

• Troposphere

Answer explanation

The Earth's solid surface is called the lithosphere. It includes the crust and the upper mantle, distinguishing it from the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), and troposphere (lowest atmospheric layer).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which layer of the atmosphere is where all life and weather occur?

• Stratosphere

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where all life exists and weather phenomena occur. It extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers, making it essential for life and weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Where do meteors burn up in the atmosphere?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

Meteors burn up in the mesosphere, which is located about 50 to 85 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This layer is where the friction from the atmosphere causes meteors to heat up and disintegrate.

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the International Space Station?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

The International Space Station orbits Earth in the thermosphere, which extends from about 85 km to 600 km above the surface. This layer is characterized by high temperatures and is where low Earth orbit satellites, including the ISS, are located.

What is the outermost layer of the atmosphere that merges into space?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

The outermost layer of the atmosphere is the exosphere. It gradually merges into outer space, making it distinct from the other layers like the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere, which are closer to Earth.

What is the direct heat transfer through contact called?

• Convection

• Conduction

• Radiation

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

The direct heat transfer through contact is called conduction. It occurs when heat moves from one object to another through direct physical contact, unlike convection (fluid movement) or radiation (energy transfer through space).