Atmospheric and Oceanic Processes Quiz

What characteristics do all western boundary currents share?

• They are cold, slow, and flow toward the equator.

• They are warm, fast, and flow away from the equator.

• They are warm, slow, and flow toward the poles.

• They are cold, fast, and flow away from the poles.

Which way do fluids get deflected in the northern hemisphere due to the Coriolis Effect?

• To the left

• To the right

• Upward

• Downward

What is the air doing at a high pressure in terms of motion and rotation?

• Rising and rotating counterclockwise

• Sinking and rotating clockwise

• Rising and rotating clockwise

• Sinking and rotating counterclockwise

How does air flow between pressures?

• From low pressure to high pressure

• From high pressure to low pressure

• In a circular motion only

• It does not flow between pressures

What happens to the temperature as you go higher into the troposphere? Why?

• It increases because the sun is closer.

• It decreases because the air is thinner and less able to hold heat.

• It stays the same due to constant sunlight.

• It increases because of higher air pressure.

What air temperature holds the most moisture?

• Cold air

• Warm air

• Both hold the same amount

• Moisture is not affected by temperature

What are the steps to lightning formation? (Start at updraft)

• Updraft, cloud formation, charge separation, discharge

• Updraft, rain, thunder, discharge

• Updraft, wind, charge separation, discharge

• Updraft, charge separation, discharge

What seasons are tornadoes most active for Michigan?

• Winter and fall

• Spring and summer

• Summer and fall

• Winter and spring

Why is the winter not conducive to thunderstorms and tornadoes in Michigan?

• The air is too warm and stable.

• There is not enough moisture and instability in the air.

• The days are too long.

• The wind is too weak.

How is a mesocyclone and tornado related?

• A mesocyclone is a type of tornado.

• A tornado forms from a mesocyclone.

• A mesocyclone is the aftermath of a tornado.

• Tornadoes and mesocyclones are unrelated.