Module 14 "Weather & Climate" Study Guide

1. 1. Select all statements that are TRUE.

• Generally, the higher an area's latitude, the COLDER its air temperatures will be compared to lower latitudes (areas close to the equator) because higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight (ie, less solar energy).

• Warm air is LESS dense than cold air, so warm air also has less air pressure and rises.

• Cold air can hold MORE water vapor than warm air.

• Air pressure INCREASES with altitude in the troposphere.

2. 2. Select all statements that are TRUE.

• Temperature changes are generally SMALLER and slower in & over oceans compared to land, in the same amount of time.

• In general, areas at higher elevations have LOWER average temperatures than do areas at lower elevations.

• A HIGH pressure system is associated with rainy, cloudy weather. A LOW pressure system is associated with sunny, clear skies.

• Thermal energy moves from areas of HIGH temperature (or WARMER objects) to areas of LOWER temperature (or COOLER objects).

3. What role does heat play in the formation of convection currents? Select TWO answers.

• A. When water loses heat (becomes colder), it becomes denser and sinks.
• B. When water gains heat (becomes warmer), it becomes denser and sinks.
• C. When water loses heat to cooler water, the cooler water becomes denser and rises.
• D. When water gains heat (becomes warmer), it becomes less dense and rises.

4. Which sequence lists the water cycle in the proper order?

• A) condensation, evaporation, runoff, storage (collection), precipitation,
• B) evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, storage (collection)
• C) condensation, precipitation, evaporation, runoff, storage (collection)
• D) condensation, runoff, storage (collection), precipitation, evaporation

5. The diagram shows the global wind pattern in the lower atmosphere. What is the main factor that causes wind?

• the directions of ocean currents
• uneven landforms on Earth’s surface
• Earth's yearly revolution around the Sun
• uneven heating of Earth's surface by the Sun

6. Which one of the following is a characteristic of the movement of wind & air masses?

• Wind & air masses move from areas of High pressure to areas of Low pressure.
• Wind & air masses move from areas of Low pressure to areas of High pressure.
• All winds & air masses move in the same direction toward the equator.
• All winds & air masses move in the same direction toward the North Pole.

7. The day starts off warm and sunny. Around 1 pm, the weather changes and your barometer is decreasing. It is now cool, and there's a thunderstorm. How has the air pressure changed, and what type of front that has most likely moved in?

• The pressure is lower now, and a cold front most likely has moved in.
• The pressure is higher now, and a stationary front has most likely moved in.
• The pressure is higher now, and a warm front most likely has moved in.
• The pressure is lower now, and a warm front has most likely moved in.

8. Which statement best explains why weather systems usually move from west to east across the United States?

• Fronts move from west to east (due to Earth's revolution around the Sun).
• The Prevailing Westerlies & the jetstream flow from west to east (due to Earth's rotation).
• Pressure systems form over the Rocky Mountains and move east.
• Weather systems only originate over the Pacific Ocean.

9. Explain the two forces that are responsible for the cycling of matter in the water cycle. Choose the 2 statements that apply.

• Energy from the Sun heats water molecules and causes water to change state and move.
• Electromagnetic forces cause water molecules to change state and move.
• Gravity pulls water downward to the lowest point and causes liquid water to fall from clouds to the ground when it reaches a certain mass.
• Electrostatic forces pull water downward to the lowest point and causes liquid water to fall from clouds to the ground when it reaches a certain mass.

10. Explain the relationship between evaporation and energy transfer. How does the rate of energy transfer affect evaporation?

• When liquid water gains energy from the sun, it turns into water vapor. The more energy transferred from the sun, the greater the rate of evaporation.
• The more energy transferred from the sun, the slower the rate of evaporation. When liquid water gains energy, it freezes and expands forming ice.
• Lower energy transfer increases the rate of evaporation. Higher energy transfer decreases the rate of evaporation.
• Energy transfer has no effect on evaporation rates.