Ocean Currents and Climate Quiz

How do unequal heating and the rotation of the Earth influence regional climates?

• They cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation.

• They increase the salinity of the oceans.

• They decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth.

• They create more landforms.

What is the primary energy source for Earth's weather patterns?

• The Moon

• The Sun

• The Earth's core

• The stars

How does the Sun's energy affect Earth's atmosphere and oceans?

• It cools them down

• It causes convection, producing winds and ocean currents

• It stops all movement

• It only affects the land

What causes convection currents in the atmosphere?

• The even heating of Earth's surface

• The uneven heating of Earth's surface

• The constant temperature of Earth's surface

• The cooling of Earth's surface

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind cells?

• It makes them spin counterclockwise north of the equator

• It makes them spin clockwise south of the equator

• It makes them spin clockwise north of the equator

• It makes them spin in a straight line

What happens to air molecules at higher altitudes?

• They become less dense and rise

• They cool, become denser, and sink

• They expand and become warmer

• They remain at the same density

What is the role of convection currents in the atmosphere?

• They create earthquakes

• They help distribute heat

• They cause volcanic eruptions

• They stop the wind

What happens to temperature as altitude increases?

• Temperature increases

• Temperature decreases

• Temperature remains the same

• Temperature fluctuates

Why do higher latitudes receive less solar energy per unit of area?

• Because they are closer to the sun

• Because the sun's rays hit at a steeper angle

• Because they are farther from the sun

• Because the sun's rays hit directly

Which area is likely to have a lower average temperature?

• Low latitude, low elevation

• High latitude, low elevation

• Low latitude, high elevation

• High latitude, high elevation