January 2020 was the warmest in weather history

The past January was the hottest on record, with climate researchers attributing this to a jet stream that trapped cold air over the Arctic. This phenomenon, known as the Arctic Oscillation, was in a positive phase, leading to a flat jet stream that kept cold air contained in the Arctic. As a result, regions like the US, Hawaii, Russia, Europe, South America, and Australia experienced unusually high temperatures. Additionally, sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica has retreated significantly. The positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation is believed to be a key factor in these temperature anomalies.

What phenomenon is suggested to have caused the hottest January in weather history?

• Increased solar activity

• Deforestation

• A jet stream trapping cold air over the Arctic

• Volcanic eruptions

Which regions experienced abnormally high temperatures in January according to NOAA data?

• Middle East and North Africa

• Antarctica and Greenland

• US, Hawaii, Russia, Europe, South America, and Australia

• Africa and Asia

What has happened to sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica?

• It has expanded

• It has remained stable

• It has thickened

• It has retreated

What is the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and how does it affect the jet stream?

• A seasonal wind pattern

• A type of ocean current

• A phenomenon that affects the jet stream's shape and position

• A weather pattern that causes hurricanes

During a positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation, what happens to the jet stream?

• It becomes wavy and allows cold air to move south

• It weakens and dissipates

• It flattens and traps cold air over the Arctic

• It strengthens and moves north