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WorksheetsScience 5.E.1.3 Global Weather Patterns
Total questions: 124
Worksheet time: 10hrs 20mins
Why do hurricanes die out soon after hitting landfall?
Cloud types change.
Warm water no longer give them energy.
The storm rotation changes.
The storm surge floods the coast.
Where do hurricanes form?
in the ocean near warm areas
in the ocean near cold areas
in large lakes near cold areas
in small lakes near warm areas
Which explains the high precipitation levels in areas near the equator?
The equator has very little wind, which causes rain-filled clouds to remain still for longer periods of time
The equator has stronger winds that cause clouds filled with precipitation to burst, resulting in precipitation
At the equator, warmer conditions create an increase in evaporation. Evaporation leads to more precipitation.
At the equator, warmer conditions create a decrease in evaporation. Less evaporation leads to more precipitation.
Global atmospheric patterns are responsible for most local weather. Which causes these patterns to exist?
mountain ranges
greenhouse gases
holes in the ozone layer
unequal heating of the Earth
Global winds over the United States blow in which direction?
east to west
north to south
south to west
west to east
What guides the cold arctic air that enters North Carolina in the winter months?
jet stream
trade winds
subtropical air mass
maritime polar air mass
Which best explains what type of weather the Gulf Stream usually brings to North Carolina?
increased wind speed
increased air pressure
increased temperature
increased evaporation
How does a large body of water usually affect weather conditions on nearby land?
It causes the weather to be dryer in the winter
It causes the weather to be colder in the winter
It causes the weather to be warmer in the winter
it causes the weather to be less severe in the winter
Examine the graphic. Which country would Great Britain’s climate be most like if the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current did not exist?
Brazil
Canada
Australia
Argentina
Which best describes how winds in the jet stream blow?
no pattern
between two boundaries of hot air
between two boundaries of cold air
between a boundary of cold air and a boundary of hot air
Which lists some effects of El Niño?
warmer temperatures and more rain
warmer temperatures and less rain
cooler temperatures and less rain
cooler temperatures and more rain
Which best describes a characteristic of the jet stream?
It forms a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass.
It creates the high winds around the eye of a hurricane.
It forces the hot air along the equator to rise to areas in North America.
It causes high pressure air masses to rotate clockwise.
What will most likely result when the jet stream moves south of North Carolina?
North Carolina will experience tropical weather conditions.
North Carolina will experience hot, dry weather.
North Carolina will experience mild weather.
North Carolina will experience cold weather.
Which country would Great Britain’s climate be most like if the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current did not exist?
Brazil
Canada
Australia
South Africa
Which weather conditions are associated with El Niño in the Pacific Ocean and on the west coasts of the Americas?
increased temperature, increased precipitation
decreased temperature, increased precipitation
increased temperature, decreased precipitation
decreased temperature, decreased precipitation
Which describes the direction of prevailing westerlies?
east to west
west to east
south to west
west to south
Which of the following global weather patterns increases the strength of hurricanes?
the prevailing westerlies
the jet stream
the gulf stream
the polar easterlies
Which weather pattern has the most influence on the weather in North Carolina?
polar easterlies
polar westerlies
prevailing easterlies
prevailing westerlies
Which conditions are needed for a hurricane to form?
warm, dry air rising over warm areas on the land
warm, dry air rising over warm areas in the ocean
warm, moist air rising over warm areas on the land
warm, moist air rising over warm areas in the ocean
Which is most responsible for moderating weather along the North Carolina coast?
La Niña
the jet stream
the Gulf Stream
prevailing westerlies
Which affects the coast of North Carolina, causing it to receive less snow than the rest of the state?
El Niño
La Niña
the jet stream
The Gulf Stream
Which of these actions causes wind?
rotation of Earth on its axis
movement of air from water to land
uneven heating of Earth’s surface
air passing Earth as it revolves around the Sun
The diagram shows the movement of air. Which factor is MOST responsible for the movement of the air shown?
uneven heating of the air
imbalance in organisms breathing the air
sunlight getting blocked by the land
different levels of liquid in the air
Which polar jet stream path would bring unusually warm weather to the Great Lakes region in winter?
A
B
C
D
Mrs. Anderson gave her class a quiz about the Gulf Stream. The first question asked students to draw the path of the current. Four of the maps are below. Which student drew the path correctly?
Tomas
Cecily
Humberto
Zavia
Study the map of the polar jet stream below. What type of weather would MOST likely appear at the location marked X?
cold and dry
cold and wet
warm and dry
warm and wet
What do ocean currents carry that MOST affects climates?
salt
ships
fish
heat
Alberta Clippers are fast-moving winter low-pressure systems. These systems start over the Canadian province of Alberta. The polar jet stream carries them across the United States. Alberta Clippers often bring very cold air and snow. Which of the following shapes the jet stream carrying these systems?
the temperature of Earth’s surface
the location of other pressure systems
the path of the subtropical jet stream
the direction of Earth’s tilt from the Sun
The polar jet stream is an air current that flows across North America. It flows much faster in winter than it does in summer. Why is it faster in the winter?
Northern air has more oxygen in winter.
Northern air is warmer in winter.
Northern air is colder in winter.
Northern air is drier in winter.
Which MOST affects the path of a weather system in the United States?
the width of the jet stream
the speed of the jet stream
the location of the jet stream
the temperature of the jet stream
Hurricanes that hit the east coast of the United States often start as low-pressure systems off the west coast of Africa. Which global winds move these hurricanes toward the United States?
polar easterlies
prevailing westerlies
northeast trade winds
southeast trade winds
Which causes the subtropical jet stream to bring cold, wet winter weather to the southeastern United States?
El Niño
La Niña
Coriolis effect
Santa Ana winds
A student in northern Ohio lost a balloon in a storm. Toward which state would the balloon MOST likely travel?
Michigan
Indiana
Pennsylvania
Kentucky
Which best describes a characteristic of the jet stream?
It forms a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass
It creates the high winds around the eye of a hurricane.
It forces the hot air along the equator to rise to areas in North America.
It causes high pressure air masses to rotate clockwise.
Which is the best explanation for how air masses move across the United States?
The prevailing westerlies move air masses from west to east across the United States but may be deflected by the jet stream.
The trade winds move air masses from west to east across the United States.
The jet stream moves air masses from the Pacific Ocean across the United States.
The warm air of the Gulf Stream causes air masses to move from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
What is the cause of rising surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean, drought in the western United States, and flooding on the Pacific coast of South America?
the Gulf Stream
the jet stream
La Niña
El Niño
What will most likely result when the jet stream moves south of North Carolina?
North Carolina will experience tropical weather conditions.
North Carolina will experience hot, dry weather.
North Carolina will experience mild weather.
North Carolina will experience cold weather.
In which direction do weather patterns move in the United States?
south to north
west to east
east to west
Which types of winds cause weather in North Carolina?
polar easterlies
prevailing westerlies
prevailing easterlies
How does the jet stream affect weather conditions around the world?
The strong wind current of the jet stream pushes weather systems around the world.
The weak wind current of the jet stream redirects weather systems around the world.
The strong wind current of the jet stream prevents weather systems from moving around the world.
What impact does the Gulf Stream have on North Carolina’s coastal climate?
The cold water from the Gulf Stream current cools the land.
The warm water from the Gulf Stream current warms the land.
The cold water from the Gulf Stream current decreases inland wind speeds.
The warm water from the Gulf Stream current increases inland wind speeds.
Why do hurricanes die out soon after hitting landfall?
Cloud types change.
Warm water no longer feeds them.
Rotation of the storm changes direction.
Which moves clouds through the atmosphere?
winds
evaporation
condensation
Which best describes the Gulf Stream?
an ocean current which originates in the Gulf of Mexico and causes warm water to travel up the east coast of the United States
an ocean current which originates in the Gulf of Mexico and causes cool water to travel up the east coast of the United States
an ocean current which originates in the Gulf of Mexico and causes warm water to travel down the east coast of Mexico
an ocean current which originates in the Gulf of Mexico and causes cool water to travel down the east coast of Mexico
How does the Gulf Stream affect weather conditions along the eastern coast of the United States?
The Gulf Stream causes temperatures to decrease.
The Gulf Stream causes temperatures to increase.
The Gulf Stream causes more overcast skies.
Which best explains why North Carolina’s winter weather could vary from what is normally predicted during a La Niña event?
A slight dip in the jet stream could bring colder weather
Prevailing westerlies will push air masses from west to east
Cold air from the Gulf Stream could interact with the jet stream and cause winter storms.
Strong surface currents can push hurricane storms away from the North Carolina coastline.
Which causes North Carolina to experience an increase in winter precipitation?
El Niño
La Niña
trade winds
prevailing westerlies
Examine the graphic. Which country would Great Britain’s climate be most like if the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current did not exist?
Brazil
Canada
Australia
Which is true about sea breezes?
They form when both the land and the ocean have cooler temperatures.
They form when both the land and the ocean have warmer temperatures.
They form because the land warms up more quickly than the cooler ocean waters.
They form because the ocean warms up more quickly than the cooler land masses.
The map shows several major cities in North Carolina. During the winter, which city most likely has the warmest average temperature?
Charlotte
Greensboro
Raleigh
Wilmington
Why do most storms move from the west coast of America to the east coast?
El Niño
La Niña
the jet stream
Which lists some effects of El Niño?
warmer temperatures and more rain
warmer temperatures and less rain
cooler temperatures and less rain
Which describes a wind that moves from the land to the sea overnight?
land breeze
sea breeze
trade wind
A meteorologist noticed an increase of wind speed caused by temperature changes in an upcoming weather pattern. Which best describes why this is happening?
The greater the temperature difference between the air masses, the slower the wind blows in the jet stream.
The greater the temperature difference between the air masses, the faster the wind blows in the jet stream.
The lesser the temperature difference between the air masses, the faster the wind blows in the jet stream.
How could La Niña affect weather during the summer in North Carolina?
It could decrease wind.
It could increase rainfall.
It could decrease rainfall.
What two factors determine the direction in which prevailing winds blow?
the rotation of the Earth on its axis and the cool air from the poles
the revolution of the Earth around the sun and the cool air from the poles
the rotation of the Earth on its axis and the sun’s uneven heating of the earth
Which has the greatest effect on the movement of the jet stream?
size of clouds
amount of precipitation
differences in air temperatures
Which affects the weather that we experience in the United States the MOST?
The temperature
The location of the jet streams
What affects the wind speed of the jet stream the most?
The temperature difference between the air masses
The location of the jet stream.
What is a jet stream?
A jet stream is a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass.
A boundary between two cold air masses.
A boundary between two warm air masses.
If a jet stream moves ABOVE North Carolina, what kind of weather will North Carolina receive?
Cooler weather
Warmer weather
If a jet stream moves BELOW North Carolina, what kind of weather will North Carolina receive?
Cooler weather
Warmer weather
Which direction does a jet stream move?
west to east
east to west
north to south
south to north
What are two factors that determine why the wind from the prevailing westerlies blow from the west to the east?
The tilt of the earth on its axis.
The sun's over heating of the earth.
The rotation of the earth on its axis.
The sun's uneven heating of the earth.
The seasons of Earth.
The sun's uneven heating of the earth.
Which direction does the polar westerlies wind blow at the poles?
east to west
west to east
north to south
south to north
Which direction does the Trade Winds blow at the poles?
east to west
west to east
north to south
south to north
Which direction does the Gulf stream flow?
North of Florida, up the West coast, and then crosses the ocean toward Europe.
North of Florida, up the East coast, and then crosses the ocean toward Europe.
South of Florida, up the East coast, and then crosses the ocean toward Europe.
South of Florida, up the West coast, and then crosses the ocean toward Europe.
Fill in the Blanks: The Gulf stream ______________ the air and land along the eastern coast of the US and brings _______ temperatures to Europe during the cooler seasons.
cools/ cooler
warms/ warmer
What is El Nino?
El Nino is a little boy, in spanish.
El Nino is a climate pattern representing an unusual warming of the Pacific Ocean that impacts the global weather and climate.
El Nino is a climate pattern representing an unusual cooling of the Pacific Ocean that impacts the global weather and climate.
What is La Nina?
La Nina is a little girl, in spanish.
El Nino is a climate pattern representing an unusual warming of the Pacific Ocean that impacts the global weather and climate.
La Nina is a climate pattern representing an unusual cooling of the Pacific Ocean that impacts the global weather and climate.
Which weather pattern is most responsible for hurricanes?
El Nino
La Nina
Gulf streams
Global winds
True or False: La Nina brings precipitation.
True
False
Which is the best explanation for how air masses move across the United States?
The prevailing westerlies move air masses from west to east across the United States but may be deflected by the jet stream.
The trade winds move air masses from west to east across the United States.
The jet stream moves air masses from the Pacific Ocean across the United States.
The warm air of the Gulf Stream causes air masses to move from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Why do hurricanes die out soon after hitting landfall?
Cloud types change.
Warm water no longer feeds them.
Rotation of the storm changes direction.
They are unable to change elevations.
Which conditions are most likely to create a hurricane off the coast of North Carolina?
Cool water temperatures and a tropical storm moving from the northeast.
Cool water temperatures and a tropical storm moving from the southeast.
Warm water temperatures and a tropical storm moving from the northeast.
Warm water temperatures and a tropical storm moving from the southeast.
How will warm waters moving up from the Gulf Stream most likely affect the local weather conditions on a North Carolina beach?
The sea breeze will increase in temperature.
The sea breeze will decrease in temperature.
The land breeze will increase in temperature.
The land breeze will decrease in temperature.
Which weather conditions are associated with El Niño?
increased temperature, increased precipitation
decreased temperature, increased precipitation
increased temperature, decreased precipitation
decreased temperature, decreased precipitation
Which is most responsible for guiding the movement of different air masses across the United States?
the trade winds
the ocean
the jet stream
prevailing easterlies
What will most likely result when the jet stream moves south of North Carolina?
North Carolina will experience tropical weather conditions.
North Carolina will experience hot, dry weather.
North Carolina will experience mild weather.
North Carolina will experience cold weather.
What two factors determine the direction in which prevailing winds blow?
the rotation of the Earth on its axis and the cool air from the poles
the revolution of the Earth around the sun and the cool air from the poles
the rotation of the Earth on its axis and the sun’s uneven heating of the earth
How does the Gulf Stream impact hurricane development off the coast of the southeastern United States?
Colder water from the Gulf Stream increases the speed and intensity of the hurricane.
Colder water from the Gulf Stream decreases the speed and intensity of the hurricane.
Warmer water from the Gulf Stream increases the speed and intensity of the hurricane.
Warmer water from the Gulf Stream decreases the speed and intensity of the hurricane.
Which is the best explanation for how air masses move across the United States?
The prevailing westerlies move air masses from west to east across the United States but may be deflected by the jet stream.
The trade winds move air masses from west to east across the United States.
The jet stream moves air masses from the Pacific Ocean across the United States.
The warm air of the Gulf Stream causes air masses to move from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Many summer storms in North Carolina are caused by air masses moving from which area?
Virginia
Africa
Gulf of Mexico
Pacific Ocean
Which is most likely to happen when a tropical storm moves from the coast of Africa toward the United States, and water temperatures increase?
The tropical storm will continue to move westward and decrease in strength.
The tropical storm will continue to move westward and increase in strength.
The tropical storm will change direction and begin to move eastward and decrease in strength.
The tropical storm will change direction and begin to move eastward and increase in strength.
During the winter months, which phenomenon would cause a location near the coast of North Carolina to have warmer temperatures than a location further inland?
El Nino
La Nina
Jet Stream
Gulf Stream
What do the jet stream and the gulf stream have in common?
Both cause dry weather patterns in the US.
Both are ocean currents that travel in the same direction.
Both are air currents that travel in the same direction.
Both influence local weather such as temperature and precipitation.
What type of weather conditions are typically associated with a hurricane?
strong winds and heavy rain
cloudy and light rain
sunny and warm
heavy snow and cold
Where did a hurricane approaching North Carolina most likely form?
above the United States
over the middle of the United States
over the Atlantic Ocean
over the Pacific Ocean
Which phenomenon caused by an oscillation of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean impacts weather patterns so that areas that are usually dry receive a lot of rain?
El Nino
La Nina
Jet Stream
Gulf Stream
Which phenomenon caused by an oscillation of unusually cool water in the Pacific Ocean impacts weather patterns so that the Southeast region of the United States may experience warmer than usual winter temperatures?
El Nino
La Nina
Jet Stream
Gulf Stream
If the jet stream dips lower in the United States, how might temperature be influenced in North Carolina?
Temperatures will be warmer than usual.
Temperatures will be cooler than usual.
Temperatures will be hotter than usual.
Temperatures will not be impacted.
In which direction does the jet stream flow over the United States?
North to South
East to West
South to North
West to East
Which is a true statement about ocean currents?
Ocean currents affect temperatures on land.
Ocean water does not move between locations.
Ocean currents have no effect on the temperature of the land.
All ocean currents are the same temperature.
In which Global Wind Zone is the United States located?
polar easterlies
trade winds
prevailing westerlies
coriolis winds
