wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

Ocean and Atmospheric Circulation Test

Total questions: 91

Worksheet time: 15hrs 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The Coriolis effect influences the surface ocean currents.

a)

True

b)

False

2.

The layers of the atmosphere starting closest to the surface of the Earth:

a)

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermospere, exosphere

b)

thermosphere, stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, exosphere

c)

stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

d)

troposphere, thermosphere, mesophere, stratosphere, exosphere

3.

Where does the ozone layer naturally occur?

a)

mesophere

b)

thermosphere

c)

stratosphere

d)

exosphere

4.

A gas that naturally deflects the suns radiation back to space, keeping some of the harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching Earth's surface.

a)

carbon dioxide

b)

ozone

5.

These naturally trap some of the heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, allowing the Earth to maintain a temperature that is hospitable.

a)

convection cells

b)

greenhouse gases

c)

trade winds

d)

surface currents

6.

Microscopic particles in the atmosphere that can be both anthropogenic and natural.

a)

chlorophyll

b)

basalt

c)

aerosol

d)

calcium carbonate

7.

Surface currents are influenced in large part by ____________, and deep ocean currents are influenced in large part by ______________. (choose the option that lists the answers in the correct order)

a)

heat, wind

b)

density, gravity

c)

wind, density

d)

seismic activity, wind

8.

Deeper water moves more slowly, and each layer deflects to the right or left due to the Coriolis effect. When observing the effect of wind on the water column, the deeper layers move in slightly different directions. This phenomenon is called:

a)

Eckman spiral

b)

gyres

c)

thermohaline circulation

d)

downwelling

9.

Different varieties of an element such as carbon, are called isotopes. Each isotope has a different number of ________________.

a)

electrons

b)

neutrons

c)

protons

d)

atoms

10.

Objects or particles moving over the surface of the Earth tend to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

a)

Convection cell

b)

Coriolis effect

c)

Ekman spiral

d)

Upwelling

11.

Monsoons are seasonal winds that affect some parts of the world. The figures below show wind circulation patterns during monsoons. What causes these patterns? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

Wind circulates due to the Coriolis Effect.

b)

Wind moves from low to high pressure.

c)

Wind moves from high pressure to low pressure.

d)

Wind moves in a straight line due to the Coriolis Effect.

12.

The Coriolis Effect.... (Pick 3 answers)

a)

helps distribute heat around Earth.

b)

is due to gravity.

c)

is caused by unequal heating to Earth's surface.

d)

causes air masses to move in a curved direction.

13.

Which statement is correct?

a)

Upwelling is caused by winds that blow on the ocean's surface.

b)

Upwelling moves water horizontally.

c)

Surface currents are caused by differences in water density.

d)

Surface currents move vertically through the water.

14.

Winds are named by...

a)

the direction they are blowing.

b)

the tallest guy in the room.

c)

the direction that is perpendicular to their motion.

d)

the direction from where they originated.

15.

When cool, dense air from over the water flows inland it is ... (Pick 2 answers)

a)

a sea breeze.

b)

movement of air from high pressure to low pressure.

c)

a land breeze.

d)

polar easterly.

16.

The ___________________ is the wind system responsible for movement of weather from west to east across most of the continental United States.

a)

jet stream

b)

prevailing westerlies

c)

polar easterlies

d)

trade winds

17.

An increase in ocean salinity can ..... (Pick 2 answers)

a)

change the temperature of Earth near the poles.

b)

change the density of water.

c)

cause currents to form.

d)

change the wind speed across the surface of the water.

18.

Which of the following occurs when wind blows across the ocean's surface, pushing water away from an area?

a)

jet stream

b)

surface current

c)

density current

d)

upwelling

19.

Steady winds that range from lines of latitude 30 degrees North and 30 degrees South are known as

a)

polar easterlies

b)

prevailing westerlies

c)

jet stream

d)

trade winds

20.

The image shows the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt. Which best describes what this model represents?

a)

how the density of water differs between the North Atlantic and other parts of the ocean.

b)

how ocean currents change the salinity of water.

c)

how ocean currents move thermal energy around Earth.

d)

how the salinity of water affects its density.

21.

Wind is used as a _______________ source of energy.

a)

renewable

b)

non-renewable

22.

Wind is the movement of air from areas of _____ pressure to areas of _____ pressure.

a)

low; high

b)

high; low

23.

Cool air over the land moving towards lower pressure over the water at night is called ___________.

a)

land breeze

b)

sea breeze

24.

Cool air over the ocean moving towards lower pressure over the land during the day is called ___________.

a)

land breeze

b)

sea breeze

25.

The only way that a sea breeze could occur at night is if the land stayed ________ than the water.

a)

warmer

b)

colder

26.

Sun's energy warms Earth unevenly. These differences in temperature create differences in air pressure creating ________ and _________. (Pick 2 answers)

a)

local winds

b)

gravity

c)

global winds

d)

the equator

27.

Warm air rises and flows north and south, away from _____________.

a)

the poles

b)

the equator

c)

landmasses

d)

oceans

28.

Cold air sinks and flows north and south, away from _____________.

a)

the poles

b)

the equator

c)

landmasses

d)

oceans

29.

The transfer of thermal energy by the movement of particles within matter is called ____________.

a)

conduction

b)

radiation

c)

convection

30.

Cold winds that blow from east to west near the North and South Pole are called___________.

a)

polar easterlies

b)

prevailing westerlies

c)

trade winds

31.

Steady winds that flow from west to east between 30 degrees north and 60 degrees north and 30 degrees south and 60 degrees south are called___________.

HINT: These winds blow across the US.

a)

polar easterlies

b)

prevailing westerlies

c)

trade winds

32.

Steady winds that flow from east to west between 30 degrees north and south latitude are called___________.

a)

polar easterlies

b)

prevailing westerlies

c)

trade winds

33.

The Coriolis effect causes moving air and water to appear to curve to the _______ in the Northern Hemisphere and to the ______ in the Southern Hemisphere.

a)

right; left

b)

left; right

34.

Which of these choices is densest and would sink to the bottom?

a)

Warm, fresh water

b)

Cold, fresh water

c)

Warm, salt water

d)

Cold, salt water

35.

Which of these choices is least dense and would float to the top?

a)

Warm, fresh water

b)

Cold, fresh water

c)

Warm, salt water

d)

Cold, salt water

36.
Why are there global winds?
a)
because the cold air sinkes from the poles to the equator
b)
because the earth is rotating from east to west
c)
because the sun heats the air at the equator more than anywhere else on earth
37.
How does the Coriolis Effect influence hurricanes and cyclones
a)
determines how powerful they will be
b)
determines where they will go
c)
determines where they form
d)
determines the direction of the wind rotation
38.

Cold air ...

a)

sinks

b)

rises

39.

Where experiences warm temperatures with clouds and rain?

a)

The equator

b)

The sub-tropical highs

c)

The sub-polar lows

d)

The polar highs

40.

True or false - warm air rises, cools and condenses and forms clouds, this is called low pressure

a)

True

b)

False

41.

What are trade winds?

a)

Surface winds blowing towards the equator

b)

Atmospheric winds

c)

Winds blowing away from the equator

d)

Low pressure winds

42.

The ocean to the west of the UK is...

a)

The Indian

b)

The Pacific

c)

The Atlantic

d)

The Southern

43.

What are the two "Golden Rules" of global atmospheric circulation? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

Hot air rises

b)

Mr. Funderburg's quizzes are always fun

c)

Cold air sinks

d)

Mrs. Arnold', lessons are always fun

44.

Most of the sun's energy hits the Earth at the...

a)

Tropic of Cancer

b)

Arctic Circle

c)

Tropic of Capricorn

d)

Equator

45.

After the air has risen at the equator, the air moves towards...

a)

The Poles

b)

The UK

c)

Australia

d)

The Himalayas

46.

Use the diagram. Which latitudes does air rise at? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

b)

30°

c)

60°

d)

90°

47.

Use the diagram. Which latitudes does air sink at? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

b)

30°

c)

60°

d)

90°

48.

Use the diagram. Which latitudes get the most rain? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

b)

30°

c)

60°

d)

90°

49.

Pole regions receive less solar radiation than the equator, how does this affect global climate?

a)

The global climate is mostly cold.

b)

The global climate is mostly warm.

c)

Equatorial regions experience colder climates.

d)

Polar regions experience colder climates.

50.

What is the result of convection currents in the atmosphere?

a)

UV Radiation

b)

Wind

c)

Humidity

d)

Ozone Layer

51.

Convection currents from uneven heating of the Earth's surface cause _______.

a)

Fossils

b)

Volcanoes

c)

Mountains

d)

Wind

52.

What happens during atmospheric convection?

a)

Cool air circles pockets of warm air.

b)

Warm air circles pockets of cool air.

c)

Warm air rises and cool air sinks.

d)

Cool air rises and warm air sinks

53.

Which best describes radiation?

a)

Emission of energy in the form of rays or waves.

b)

Transmission of heat without the motion of the medium.

c)

Heat transfer in a gas or liquid by circulation of currents.

d)

Liquid converted to the vapor phase by heating.

54.

Which is the best description of convection?

a)

Heat transfer by circulation of currents to different regions.

b)

Emission of energy in the form of rays or waves.

c)

Transfer of heat through a medium without motion.

d)

Change from a gas to a liquid.

55.

Hot water in a beaker will eventually cool to room temperature, why?

a)

The water released radiation until it contained no heat.

b)

The water molecules absorbed energy from the air.

c)

Heat energy was transferred from the water to the air.

d)

Water molecules from the water formed warm water currents.

56.

The type of heat transfer in the air to circulate and form such clouds is....

a)

Evaporation

b)

Convection

c)

Radiation

d)

Conduction

57.

Convection occurs in the Earth's ________.

a)

Oceans

b)

Mantle

c)

Atmosphere

d)

Oceans, Mantle and Atmosphere

58.

How would a person at the beach experience convection currents?

a)

They would feel the water as cold.

b)

They would feel the sand is hot.

c)

They would feel the heat of the Sun.

d)

They would feel wind as the air moves.

59.

Select all that apply: Ocean circulation affects... (Pick 3 answers)

a)

marine organisms

b)

Earth's climate

c)

the seasons

d)

local weather

60.

True or False: the suns radiation is greatest at the poles and declines as you move towards the equator

a)

True

b)

False

61.

Gases that block heat from transmitting back to space are known as...

a)

greenhouse gases

b)

radiation

c)

oxygen

d)

none of the above

62.

In the Northern Hemisphere the Coriolis Effect deflects things in what direction?

(a)  

63.

The wind that blow from West to East are known as

a)

Polar Easterlies

b)

Westerlies

c)

Trade Winds

64.

What layer of the ocean contains the Thermocline.

a)

Surface Layer

b)

Intermediate Layer

c)

Bottom Layer

65.

When pressure is high over the Indian ocean there tends to be a ______ pressure system over the Eastern Pacific.

a)

high

b)

low

c)

intermediate

66.

Select all that apply: During El Nino events which of the following things occur? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

trade winds increase

b)

trade winds decrease

c)

upwelling ceases

d)

upwelling increases

67.

Storms that are characterized by heavy rain, strong winds, and an eye are called what?

a)

cyclone

b)

typhoon

c)

hurricanes

d)

all of the above

68.

What causes a cyclone to lose energy? (Pick 3 answers)

a)

passing over land

b)

passing over warm water

c)

passing over cold water

d)

passing over the equator

69.

Which of the following is NOT an impact that Climate Change has on humans.

a)

more extreme storms

b)

increasing intensity of ENSO

c)

glacial shrinkage

d)

longer growing seasons

70.

What properties cause what to sink? (Pick 2 answers)

a)

warm temperatures

b)

salinity

c)

cold temperatures

d)

speed of the current

71.

In the Southern Hemisphere storms spin in a _______________ direction.

a)

Clockwize

b)

Counter Clockwise

72.

The horizontal motion of air relative to Earth's surface is

a)

barometric pressure.

b)

wind.

c)

convection flow.

d)

a result of equalized pressure across the surface.

73.

Winds are named based on

a)

the direction from which they originate.

b)

the direction in which they are blowing.

c)

the scientist who first described them.

d)

the altitude at which they occur.

74.

Which of the following is not a driving force of wind speed and direction?

a)

electromagnetic force

b)

pressure gradient force

c)

Coriolis force

d)

friction force

75.

Which of the following is not true of the wind?

a)

It is initiated by the pressure gradient force.

b)

It blows from regions of high pressure to regions of low pressure.

c)

The direction of flow can be affected by the rotation of Earth.

d)

Air blows from regions of hotter air to regions of colder air.

76.

Air flow is initiated by the

a)

Coriolis force.

b)

pressure gradient force.

c)

friction force.

d)

centrifugal force.

77.

Which of the following describes the pressure gradient force?

a)

It drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure.

b)

It causes apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.

c)

It is the only force acting on atmospheric flows in the upper troposphere.

d)

It exerts a virtually uniform force on the atmosphere.

78.

The Coriolis force

a)

drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure.

b)

decreases with height above the surface.

c)

causes the apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.

d)

is the only force acting on flows of air in the upper troposphere.

79.

Which of the following is an example of global circulation?

a)

migratory high and low-pressure systems

b)

the monsoons

c)

general circulation of the atmosphere

d)

land and sea breezes

80.

Which of the following is an example of regional circulation?

a)

migratory high and low-pressure systems

b)

weather patterns

c)

general circulation of the atmosphere

d)

mountain and valley breezes

81.

Which of the following is an example of local circulation?

a)

migratory high and low pressure systems

b)

subtropical high pressure systems

c)

general circulation of the atmosphere

d)

land-sea breezes

82.

Which of the following primary pressure areas are produced by thermal factors, rather than dynamic factors?

a)

subtropical high and subpolar low

b)

equatorial low and polar high

c)

equatorial low and Bermuda High

d)

Aleutian Low and Icelandic Low

83.

Which of the following primary pressure areas are produced by dynamic factors, rather than thermal factors?

a)

subtropical high and subpolar low

b)

equatorial low and polar high

c)

equatorial low and Bermuda high

d)

polar high and Icelandic Low

84.

The intertropical convergence zone is characterized by

a)

convergence and uplift of warm surface air.

b)

convergence and subsidence of cold surface air.

c)

divergence and uplift of warm surface air.

d)

divergence and subsidence of cold surface air.

85.

Which association is incorrect?

a)

Equatorial low - Hot/Dry

b)

Polar High - Cold/Dry

c)

Subpolar low - 60° N/S

d)

Subtropical High - 20-35° N/S

86.

________ are waving undulations within the upper-air westerly wind flow.

a)

Hadley cells

b)

Rossby waves

c)

The jet stream

d)

Monsoons

87.

The most prominent movement in the upper-level westerly geostrophic wind flows are the

a)

Rossby waves.

b)

jet streams.

c)

cyclones.

d)

anticyclones.

88.

Which of the following is not important in shaping ocean currents?

a)

the frictional drag of winds

b)

the Coriolis force and water density differences

c)

land-sea breezes

d)

configuration of continents and the ocean floor

89.

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation

a)

is a periodic shift of high and low-pressure zones over the western and eastern Pacific, respectively, usually occurring every 2 to 12 years.

b)

is a pattern of sea surface, air pressure, and wind shifts between the northern and tropical western Pacific.

c)

is a north-south fluctuation of high and low-pressure zones in the North Atlantic Ocean.

d)

has weakened throughout the 20th Century and is expected to disappear completely in the first couple of decades of the 21st century.

90.

Which of the following is true of high-pressure areas?

a)

Air ascends and converges.

b)

Air descends and diverges.

c)

Air ascends and diverges.

d)

Air descends and converges.

91.

Which is true of air flowing into a low-pressure center?

a)

Air converges and ascends.

b)

Air diverges and ascends.

c)

Air converges and descends.

d)

Air diverges and descends.