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WorksheetsWeather and Climate
Total questions: 97
Worksheet time: 2mins
An air mass that forms above a warm, dry desert will __________.
remain in that location
deposit lots of rain in that area
quickly travel across Earth's surface
take on the characteristics of that location
A model shows a city located between a warm ocean and next to coastal mountains. Which statement best describes average weather of this city?
The city will experience high levels of rainfall.
The city will experience high levels of snowfall.
The city will have long periods of sunny weather.
The city will have long periods of very cold weather.
City A and city B are located at the same latitude and elevation. However, city A is a coastal city, and city B is located far inland. A warm surface current flows by the coastline where city A is located. Given this information, which of the following statements is most likely true?
During the winter, city A experiences warmer weather than city B experiences.
During the summer, city A experiences cooler weather than city B experiences.
During the fall, city B experiences more hurricanes than city A experiences.
During the spring, city B experiences more thunderstorms than city A experiences.
What kind of air mass do you expect to form over a rainforest near the equator?
warm and dry
warm and humid
cool and dry
cool and humid
A snowflake is changing its shape as it descends from the sky during the water cycle. Which factor is most likely affecting the snowflake’s shape?
change in wind
change in cloud color
change in cloud shape
change in temperature
A high-pressure system is approaching Florida, as shown in the map. How does air flow in a high-pressure system?
from north to south
from south to north
in the same direction as Earth's rotation
in the opposite direction of Earth's rotation
Some hurricanes originate in the tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea, and they often travel along the coast of Florida. The figure shows a hurricane cloud that formed over the Atlantic Ocean. Which two processes would be responsible for cloud formation in a hurricane?
freezing and condensation
evaporation and precipitation
evaporation and condensation
condensation and precipitation
Which type of weather often accompanies a cold front?
fog and warmer temperatures
rain and colder temperatures
tornadoes and warmer temperatures
hurricanes and colder temperatures
One of the elements used to help predict weather includes measuring the amount of water vapor in the air. What does this describe?
humidity
wind speed
air pressure
temperature
What will most likely happen if the relative humidity reaches 100% and the air temperature is very high?
rain may form
snow may form
hail may form
fog may form
How has weather prediction changed over time?
mathematical calculations are now done by hand.
Computer models make predictions more accurate.
Mathematical models make predictions less accurate.
Computer models make predicting weather take longer.
City A is much larger than City B, but they are located at the same latitude and elevation. However, City A is is receiving more rainfall than City B. Given this information, which statement most likely explains why?
City A is much cooler than City B, which means more condensation in the air.
City A is farther inland than City B, which is next to the ocean on the coastline.
City A has more water fountains than City B, which adds clouds and moisture to the air.
City A has more large buildings than City B, which force more air upward into the atmosphere.
Which of the following is not a type of data that is used to make a weather forecast?
gravity
wind speed
temperature
air pressure
Which middle-latitude location has a climate that is cold and dry during long winters but warm and humid during the summers?
a polar climate
an arid climate
a tropical climate
a temperate climate
Which two factors are usually included in descriptions of climate?
precipitation and humidity
temperature and air pressure
wind conditions and humidity
temperature and precipitation
Which sentence best describes how latitude and air temperature are related?
The lower the latitude, the lower the air temperature.
The lower the latitude, the colder the air temperature.
The higher the latitude, the colder the air temperature.
The higher the latitude, the warmer the air temperature.
Why do coastal areas have cooler summers than inland areas at the same latitude?
because bodies of water heat up and cool off more slowly than land
because bodies of water heat up and cool off more rapidly than land
because bodies of water heat up more slowly than land, but cool off more rapidly than land
because bodies of water heat up more slowly than land, but cool off more rapidly than land
The diagram shows wind flow from an ocean over a mountain range. Which region indicates where the vegetation will be most plentiful?
R
S
T
W
The diagram shows wind flow from an ocean over a mountain range. Which region is most likely to have a dry, desert-like climate?
R
S
T
W
What will happen when the relative humidity of an air mass reaches 100%?
The relative humidity will stay at 100%.
The relative humidity will continue to increase.
Precipitation will likely stop, decreasing the relative humidity.
Precipitation is likely to occur, decreasing the relative humidity.
A group of students collected data about wind speed, wind direction, humidity, and temperature. They recorded when they saw fog. In which situation will they observe the formation of fog over the ocean?
warm, humid air from land cooling as it moves over cold ocean water
cold, humid air from land warming as it moves over warm ocean water
wind blowing at a high speed over warm ocean water as humidity increases
cold, dry air warming and becoming more humid as it moves over warm ocean water
Which factor should a student include in a model to explain differences in temperature at Earth’s equator and Earth’s poles?
density of air at different altitudes
intensity of sunlight at different angles
movement of thermal energy by ocean currents
movement of air influenced by the Coriolis effect
Which type of data confirms that one air mass is being replaced by another air mass in a particular area?
high wind speed
high air pressure
high air temperature
high levels of humidity
The model shows how the sun heats Earth at different latitudes. How does this affect climate at different latitudes?
The sun heats all of Earth so climates are similar throughout the globe.
The sun heats Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, causing all of the warm air to concentrate at the equator.
The uneven heating of Earth by the sun causes the climate to be warm and dry at the equator and cold and wet toward the poles.
The angle of sunlight is different at different latitudes, which causes the climate to be warm at the equator and colder toward the poles.
Four towns are each located at similar latitudes. Which town will have the least difference between the average high temperature and average low temperature?
a town in a desert
a town near the ocean
a town at the edge of a forest
a town high in the mountains
A meteorologist predicts that a warm air mass and a cold air mass will meet and stop moving over your vacation destination. What weather should you expect and how will this impact your plans?
An occluded front that will cause clouds and precipitation means packing rain gear and trying to avoid the precipitation.
A cold front that will bring quick rain, snow, or hail means packing rain gear but hoping not to need it after the front passes.
A stationary front that will cause an extended period of clouds or precipitation means packing rain gear and planning for precipitation during your trip.
A warm front that may cause a few days of clouds and rain, followed by clear weather means packing rain gear and planning outdoor activities for later in the trip.
As elevation increases, temperature _____.
increases
decreases
As elevation increases, atmospheric pressure _____.
increases
decreases
A prediction of wind shows the ______ of the direction and speed of the wind.
certainty
probability
To make a wind prediction, meteorologists could use _____ data.
rainfall
air pressure
temperature
relative humidity
Air flows from _____ pressure areas.
low to high
high to low
Which data represented on a weather map can be used to predict the weather with 100% accuracy?
none of the data
isobar pressure lines
interactions of the fronts
locations of the high- and low-pressure systems
As the cold front over California moves east, the isobars between it and the stationary front move closer together. Which of the following statements about the local weather are correct?
The wind speed is faster.
The wind speed is slower.
The air pressure is lower.
The air pressure is higher.
Which type of precipitation is likely at location 1?
warm drizzle
no precipitation
moving snowstorm
continuous cool rain
continuous snowstorm
Which type of precipitation is likely at location 2?
warm drizzle
no precipitation
moving snowstorm
continuous cool rain
continuous snowstorm
Which type of precipitation is likely at location 3?
warm drizzle
no precipitation
moving snowstorm
continuous cool rain
continuous snowstorm
Which type of precipitation is likely at location 4?
warm drizzle
no precipitation
moving snowstorm
continuous cool rain
continuous snowstorm
Which type of precipitation is likely at location 5?
warm drizzle
no precipitation
moving snowstorm
continuous cool rain
continuous snowstorm
Which unit is used in predicting temperature?
liters (L)
grams (g)
millimeters (mm)
degrees Celsius (°C)
Molecules in the atmosphere exert a force that pushes on a surface. What is the name of this force?
temperature
air pressure
precipitation
relative humidity
Scientists study upper atmospheric conditions to __________.
make local forecasts
make short-range forecasts
study the outer atmosphere
track global weather patterns
Which movement of ocean water has the greatest direct effect on the growth of producers?
upwelling
deep current
surface current
convection current
A meteorologist is using barometers to help predict weather. Which feature of weather is the meteorologist measuring to help predict the weather?
humidity
wind speed
air pressure
temperature
Both stationary and moving technological methods are used in weather data collection. Which technology is an example of a stationary method?
satellites
airplanes
marine ships
anchored buoys
Ocean currents influence weather. Which ocean current directly affects the weather along the southernmost coast of the eastern United States?
Gulf Stream
Monsoon Current
North Atlantic Drift
South Pacific Equatorial Current
Visitors to the Southeastern United States sometimes complain about the high humidity. What does high humidity indicate?
cool temperatures
a high-pressure system
an approaching cold front
high amount of water vapor in the air
Which of the following are fronts with heavy rain or snow, thunder, and lightning?
cold front
warm front
stationary front
occluded
Condensation is part of the water cycle and also plays a role in the weather. Which description defines condensation?
water turning from a vapor into rain droplets
water turning into water vapor in an ocean or lake
water turning from a liquid into ice on a winter road
water turning from ice to liquid as salt is applied to a road
Surface currents can affect climate and weather. Which phrase describes surface currents?
daily changes in the level of ocean water
water that empties from rivers into the ocean
stream-like movements of water near the surface of the ocean
slow mixing of warm and cold water near the surface of the ocean
El Niño conditions occur when the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean off of South America are warmer than normal near the equator. Which condition would you expect to observe near the western coast of North America during an El Niño year?
lower humidity
increased flooding
decreased flooding
drought conditions
Latitude plays a major role in determining the climate, or long-term weather patterns, of an area. Because of differences in the intensity of solar energy, climates in higher latitudes are generally colder than climates in lower latitudes. What causes some areas of Earth to receive less intense solar energy than others?
mass of Earth
density of Earth
curvature of Earth
elevation of Earth
Norfolk, Virginia, is a seaport on the James River, just off Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Covington, Virginia, is in the western part of the state near West Virginia. Which city would you expect to have warmer average winter temperatures?
Norfolk, because it is nearer the ocean
Covington, because it is nearer the ocean
Norfolk, because it is farther from the ocean
Covington, because it is farther from the ocean
The more water vapor there is in the air, the _____ the humidity of the air is.
higher
lower
_____ is the percentage of water vapor in air relative to the amount needed to saturate the air at the same temperature.
humidity
temperature
relative humidity
relative pressure
During the day, clouds can keep an area cool by _____.
reflecting more sunlight back into space
radiating heat back down to Earth's surface
As temperature increases, it takes _____ water vapor to reach 100% relative humidity.
less
more
Air pressure is measured in _____.
pounds
millibars
isobars
milligrams
The greater the air pressure difference is between two places, the _____ the air moves and the ______ the wind is.
slower, stronger
slower, weaker
faster, stronger
faster, weaker
A(n) ____ is a line that follows along points of equal air pressure.
millibar
isobar
pressure bar
weather map
A ____ system forms where air sinks toward surface.
high-pressure
low-pressure
A _____ system forms where warm, less dense air rises from Earth's surface.
high-pressure
low-pressure
As air in a high-pressure system sinks, relative humidity _____ and clouds ____.
increases, evaporate
decreases, evaporate
increases, form
An ______ is a large body of air that has similar temperature and humidity throughout it.
air pressure
air mass
air front
isobar
An air mass develops when air _______.
moves through a region rapidly
stays in one region for many days/weeks
An air mass takes on the characteristics of the water or land below it.
true
false
A _____ is a boundary between air masses.
pressure boundary
boundary effect
front
What type of front forms when a cold air mass wedges beneath a warm air mass?
cold front
warm front
stationary front
occluded front
What type of front forms when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass?
cold front
warm front
stationary front
occluded front
What type of front forms when a cold front slows down and stops as warm air moves toward it?
cold front
warm front
stationary front
occluded front
What type of front forms when a fast-moving cold front catches up to a warm front where the warm air mass has risen over a cool air mass?
cold front
warm front
stationary front
occluded front
Fronts often form around areas of ____ pressure.
high
low
Prevailing winds tend to move _____ over the US and Canada.
west to east
east to west
The uneven heating of Earth by the sun is the cause of pressure belts.
true
false
Where are low-pressure belts located?
the equator
30*N and 30*S
the poles
60*N and 60*S
Where are high-pressure belts located?
the equator
30*N and 30*S
the poles
60*N and 60*S
What causes one side of a mountain to be cloudy with more precipitation and the other side to be dry and sunny?
prevailing winds
rain shadow effect
surface currents
greenhouse effect
The variation in the shapes of snowflakes is a result of differences in ___.
humidity
temperature
humidity and temperature
neither humidity or temperature
Which factors would most likely affect the weather on a small island in the ocean?
the formation of dry air masses
ocean surface currents
the formation of humid air masses
isobars
Precipitation type depends on air temperature.
true
false
The rain shadow effect causes equal precipitation on both sides of a mountain.
true
false
As air sinks, it absorbs moisture and forms rain clouds.
true
false
What is a prediction about the state of the atmosphere at a given place and time?
weather map
weather forecast
pressure map
climate prediction
Weather predictions are _____ 100% accurate.
always
never
rarely
______ forecasts are more accurate than forecasts made for longer periods of time.
short-range
medium-range
long-range
What are the average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time called?
weather
climate
seasons
average weather
Climate descriptions include ____.
cloud cover
average humidity
average temperatures
average precipitation amounts
The amount of energy coming into the Earth system roughly equals the amount going out.
false
true
What is the distance north or south of the equator?
longitude
latitude
isobars
millibars
Sunlight hits the Earth most directly ____.
at the poles
at the equator
30*N and 30*S
60*N and 60*S
_____ describes how much sunlight a surface reflects.
El Nino
Albedo
Surface Cover
Rainier
______ surfaces generally reflect a lot of sunlight, so they have high albedos.
Dark-colored
Light-colored
During winter, snow reflects ____ sunlight than soil, rock, and vegetation that are exposed in summer. Therefore the albedo is _____ during winter.
more, higher
less, higher
more, lower
less, lower
What factors influence climate?
prevailing winds and ocean currents
large bodies of water
landforms
elevation
As elevation increases, air pressure _____.
increases
decreases
It is usually _____ at higher elevations and _____ at lower elevations.
warmer, cooler
cooler, warmer
cooler, cooler
warmer, warmer
Places near large bodies of water often receive ____ precipitation than they would if the body of water were not present.
more
less
Which of the following are greenhouse gases?
water vapor
carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide
methane
CFCs
