IR2 Unit 5 The Weather Goes to Court: Forensic Meteorology

Sound waves have enough energy to travel straight through a strong winde.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Sound waves heading into the wind get pushed upward. By the time they had traveled 50 yards, they would have been too high to reach her ears. (Line 27-30)

Meteorologists often act as judges in court.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

"He called a new witness a meteorologist. People throughout the courtroom wondered: Why call a weather expert?" (Line 14-16)

Forensic scientists discover and interpret evidence to use in court cases.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The term "forensics" comes from a Latin word that means "arguing for or against a position." In common modern usage, it means "the practice of discovering material that can be used in court cases or the other disputes." (Line 32-35)

George Washington became president of the United States on a sunny day in New York.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

What was the weather in New York like for George Washington's 1789 inauguration as the first president? Clear skies with a high temperature of 59 Fahrenheit. (Line 50-53)

Weather records for previous years are available only to certified meteorologists.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Anyone with an Internet connection can find that information in five minutes, without any assistance from a highly paid meteorologist. (Line 54-56)

Hail typically has a downward orientation, not a sideways orientation.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The destructive energy of hail, she testifies, produces damage from above, not from the side. (Line 87-92)

Only records at an official weather station can be introduced in court.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Anyone with an Internet connection can find that information in five minutes, without any assistance from a highly paid meteorologist. (Line 54-56)

An insurance policy might cover one type of weather phenomenon but not another.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The farmer's policy does not cover wind damage. (Line 106-107)

A forensic meteorologist must have a license from the federal or state government.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Neither the federal government nor any state officially licenses meterologists. (Line 114-116)

A professional organization certifies meteorologists to ensure that they have competency in the core areas of meteorological science.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The best route to professional status to earn the title of Certified Consulting Meteorologist from the American Meteorological Society (AMS). (Line 116-119)