03b NGS Earth Sci Ch 11 - Section 3: Climates of Earth

What is the primary factor used to classify climates according to Wladimir Koppen's system?

• Sunlight and cloud cover

• Humidity and air pressure

• Temperature and precipitation

• Wind speed and direction

Answer explanation

Wladimir Koppen's climate classification system primarily uses temperature and precipitation to categorize different climates, making these two factors essential for understanding climate types.

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Which climate region is characterized by year-round heat and heavy rainfall?

• Polar

• Temperate marine

• Tropical

• Dry

Answer explanation

The tropical climate region is known for its year-round heat and heavy rainfall, making it distinct from polar, temperate marine, and dry regions, which have different temperature and precipitation patterns.

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What type of vegetation is typically found in tropical wet areas?

• Tundra

• Steppes

• Deserts

• Rainforests

Answer explanation

Tropical wet areas are characterized by high rainfall and humidity, making them ideal for rainforests. These ecosystems support diverse plant species, unlike tundra, steppes, or deserts, which thrive in drier conditions.

Which climate region includes arid regions called deserts?

• Dry

• Polar

• Tropical

• Temperate continental

Answer explanation

The Dry climate region is characterized by arid conditions, which include deserts. This distinguishes it from other climate regions like Polar, Tropical, and Temperate continental, which have different climatic features.

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What is a characteristic of a temperate marine climate?

• Year-round heat and heavy rainfall

• Humid with warm summers and mild winters

• Hot summers and cool winters

• Short, cool summers and bitterly cold winters

Answer explanation

A temperate marine climate is characterized by humid conditions, with warm summers and mild winters, making the correct choice 'Humid with warm summers and mild winters'. Other options describe different climate types.

Where are temperate continental climates found?

• In polar regions

• Near the equator

• Only in the Southern Hemisphere

• Only in the Northern Hemisphere

Answer explanation

Temperate continental climates are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in regions away from oceans, where there are significant seasonal temperature variations. They do not occur in polar regions or near the equator.

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What is a feature of the polar climate?

• Hot summers and cool winters

• Year-round heat and heavy rainfall

• Humid with warm summers and mild winters

• Ice caps covered with ice and snow

Answer explanation

The polar climate is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and is often covered with ice and snow, making 'Ice caps covered with ice and snow' the correct choice. Other options describe warmer climates.

What type of climate has short, cool summers followed by bitterly cold winters?

• Tundra

• Desert

• Savanna

• Rainforest

Answer explanation

The tundra climate is characterized by short, cool summers and long, bitterly cold winters, making it the correct choice for this question. Other options like desert, savanna, and rainforest have different temperature and precipitation patterns.

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Which climate region is known for having moist air that brings calm, rainy summers?

• Mediterranean

• Humid subtropical

• Marine west coast

• Subarctic

Answer explanation

The marine west coast climate is characterized by moist air from the ocean, leading to mild temperatures and rainy summers, making it distinct from the other options listed.

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What is a characteristic of humid subtropical climates?

• Wet and warm but not as hot as the tropics

• Dry and hot with little rainfall

• Short, cool summers and bitterly cold winters

• Cold and snowy year-round

Answer explanation

Humid subtropical climates are characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall, making them wet and warm but not as hot as tropical climates. This distinguishes them from dry, hot, or cold climates.

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