Science Weather

Scientists monitor ozone in the upper atmosphere and at ground level. Changing concentrations of each can cause health problems for people. Which set of changes would cause the MOST health concerns?

• an increase in both atmospheric and ground level ozone
• a decrease in both atmospheric and ground level ozone
• an increase in atmospheric ozone, and a decrease in ground level ozone
• a decrease in atmospheric ozone, and an increase in ground level ozone

A sea breeze blows from the ocean toward the shore. Why does this occur?

• High pressure over the land causes a downdraft to occur.
• The tide carries the wind to the shore as it moves back and forth.
• Conduction of heat from the warm water produces wind from the ocean.
• Air over land heats faster than air over water, which causes convection.

Which of the following are narrow belts of strong winds found in the upper troposphere?

• doldrums
• westerlies
• trade winds
• jet streams

On Mount Everest the temperature decreases as the altitude increases. The summit of this mountain is in which atmospheric layer?

• mesosphere
• stratosphere
• thermosphere
• troposphere

The BEST description of the troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere with the

• most ozone
• greatest density
• highest altitude
• coldest temperature

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is studying the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico. The Loop Current includes warm water flowing at deep depths. Scientists hypothesize that the Loop Current may be the most significant source of energy for hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Which would be the MOST likely reason to study the Loop Current?

• to help predict the paths of hurricanes and changes in intensity during their formation over open water
• to help to understand the relationship between deep, warm currents and hurricane intensity
• to help predict the changes in the fish population during hurricane season
• to help to understand the tides during hurricane season

Earth can be viewed as an engine and heat exchange is part of the engine system. Which would be an example of a transfer of energy from the atmosphere to the lithosphere?

• A volcano erupts in the state of Washington
• An earthquake takes place off the coast of Japan.
• A wild fire scorches a prairie in the upper Midwest.
• A hurricane moves from the Gulf of Mexico onto land.

How is the stratosphere different from the troposphere?

• The clouds in the stratosphere produce more rain.
• The air in the stratosphere has a greater density.
• The composition of the stratosphere lacks ozone.
• The temperature of the stratosphere warms at higher altitude.

What instrument should be used to monitor atmospheric pressure changes as a weather system approaches?

• psychrometer
• termometer
• anemometer
• barometer

Why does the troposphere experience the greatest amount of atmospheric pressure compared to the other atmospheric layers?

• It produces the ozone layer.
• It has the highest temperatures.
• It contains a high concentration of gas particles.
• It is the region in which weather occurs.