Climate Earth Science

The cross section represents the windward and leeward sides of a mountain. The arrows show the direction of air movement over the mountain. Points X and Y represent locations on Earth’s surface.

Compared to the temperature and water vapor content of the air at location X, the temperature and water vapor content at location Y are most likely

• warmer and wetter

• warmer and drier

• cooler and wetter

• cooler and drier

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In addition to carbon dioxide, two other major greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are

• oxygen and nitrogen

• oxygen and methane

• water vapor and nitrogen

• water vapor and methane

Earth’s polar regions have cold, dry climates because the Sun’s rays are at a

• low angle, and upper atmospheric air is sinking

• low angle, and upper atmospheric air is rising

• high angle, and lower atmospheric air is sinking

• high angle, and lower atmospheric air is rising

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During explosive volcanic eruptions, large amounts of ash entering Earth’s atmosphere often rise to an altitude of 20 kilometers. What is the most likely effect of this ash cloud?

• a decrease in the insolation reaching Earth’s surface

• a decrease in the thickness of Earth’s stratosphere layer

• an increase in the insolation reaching Earth’s surface

• an increase in the thickness of Earth’s stratosphere layer

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in eastern Africa at 3° S. Which climate factor best explains the presence of permanent snow on its peak?

• latitude

• elevation

• prevailing winds

• ocean currents

Which natural event periodically weakens western surface ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, resulting in a change in air temperature and precipitation patterns in the United States?

• El Nino

• transpiration

• ocean tides

• volcanic eruptions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The table shows the latitude and the average yearly temperature for four different cities.

It can be inferred from this table that the cities at higher latitudes have

• lower average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a higher angle during the year

• lower average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a lower angle during the year

• higher average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a higher angle during the year

• higher average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a lower angle during the year

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which event temporarily slows or reverses surface ocean currents in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean, causing a disruption of normal weather patterns?

• tsunami

• volcanic eruption

• El Niño

• deforestation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

London, England, is located at approximately 51° 30' north latitude and 0° longitude. Elmira, New York, is located at approximately 42° 10' north latitude and 76° 54' west longitude. What is one reason why London has a warmer average winter temperature than Elmira?

• London is located closer to the equator.

• London is located at a higher elevation.

• London’s climate is modified by the North Atlantic Ocean Current.

• London’s climate is modified by its longer duration of insolation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Two cities are located at the same latitude and elevation. One city, located in the center of the United States, has cooler winters and warmer summers than the other city, which is located near the coast. Which statement best explains these seasonal differences?

• The air over continents is drier than the air over oceans.

• Cold airmasses usually originate over continents.

• A large body of water modifies coastal air temperatures.

• Warm ocean currents flow along most coastlines.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6