Quiz about Regents Earth Science Climate

Question 1

The map shows an imaginary continent on Earth. Arrows represent prevailing wind directions. Letters A through D represent locations on the continent. Locations A and B are at the same latitude and at the same elevation at the base of the mountains.

Over the course of a year, compared to location B, location A will have

Accepted Answer

more precipitation and a smaller temperature range

Answer

less precipitation and a smaller temperature range

Answer

less precipitation and a greater temperature range

Answer

more precipitation and a greater temperature range

Question 2

The map shows an imaginary continent on Earth. Arrows represent prevailing wind directions. Letters A through D represent locations on the continent. Locations A and B are at the same latitude and at the same elevation at the base of the mountains.

Over the course of a year, compared to location B, location A will have

The climate at location C is much drier than at location D. This difference is best explained by the fact that location C is located

Accepted Answer

at a latitude where air is sinking and surface winds diverge

Answer

farther from any mountain range

Answer

closer to a large body of water

Answer

at a latitude that experiences longer average annual daylight

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Answer

transpiration

Answer

ocean tides

Answer

volcanic eruptions

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

A large body of water modifies coastal air temperatures.

Answer

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

Answer

Cold airmasses usually originate over continents.

Answer

Warm ocean currents flow along most coastlines.

Question 6

The cross section shows how prevailing winds have caused different climates on the windwards and leeward sides of a mountain range. Why does the windward side of this mountain have a wet climate?

Accepted Answer

Rising air expands and cools, causing the water vapor to condense.

Answer

Rising air compresses and cools, causing the water droplets to evaporate

Answer

Rising air compresses and warms, causing the water vapor to condense.

Answer

Rising air expands and warms, causing the water droplets to evaporate.

Question 7

The planetary winds on Earth are indicated by the curving arrows in the diagram.
The curved paths of the planetary winds are a result of

Accepted Answer

Earth's rotation on its axis

Answer

changes in humidity.

Answer

changes in temperature.

Answer

Earth's gravitational force

Question 8

Which event is inferred by most scientists to be responsible for a climate change that has recently led to a decrease in the size of most glaciers?

Accepted Answer

an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere

Answer

a decrease in the rate of divergence of lithospheric plates along a mid-ocean ridge

Answer

a decrease in the amount of insolation reaching Earth's surface

Answer

an increase in the amount of vegetative cover in the tropics

Question 9

Arrows on the maps below show differences in the direction of winds in the region of India and the Indian Ocean during January and July. Isobar values are recorded in millibars. Heavy monsoon rains usually occur in India during

Accepted Answer

July, when winds blow from the ocean

Answer

January, when winds blow from the land

Answer

January, when winds blow toward high pressure

Answer

July, when winds blow toward high pressure

Question 10

Which current has a cooling effect on the climate of the west coast of South America?

Accepted Answer

Peru Current

Answer

Falkland Current

Answer

Benguela Current

Answer

Brazil Current

Question 11

Which diagram best illustrates how air rising over a mountain produces precipitation?

Accepted Answer

Option B is correct

Answer

A.

Answer

C.

Answer

D.

Question 12

In which cross section do the arrows represent the most probable direction of air movement over land and water surfaces at an ocean coast on a hot, sunny, summer afternoon?

Accepted Answer

Option D is correct

Answer

A.

Answer

B.

Answer

C.

Question 13

Ocean gyres in the Northern Hemisphere consist of a number of surface ocean currents that, together, generally flow clockwise in a roughly circular pattern. Which list contains three warm surface ocean currents that make up most of the North Atlantic Ocean gyre?