Climate Patterns & Extreme Weather

What is the best definition of climate?

• The daily weather conditions of an area

• A long-term average of weather conditions in a region

• A single extreme weather event

• Short-term atmospheric pressure changes

Which of the following influences global climate patterns?

• Latitude, ocean currents, and atmospheric circulation

• Local rainfall and daily temperatures

• The position of the Moon

• Wind speed and cloud type

El Niño and La Niña are changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures that affect global weather patterns.

• True

• False

What causes a storm surge?

• Warm air rising over cold air

• An abnormal rise in sea level due to a hurricane

• Rapid cooling of ocean water

• Strong winds during a tornado

The __________ Effect is the trapping of heat by Earth's atmosphere.

What is a drought?

• A long period of heavy rainfall

• A short-term decrease in temperatures

• A long period with little or no rainfall

• A sudden increase in ocean currents

Which of these is an example of an extreme weather event?

• A sunny day in summer

• A gentle breeze

• A hurricane or tornado

• Normal seasonal rainfall

Climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

• True

• False

How do scientists predict future climate trends?

• By analyzing the speed of tornadoes

• By studying local daily weather

• By using historical data and climate models

• By observing short-term temperature changes

You notice Pacific Ocean temperatures are unusually warm. What weather pattern might be occurring?

• A drought caused by atmospheric pressure

• El Niño, which can bring unusual weather conditions

• La Niña, which cools the ocean

• A greenhouse effect event