Quiz: Weather Prediction

How does a mathematical model represent the way a system or process works?

• A. as an abstract behavior

• B. with descriptive language

• C. with one or more equations

• D. as three-dimensional objects

Which statement describes a limitation of scientific models?

• A. they require no future improvement

• B. they can predict what will occur next

• C. they can be shown on maps, graphs and other displays

• D. they are simplified versions of the systems they represent

Why are weather forecasts useful tools?

• A. they are completely accurate

• B. they decide the weather for the upcoming week

• C. they allow people to prepare for different types of predicted weather

• D. they present people with a range of possible weather from which to choose

What is a medium-range weather forecast?

• a forecast that ranges from weeks to months into the future

• a forecast that makes predictions for 0 to 3 days into the future

• a forecast that makes predictions for 3 to 7 days into the future

• a forecast that explains the weather conditions at that current moment

How has weather prediction changed over time?

• A. Mathematical calculations are now done by hand.

• B. Computer models make predictions more accurate.

• C. Mathematical models make predictions less accurate.

• D. Computer models make predicting weather take longer.

City A is much larger than city B, but they are located at the same latitude and elevation. However, city A is receiving more rainfall than city B. Given this information, which statement most likely explains why?

• A. City A is much cooler than city B, which means more condensation in the air.

• B. City A is farther inland than city B, which is next to the ocean on the coastline.

• C. City A has more water fountains than city B, which add clouds and moisture to the air.

• D. City A has more large buildings than city B, which force more air upward into the atmosphere.

Which of these is not a type of data that is used to make a weather forecast?

• gravity

• wind speed

• temperature

• air pressure

List four types of weather information that are often included in a weather forecast.

• Temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation

• Cloud cover, UV index, pollen count, and air quality

• Sunrise time, sunset time, moon phase, and tide levels

• Visibility, dew point, barometric pressure, and ozone levels

Weather predictions sometimes contain some degree of uncertainty because:

• weather systems are complex and chaotic

• meteorologists lack proper training

• weather predictions are always inaccurate

• technology used is outdated

A three-day weather forecast is more likely to be accurate than a five-day weather forecast because:

• weather patterns are more predictable in the short term

• meteorologists have more data for three days

• the technology used is more advanced for three days

• the atmosphere is more stable over three days