Measure Your Monsoon Mastery
.jpg "Measure Your Monsoon Mastery - Quiz")
Find out if you're a Southern Arizona weather whiz or rookie. Take our quiz. Choose an answer and click the "Next" button to reveal the answer. There is only one correct answer for each question. Click "View Answer" link to learn more about each answer.
- 1.
Which of the following is the correct way to use the word "monsoon?"
- A.
"That monsoon last night made my dog run and hide under the bed."
- B.
"In Tucson, the monsoon brings half the area's annual rainfall."
- C.
"Monsoons arrive in late June or early July."
Correct Answer
B. "In Tucson, the monsoon brings half the area's annual rainfall."Explanation
Monsoon is not a singular thunderstorm or multiple thunderstorms. From the Arabic word "mausism," monsoon means season. It is the annual weather pattern that causes a shift in wind direction, bringing moisture to our region.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When does the monsoon officially begin?
- A.
June 15
- B.
When the daily dew point is 54 degrees or greater for three days.
- C.
When water runs through the normally dry Santa Cruz River.
Correct Answer
A. June 15Explanation
In the past, this season was ushered in based on the dew-point data: Have three days in a row at average dew point of 54 degrees or higher? Well, then monsoon started on the first of those three days. In 2008, however, the National Weather Service declared June 15 through September 30 as the monsoon in Arizona and New Mexico.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Tucson gets an average of 6.08 inches of rain during the monsoon. How much rain did the area get in 1964, the wettest monsoon on record?
- A.
12.76 inches
- B.
13.84 inches
- C.
14.15 inches
Correct Answer
B. 13.84 inchesExplanation
The 1964 monsoon set several daily rainfall records in addition to the wettest monsoon to date. Conversely, the 1934 monsoon was the driest, with just 1.59 inches of rain. National Weather Service Tucson Office's JJ Brost says remnant moisture from Tropical Storm Natalie and ideal weather conditions were two reasons the 1964 monsoon produced so much rain.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How much water does it take to make a car float on a flooded Tucson street?
- A.
10 inches
- B.
2 feet
- C.
A car is too heavy to float.
Correct Answer
A. 10 inchesExplanation
It's completely possible or a car to float in as little as 10 inches of water. Make that less than 2 feet for an SUV to float. Here's how it happens: The pressure of the running water is so great that it trumps the weight of the vehicle, making it buoyant. When the automobile begins to float, the water's force can easily carry it off a bridge and into a nearby wash.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is seen in this photo?
- A.
Tornado
- B.
Dust devil
- C.
Gustnado
Correct Answer
B. Dust devilExplanation
Dust devils typically occur on a clear, sunny day in the desert. When the sun has heated the air close to the ground, that hot pocket of air will rise quickly through the cooler air above it. This rapid rise might cause the hot air to rotate, and it will continue to spin as it's pulled upward. A tornado is a violent, swirling mass of air that must be in contact with the ground and a cloud base. It can form anywhere, any time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A power line has just fallen on top of your vehicle, with you inside. What do you do next?
- A.
Stay inside until help arrives.
- B.
Get out of the vehicle fast.
- C.
Keep on driving.
Correct Answer
A. Stay inside until help arrives.Explanation
Do not attempt to get out of the vehicle — your body could become the pathway for electricity to reach the ground, causing severe bodily harm and possible electrocution. If the car catches on fire and you must exit it, then jump out without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away with very small steps. Don't try to help others out of the vehicle — you could be shocked.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the nickname given to the monsoon bloom of this cereus cactus, Peniocereus greggii?
- A.
Princess of Pima County
- B.
Superstar of the Sonoran Desert
- C.
Queen of the Night
Correct Answer
C. Queen of the NightExplanation
This cactus leads a Cinderella-like existence, hiding in the shadows of trees and bushes most of the year, appearing to be a cluster of dead sticks. Usually on just one night, however, huge white flowers appear, filling the night air with their distinctive aroma. Tohono Chul Park has the largest private collection of Peniocereus greggii in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How many tornadoes form each year in Arizona?
- A.
None
- B.
4
- C.
12
Correct Answer
B. 4Explanation
The state averages at least 4 reported tornadoes each year. The extremely low population density — 45.2 people per square mile — of much of Arizona has likely resulted in many hazardous weather events not being reported, especially those occurring away from population centers. All three Arizona fatalities from tornadoes since 1950 have been in Pima County.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the maximum fine that can be assessed under Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law?"
- A.
$500
- B.
$2,000
- C.
$5,000
Correct Answer
B. $2,000Explanation
Although rarely imposed, Section 28-910 of the Arizona Revised Statutes states a person convicted of driving through a flooded and/or barricaded road may be "liable for expenses of any emergency response that is required to remove from the area the driver of any passenger in the vehicle that becomes inoperable in the area." So, never drive into a flooded road!Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the most deadly weather hazard in Arizona?
- A.
Extreme heat
- B.
Flash floods
- C.
High winds
Correct Answer
A. Extreme heatExplanation
Extreme heat kills more people than any other weather hazard in Arizona. According to the National Weather Service, four fatalities due to weather were recorded in the state in 2010, and heat was directly linked to two of them. From 1992 to 2009, the Arizona Department of Health Services recorded 1,485 heat-related deaths — Pima County led all counties with 624 of those.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following is not a good way to prevent heat-related illness in children?
- A.
Keep them inside an air-conditioned place during the afternoon.
- B.
Increase intake of fluids, regardless of activity level.
- C.
Sit them near electric fans to cool off after playing outside.
Correct Answer
C. Sit them near electric fans to cool off after playing outside.Explanation
Electric fans might provide comfort but will not cool the body or prevent heat-related illness. To keep kids cool, try to limit outdoor play to the early morning or late afternoon hours, when the sun isn't directly overhead. And, load up on the sunscreen. Keep kids hydrated with beverages that don't contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar, which can cause cramps. Never leave infants or children inside a parked vehicle.Rate this question:
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- 12.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 23 children died by drowning in the state in 2010. What percentage of these was preventable?
- A.
25
- B.
50
- C.
100
Correct Answer
C. 100Explanation
Lack of supervision was the most commonly identified preventable factor in Arizona's child drownings. If you find a child in trouble in a pool, then yell for help and immediately get the child out of the water. Call 911 immediately for assistance. Begin CPR, if you're trained to give it. If not, then follow the directions from the 911 dispatcher until help arrives.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following is a lightning myth?
- A.
Lightning can strike the same place repeatedly, especially tall objects.
- B.
It's safe to be in a vehicle with rubber tires during a lightning storm.
- C.
It doesn't have to be raining where you are for lightning to strike.
Correct Answer
B. It's safe to be in a vehicle with rubber tires during a lightning storm.Explanation
Most cars are reasonably safe from lightning, but it's the metal roof an side of the vehicle that protect you, not the rubber tires. So, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled recreational vehicles and cars with plastic or fiberglass shells offer no lightning protection. Closed compartments with a metal roof and sides are safer than being outside.Rate this question:
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- 14.
You're driving from Tucson to Phoenix on Interstate 10 when you see what looks like a mile-long wall of dust ahead — it's a dust storm. What do you do?
- A.
Pull off the road, turn off your car's lights, take your foot off the brake.
- B.
Drive with the high beams on. Honk to let others know you're there.
- C.
Cross your fingers and hope it will pass quickly.
Correct Answer
A. Pull off the road, turn off your car's lights, take your foot off the brake.Explanation
Did you know that dust storms are second to flash floods in the number of thunderstorm-related deaths they produce? According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, seven people died and 90 were injured in 129 crashes caused by blowing dust in Arizona in 2010. Don't underestimate how dangerous a dust storm can be! They can strike with little warning.Rate this question:
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.jpg "Tucson gets an average of 6.08 inches of rain during the monsoon. How much rain did the area get in 1964, the wettest monsoon on record?")
.jpg "How much water does it take to make a car float on a flooded Tucson street?")
.jpg "What is seen in this photo?")
.jpg "A power line has just fallen on top of your vehicle, with you inside. What do you do next?")
.jpg "What is the nickname given to the monsoon bloom of this cereus cactus, Peniocereus greggii?")
.jpg "How many tornadoes form each year in Arizona?")
.jpg "What is the maximum fine that can be assessed under Arizona's \"Stupid Motorist Law?\"")
.jpg "What is the most deadly weather hazard in Arizona?")
.jpg "Which of the following is not a good way to prevent heat-related illness in children?")
.jpg "According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 23 children died by drowning in the state in 2010. What percentage of these was preventable?")
.jpg "Which of the following is a lightning myth?")
.jpg "You're driving from Tucson to Phoenix on Interstate 10 when you see what looks like a mile-long wall of dust ahead — it's a dust storm. What do you do?")
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 07, 2012Quiz Created by
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