Meteorology Unit Post-assessment (Earth Science Regents)
Meteorology Unit Post-Assessment (Earth Science Regents)
- 1.
Scientists have inferred that Earth’s original atmosphere was formed by the (Standard 1.2e):
- A.
Outgassing from Earth’s interior
- B.
Erosion of Earth’s surface
- C.
Decay of microorganisms in Earth’s oceans
- D.
Radioactive decay of elements in Earth’s core
- E.
Emergence of multicellular organisms
Correct Answer
A. Outgassing from Earth’s interiorExplanation
The correct answer is "outgassing from Earth's interior." Scientists have inferred that Earth's original atmosphere was formed through the process of outgassing, which involves the release of gases from the Earth's interior. This occurs through volcanic activity, where molten rock (magma) rises to the surface and releases gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. These gases then accumulate in the atmosphere over time, forming the early composition of Earth's atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which event in Earth’s history was dependent on the development of cyanobacteria (Standard 1.2h)?
- A.
Addition of free oxygen to Earth’s atmosphere
- B.
Formation of clastic sedimentary rock
- C.
Movement of tectonic plates
- D.
Filling of the oceans by precipitation
- E.
Cyanobacteria had no effect on Earth’s history
Correct Answer
A. Addition of free oxygen to Earth’s atmospHereExplanation
The correct answer is the addition of free oxygen to Earth's atmosphere. Cyanobacteria played a crucial role in Earth's history by being the first organisms to produce oxygen through photosynthesis. This process gradually led to the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere, which had a profound impact on the evolution of life on Earth. The presence of free oxygen allowed for the development of more complex organisms and eventually led to the oxygenation of the oceans and the atmosphere as we know it today.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What happens to the density of a mass of air when its water vapor content increases (Standard 2.1b)?
- A.
Density remains the same
- B.
Density increases
- C.
Density decreases
- D.
There is no density
- E.
There is not enough information to answer the question
Correct Answer
C. Density decreasesExplanation
When the water vapor content in a mass of air increases, the density of the air decreases. This is because water vapor is less dense than dry air. As the water vapor molecules occupy space within the air, they displace some of the air molecules, leading to a decrease in the overall density of the air.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Wind moves from regions of (Standard 2.1c):
- A.
High temperatures to regions of low temperatures
- B.
High pressure toward regions of low pressure
- C.
High precipitation toward regions of low precipitation
- D.
High humidity toward regions of low humidity
- E.
High elevation to low elevation
Correct Answer
B. High pressure toward regions of low pressureExplanation
Wind moves from regions of high pressure toward regions of low pressure. This is because air moves from areas of higher atmospheric pressure to areas of lower atmospheric pressure in order to equalize the pressure imbalances. The movement of air from high pressure to low pressure creates wind.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which list correctly matches each instrument with the weather variable it measures(Standard 2.1d)?
- A.
Wind vane—wind speed thermometer—temperature precipitation gauge—relative humidity
- B.
Wind vane—wind direction thermometer—dewpoint psychrometer—air pressure
- C.
Barometer—relative humidity anemometer—cloud cover precipitation gauge—probability of precipitation
- D.
Barometer—air pressure anemometer—wind speed psychrometer—relative humidity
- E.
None of the lists are completely correct
Correct Answer
D. Barometer—air pressure anemometer—wind speed psychrometer—relative humidityExplanation
The correct answer matches each instrument with the weather variable it measures. A barometer measures air pressure, an anemometer measures wind speed, and a psychrometer measures relative humidity.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which weather change usually occurs when the difference between the air temperature and the dewpoint temperature is decreasing(Standard 2.1e)?
- A.
The amount of cloud cover decreases.
- B.
The probability of precipitation decreases.
- C.
The relative humidity increases.
- D.
The barometric pressure increases.
- E.
The wind speed accelerates.
Correct Answer
C. The relative humidity increases.Explanation
When the difference between the air temperature and the dewpoint temperature is decreasing, it means that the air is becoming closer to saturation. This indicates that the air is becoming more humid, which leads to an increase in relative humidity. Therefore, the correct answer is that the relative humidity increases.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Cloud formation is likely to occur in rising air because rising air (Standard 2.1e)?
- A.
Expands and warms
- B.
Expands and cools
- C.
Contracts and cools
- D.
Contracts and warms
- E.
Oscillates
Correct Answer
B. Expands and coolsExplanation
Cloud formation is likely to occur in rising air because as air rises, it expands due to decreasing atmospheric pressure. This expansion leads to a decrease in temperature, causing the air to cool. As the air cools, it reaches its dew point and water vapor condenses, forming clouds.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The station model below shows the weather conditions at Massena, New York, at 9 a.m. on a particular day in June. What was the barometric pressure at Massena 3 hours earlier on that day (Standard 2.2a)?
- A.
98.7 mb
- B.
997.1 mb
- C.
999.7 mb
- D.
1003.3 mb
- E.
1009.1 mb
Correct Answer
D. 1003.3 mbExplanation
The station model shows a falling barometric pressure trend, indicated by the half-circle symbol with the line pointing downwards. This means that the barometric pressure was higher 3 hours earlier. Among the given options, 1003.3 mb is the only value that is higher than the current pressure of 997.1 mb, indicating a decreasing trend. Therefore, 1003.3 mb is the most likely barometric pressure 3 hours earlier.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Base your answer to this question on the weather map of North America below. The map shows the location of a front and the air mass influencing its movement. Which region is the probable source of the air mass labeled cP on the map?
- A.
Central Canada
- B.
Southwestern United States
- C.
North Atlantic Ocean
- D.
Gulf of Mexico
- E.
None of the Above
Correct Answer
A. Central CanadaExplanation
The air mass labeled cP on the map is likely to originate from Central Canada. This is because cP refers to a continental polar air mass, which is characterized by cold and dry air. Central Canada, being located in the interior of the continent, is a region where such air masses are commonly formed. The other options, such as the Southwestern United States, North Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico, do not typically produce continental polar air masses.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which process is primarily responsible for the transfer of energy by air currents within the Earth’s atmosphere (Standard 2.2b)?
- A.
Radiation
- B.
Absorption
- C.
Conduction
- D.
Precipitation
- E.
Convection
Correct Answer
E. ConvectionExplanation
Convection is the process primarily responsible for the transfer of energy by air currents within the Earth's atmosphere. Convection occurs when warmer air rises and cooler air sinks, creating a cycle of circulating air. This process is important for redistributing heat and moisture in the atmosphere, which helps to regulate temperature and weather patterns.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Deforestation increases the greenhouse effect on Earth because deforestation causes the atmosphere to contain (Standard 2.2d)?
- A.
More oxygen, which absorbs infrared radiation
- B.
Less oxygen, which absorbs short-wave radiation
- C.
Less nitrogen, which absorbs short-wave radiation
- D.
Less carbon dioxide, which absorbs short-wave radiation
- E.
More carbon dioxide, which absorbs infrared radiation
Correct Answer
E. More carbon dioxide, which absorbs infrared radiationExplanation
Deforestation increases the greenhouse effect on Earth because when trees are cut down, they release stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Therefore, more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to an increased greenhouse effect.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A map view of surface air movement in a low-pressure system is shown below. The air near the center of this low- pressure system usually will (Standard 2.1h)?
- A.
Remain static
- B.
Evaporate into a liquid
- C.
Reverse direction
- D.
Rise and form clouds
- E.
Squeeze together to form a high-pressure system
Correct Answer
D. Rise and form cloudsExplanation
In a low-pressure system, air near the center tends to rise. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds. This is because in a low-pressure system, air is converging towards the center, causing it to rise and create vertical motion in the atmosphere. This upward motion leads to the formation of clouds as the air reaches its dew point and moisture condenses. Therefore, the correct answer is "rise and form clouds."Rate this question:
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- 13.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how much you now know about meteorology.
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4Explanation
This question asks the respondent to rate their knowledge about meteorology on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The answer options provided include all possible ratings from 1 to 4, indicating that the respondent can choose any level of knowledge they believe they possess.Rate this question:
- 14.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how interested are you in meteorology now.
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4Explanation
This question asks the respondent to rate their level of interest in meteorology on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The answer options provided are 1, 2, 3, and 4, allowing the respondent to choose their level of interest accordingly. The explanation for the correct answer is not available.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 09, 2011Quiz Created by
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