1.
What is the name of the most constant, reliable, steady winds?
Correct Answer
C. Trade Winds
Explanation
Trade winds are the most constant, reliable, and steady winds that blow towards the equator from the subtropical high-pressure belts. They are caused by the rotation of the Earth and the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. Trade winds are prevalent in the tropics and are important for navigation and sailing routes. They were named "trade winds" because they were historically used by trading ships to travel between continents.
2.
Winds are named after the location they come from:
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Winds are indeed named after the location they come from. This naming convention is based on the direction from which the wind originates. For example, a wind coming from the north is called a "northerly" wind, while a wind coming from the east is called an "easterly" wind. This naming system helps to identify and differentiate different wind patterns and directions in meteorology.
3.
The winds at the poles and the equator are due to:
Correct Answer
B. Temperature
Explanation
The winds at the poles and the equator are primarily due to temperature differences. The temperature gradient between these regions creates a pressure gradient, causing air to move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. At the poles, the cold air sinks and flows towards the equator, while at the equator, the warm air rises and flows towards the poles. This movement of air creates the polar easterlies, prevailing westerlies, and trade winds. The Coriolis Effect and precipitation can influence wind patterns, but they are secondary factors compared to temperature differentials.
4.
The eastern side of a Subtropical High will bring:
Correct Answer
A. High pressure, stable, dry weather
Explanation
The eastern side of a Subtropical High will bring high pressure, stable, dry weather. This is because the Subtropical High is a large, semi-permanent high-pressure system that forms in the subtropics. On the eastern side of this high-pressure system, the descending air creates stable atmospheric conditions, which inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation. The sinking air also compresses and warms, leading to dry weather.
5.
Anticyclones have:
Correct Answer
A. High pressure
Explanation
Anticyclones are characterized by high pressure systems. This means that the air pressure at the center of the anticyclone is greater than the surrounding areas. High pressure systems are associated with fair weather conditions, clear skies, and calm winds. In contrast, low pressure systems are associated with converging air, which leads to unstable weather conditions such as clouds, precipitation, and strong winds. Therefore, the correct answer is high pressure.
6.
A land breeze is a result of:
Correct Answer
D. High pressure going from land to sea
Explanation
A land breeze occurs when there is high pressure over the land and lower pressure over the sea. During the night, the land cools down faster than the sea, causing the air above the land to become cooler and denser. This denser air creates high pressure, which then flows from the land towards the lower pressure area over the sea. This movement of air from land to sea creates a land breeze.
7.
The Horse Latitudes and located between:
Correct Answer
B. The Subpolar Low and Supbtropical High
Explanation
The Horse Latitudes are located between the Subpolar Low and Subtropical High. In this region, the air is descending from higher altitudes, creating a zone of high pressure. As the air sinks, it warms and becomes drier, resulting in clear skies and little precipitation. These conditions make it difficult for sailors to navigate, as the lack of wind can leave ships stranded for extended periods of time.
8.
The name of the upper air wind that steers storms is:
Correct Answer
B. The Jet Stream
Explanation
The correct answer is the Jet Stream. The Jet Stream is a fast-moving, narrow air current found in the upper atmosphere, typically between 10 and 15 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It flows from west to east and plays a crucial role in steering and influencing the movement of weather systems, including storms. Its strong winds can push storms along and impact their intensity and direction.
9.
This weekend we might have some Santa Ana winds. These are also known as:
Correct Answer
C. Foehn Winds
Explanation
Santa Ana winds, also known as Foehn winds, are warm and dry winds that occur in Southern California. They are caused by high pressure systems that develop over the Great Basin and flow towards the coast. As the winds descend from higher elevations, they become compressed and warmed, leading to hot and gusty conditions. These winds can be particularly dangerous as they can quickly spread wildfires and increase the risk of fire outbreaks.
10.
The second-largest country (by area) in the world is:
Correct Answer
D. Canada
Explanation
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area. It spans over 9.9 million square kilometers, making it larger than the United States, China, and Russia. With its vast territory, Canada encompasses diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and tundra. It is located in North America and shares its southern border with the United States. Canada's size and natural beauty contribute to its significance on the global stage.