Science Olympiad Meteorology Quiz #4
Natural Climatic variability: with emphasis on how it might affect climate change.
-effects of land masses and water bodies on climate
-effects of latitude and longitude and elevation (topography).
-effects of Earth's mean temperatures, with emphasis on how changes might impact Earth's cryosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere systems.
-effects of plate tectonics on climate
- 1.
Land masses affect climate by...
- A.
Land masses tend to be darker in color, so they absorb much of the sun's rays as heat energy, causing temperatures to rise.
- B.
Land masses tend to be lighter in color, so they reflect much of the sun's rays as heat energy, causing temperatures to lower.
- C.
Land masses are usually darker in color, so they absorb most of the sun's as shortwave energy, causing temps to go up.
- D.
Land masses tend to be lighter in color, so they reflect much of the sun's rays as longwave energy, causing temps to go up.
Correct Answer
A. Land masses tend to be darker in color, so they absorb much of the sun's rays as heat energy, causing temperatures to rise.Explanation
Land masses tend to be darker in color, which means they have a lower albedo, or reflectivity. This low albedo causes land masses to absorb a larger portion of the sun's rays as heat energy, leading to an increase in temperatures. As a result, the dark-colored land masses contribute to the warming of the surrounding environment.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Water takes a lot of _______ to change temperatures.
Correct Answer
energy
EnergyExplanation
Water takes a lot of energy to change temperatures. Energy is required to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, which allows them to move faster and increase in temperature. Additionally, energy is needed to overcome the high specific heat capacity of water, meaning it requires a significant amount of energy to raise or lower its temperature. This is why water can absorb or release large amounts of heat without undergoing drastic temperature changes, making it an effective regulator of temperature in various environments.Rate this question:
- 3.
The thermal capacity of water is ____
Correct Answer
high
High
alot
Alot
a lot
a lot
very high
very High
Very High
Very highExplanation
The thermal capacity of water is high. Water has a high thermal capacity because it can absorb and retain a large amount of heat energy without significantly increasing in temperature. This property makes water an effective regulator of temperature, helping to stabilize climates and regulate body temperatures in living organisms.Rate this question:
- 4.
Climate will be moderate in summer near the coast, for example. Likewise in winter, the water near the coast will slowly release this energy, causing coastal areas to be less cold.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the proximity of the coast to large bodies of water helps moderate the climate in summer. The water absorbs and holds onto heat, preventing extreme temperatures. In winter, the water slowly releases this stored heat, keeping coastal areas relatively warmer compared to inland regions. Therefore, it is true that the climate near the coast will be moderate in summer and coastal areas will be less cold in winter.Rate this question:
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- 5.
So, in summary, large bodies of water tend to moderate temperatures in both summer and winter in nearby land areas, compared to areas that are farther inland.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Large bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes, have a moderating effect on temperatures in nearby land areas. This is because water has a higher specific heat capacity than land, meaning it can absorb and store more heat energy. During summer, the water absorbs heat from the sun, keeping the adjacent land areas cooler. In winter, the water releases stored heat, keeping the land areas warmer. This moderating effect helps to regulate temperature extremes, making the climate more stable and comfortable compared to areas farther inland. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Longitude which you are at does affect your weather.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The longitude at which you are located does not directly affect your weather. Weather patterns are primarily influenced by factors such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind patterns, which are not directly determined by longitude. However, longitude indirectly plays a role in determining climate zones, which can have long-term effects on weather patterns in a region.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The latitude at which your at doesn't affect the weather.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The latitude at which you are located does affect the weather. Latitude plays a significant role in determining the climate of a region. As you move closer to the poles, the temperature tends to decrease, resulting in colder climates. Conversely, as you move closer to the equator, temperatures generally increase, leading to warmer climates. Additionally, latitude influences factors such as the length of daylight hours, which in turn affects weather patterns. Therefore, the statement that latitude does not affect the weather is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 8.
These areas have a wet and dry season, instead of a winter, fall, summer and spring.
- A.
Tropic of Cancer (23° 26′ N to 0°)
- B.
Tropic of Leo (23° 26′ S to 0°)
- C.
Tropic of Orion (23° 26′ S to 0°)
- D.
Tropic of Capricorn (23° 26′ S to 0°)
- E.
Tropic of Tonka (23° 26′ S to 0°)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tropic of Cancer (23° 26′ N to 0°)
D. Tropic of Capricorn (23° 26′ S to 0°)Explanation
The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn have a wet and dry season instead of the traditional four seasons because they are located in the tropical region. The tropical region is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The position of the sun is directly overhead these tropics during the respective summer solstices, resulting in intense heat and heavy rainfall. This creates a wet season, known as the monsoon season, followed by a dry season. The other options, Tropic of Leo, Tropic of Orion, and Tropic of Tonka, are not recognized geographical terms and do not exist.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the cryosphere?
- A.
A part of the atmosphere that is extremely cold.
- B.
The upper part of aircraft that use jet engine turbines.
- C.
The cold areas where water is in solid form.
- D.
The warm areas where water is in liquid form.
Correct Answer
C. The cold areas where water is in solid form.Explanation
The cryosphere refers to the cold areas on Earth where water is in solid form, such as ice caps, glaciers, and snow-covered regions. This includes both the polar regions and high-altitude mountainous areas. The cryosphere plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight and maintaining global temperature balance. It also has significant impacts on the water cycle, sea level rise, and biodiversity.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How do changes in the Earth's mean temperatures affect the cryosphere?
- A.
It causes more severe weather.
- B.
It causes ice to melt or more ice to form.
- C.
It causes airplanes to crash more often.
Correct Answer
B. It causes ice to melt or more ice to form.Explanation
Changes in the Earth's mean temperatures affect the cryosphere by causing ice to either melt or form. When temperatures increase, ice melts, leading to a decrease in the cryosphere. Conversely, when temperatures decrease, more ice forms, resulting in an expansion of the cryosphere. This is because the cryosphere is composed of frozen water, and changes in temperature directly impact the state of this water, either causing it to melt or freeze.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What is the hydrosphere?
- A.
The wettest part of the atmosphere
- B.
An area in space surrounding our solar system
- C.
The combined mass of all the water on our planet.
- D.
A certain part of the water cycle.
Correct Answer
C. The combined mass of all the water on our planet.Explanation
The hydrosphere refers to the combined mass of all the water on our planet. It includes water in the oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and even water vapor in the atmosphere. This term is used to describe the Earth's water system, which plays a crucial role in sustaining life and influencing climate patterns.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The hydrosphere; how do changes to the earth's mean temperatures affect it? (cold AND warm)
- A.
It hurts sea life
- B.
It freezes water, lowering it.
- C.
It doesn't matter, but it hurts wildlife in the sea, but the mass stays the same.
- D.
It heats water, causing glaciers to melt and raise it
- E.
It doesn't matter, the mass stays the same
Correct Answer(s)
A. It hurts sea life
B. It freezes water, lowering it.
D. It heats water, causing glaciers to melt and raise itExplanation
Changes to the earth's mean temperatures affect the hydrosphere in multiple ways. Firstly, it hurts sea life as certain species are sensitive to temperature variations and may struggle to adapt or survive. Secondly, it freezes water, leading to a decrease in water levels. Lastly, it heats water, causing glaciers to melt and resulting in a rise in sea levels. These changes have significant implications for the hydrosphere and the organisms that rely on it for survival.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The biosphere is the total sum of all ecosystems in our country.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
It's the sum of all ecosystems on the entire earth.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The mean temperatures of Earth; when changed, it does this to the biosphere... Hurts ecosystems mainly
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
When the mean temperatures of Earth change, it primarily hurts ecosystems. This is because temperature plays a crucial role in the survival and functioning of various plant and animal species. Drastic temperature changes can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, species extinction, and overall biodiversity decline. Additionally, temperature changes can affect nutrient availability, alter the timing of biological events such as flowering or migration, and increase the prevalence of diseases. Therefore, it is true that changes in mean temperatures can have a detrimental impact on the biosphere and its ecosystems.Rate this question:
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- 15.
When plates move, the weather ____ be affected. (will/won't)
Correct Answer
Will
willExplanation
When plates move, it can cause earthquakes and volcanic activity, which in turn can affect the weather. For example, volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can block sunlight and lower temperatures. Earthquakes can also disrupt the flow of ocean currents, which can impact weather patterns. Therefore, it is likely that the weather will be affected when plates move.Rate this question:
- 16.
How do plate tectonics affect weather, when they move?
- A.
More volcanic eruptions
- B.
Alter ocean heat transport
- C.
Alter global atmospheric Circulation
- D.
Alter amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.
- E.
Hurt wildlife, because of a sudden different climate.
- F.
More glaciers over land, high albedo, cooler temps.
- G.
Destroy many trees from the extreme amount of earthquakes you receive from being on the move.
- H.
Cause more international wars from the sudden shift of raw materials.
- I.
Change wind currents
- J.
Cause more severe weather
Correct Answer(s)
A. More volcanic eruptions
B. Alter ocean heat transport
C. Alter global atmospHeric Circulation
D. Alter amount of CO2 emitted into the atmospHere.
F. More glaciers over land, high albedo, cooler temps.Explanation
There is different co2 areas on the earth, when a plate moves, more co2 would hit that plate, therefore causing more volcanic eruptions. Also, more glaciers mean more ice, which makes a higher albedo, meaning obviously cooler temps. Furthermore, global atmospheric circulation will change, because your moving, and in addition, heat transport would change because of you moving, too.Rate this question:
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- 17.
To sum it all up, basically if a plate moves, more hurricanes and tornadoes would occur from the increased amount of co2 gasses.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Actually, volcanoes would increase.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 14, 2011Quiz Created by
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