Geology 110: Earth and Space Science
Chapter 15 (Weather Systems) Homework
SELF-REFLECTION AND COMPREHENSION SURVEYS
#1: Explain three examples of how you use the weather forecast.
Page 410
#2: Examine Figure 15.1. Identify and write down 3 regions in different parts of the
country that are relatively free of weather hazards and 3 that appear to have a relatively
high risk of experiencing weather hazards. Describe patterns can you identify in the
weather characteristics displayed on the map?
Checkpoint 15.5, p. 414
#3: Of the five most common types of air masses, which ones most directly affect the
area where you live?
Checkpoint 15.6, p. 415
#4: Which air masses would be present during July at each of the locations indicated on
the following globe?
Checkpoint 15.9, p. 418: frontal systems exercise
#5: Use the map to answer the questions that follow.
1. The map illustrates the relative positions of a warm and cold front. Where is the
warm front located?
a) Between A and B
b) Between C and D
c) At E
2. Where is it raining?
a) A and B
b) B and C
c) C and D
d) B and D
3. Which location is in a maritime tropical air mass?
a) A
b) G
c) E
d) H
4. Which location will become warmer in the next 12 hours?
a) A
b) B
c) C
d) D
5. Which of the following images best represents conditions along the line X-Y on
the map? Explain what is happening along X-Y for your choice.
Answer:
Checkpoint 15.14, p. 422
#6: Updrafts responsible for the formation of thunderstorm clouds are most likely to
occur with which combination of conditions?
a) Low-level warm, moist air; upper-level warm, moist air
b) Low-level cool, dry air; upper-level warm, moist air
c) Low-level warm, moist air; upper-level cool, dry air
d) Low-level cool, dry air; upper-level cool, dry air
Checkpoint 15.16, p. 423
#7: Rank the three thunderstorm components (air temperature, moisture, a lifting
mechanism) in order of their significance in causing thunderstorms. Justify your ranking.
Checkpoint 15.18, p. 424
#8: Examine the image of tornado damage. Rank the damage using the Fujita intensity
scale.
a) F1 b) F2 c) F3 d) F4
Checkpoint 15.21, p. 428
#9: The costliest hurricanes are not necessarily the most intense. Explain why two
Category 1 hurricanes (Agnes, 1972; Diane, 1955) are among the top 10 most costly U.S.
hurricanes (when adjusted for inflation).
Checkpoint 15.22, p. 434
#10: Draw a diagram that illustrates how the 4 components of the Earth system
(atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere) interact during a hurricane. You
can use the diagram below (excluding the exosphere) or make up your own diagram;
make sure to list interactions for letters C-N if you use the diagram below.
Checkpoint 15.23, p. 434
#11: Use the Venn diagram provided here to compare and contrast midlatitude cyclones,
tornadoes, and hurricanes. Place the numbers corresponding to the listed features in the
appropriate places on the diagram. Thirteen items have been provided.
1. Low pressure systems
2. Winds can be in excess of 480 km/h (>300 mph)
3. Comma- shaped cloud pattern
4. Six intensity levels
5. Involve counter-clockwise rotations
6. Two different frontal systems involved
7. Steep pressure gradients
8. Most common in late summer and fall.
9. Most common in Great Plains states
10. Highest wind speeds
11. Form over the ocean
12. Greatest destruction in coastal states
13. Associated with thunderstorms