METEOROLOGY FINAL TEST - 2010
1. The 92,500 year Milankovitch Cycle that corresponds quite well to the 18 cooling cycles during the
last ice ages is the A.angle of the ecliptic B.eccentricity of the Earth's orbit C.precession of the
equinoxes
2. Tropical humid climates A.have large temperature variation B.have more than 100 meters of rain
per year C.have high temperatures D.all of the above are true E.none of the above is true
3. The ? side of continents at 35-40° latitude typically have moist winters and dry summers. A.north
B.south C.east D.west
4. Which of the following describes a Subtropical Humid Climate? A.on west side of continents at 3045° latitude B.with 40-80 cm rainfall, occurring mostly during the winter C.with variable
temperature D.all of the above are true concerning Subtropical Humid Climates E.none of the
above is true concerning Subtropical Humid Climates
5. In the Köppen Climate Classification, the abbreviation "A" signifies ? climates. A.subtropical
B.temperate C.boreal D.tropical humid E.dry
6. Fumigation occurs during a ? temperature inversion. A.subsidence B.radiational C.all of the
above may lead to fumigation
7. Geographically, the most extensive climate zone in the Köppen Classification is the A.tropical
humid B.subtropical C.temperate D.boreal E.dry
8. Soot A.is mostly carbon particles B.is primarily due to the erosion of carbon-rich soils C.all of the
above are true D.none of the above is true
9. Acid rain is classified as having a water pH of A.less than 6 B.more than 6 C.less than 7 D.less
than 5.6 E.more than 5.6
10. A greenhouse gas released through respiration, burning fossil fuels, brush fires and by volcanoes
is A.methane B.nitrogen dioxide C.sulfur compounds D.carbon monoxide E.carbon dioxide
11. A Northern Hemisphere climate where there are short, cool summers and long, cold winters and
where continental polar and arctic air masses originate is A.humid continental B.marine west
coast C.boreal D.polar E.highland
12. Climate classifications based on environmental effects are termed A.genetic B.empirical C.all of
the above
13. Chlorofluorocarbons are believed to be responsible for the destruction of ? in the atmosphere.
A.nitrogen B.carbon dioxide C.methane D.sulfur E.ozone
14. Which of the following is true concerning the "Little Ice Age"? A.occurred from 1400 to 1850 B.C.
B.had a global temperature of 1-2°C cooler than now C.all of the above are true concerning the
"Little Ice Age" D.none of the above is true concerning the "Little Ice Age"
15. The primary factor that produces the season that was believed by Milankovitch to have a 41,000
year cycle was the A.angle of the ecliptic B.eccentricity of the Earth's orbit C.precession of the
equinoxes
16. Rainfall on midlatitude steppes occurs primarily during the A.spring B.summer C.fall D.winter
17. In the eastern United States, air pollution is typically worst during the A.spring B.summer C.fall
D.winter
18. In the Köppen Climate Classification, the abbreviation "E" signifies ? climates. A.polar
B.temperate C.boreal D.highland E.dry
19. Köppen Climate Classification is A.genetic B.empirical C.Köppen used both genetic and
empirical climate classifications
20. Which of the following are used primarily in refrigeration and for production of foam products?
A.methane B.nitrogen dioxide C.peroxyacetyl nitrates D.chlorofluorocarbons E.all of the above
are used for refrigeration and for the production of foam products
21. At the equator, precipitation is A.controlled primarily by the Westerlies B.due to divergence at
the surface C.very heavy D.all of the above are true E.none of the above is true
22. Which of the following is true concerning factor interaction influences on climate? A.there are
many factors affecting climate B.there is difficulty establishing cause and effect relationships in
climate C.feedback loops may amplify or weaken climate fluctuations D.all of the above are true
concerning factor interaction E.none of the above is true concerning factor interaction
23. A wake A.may cause a smoke plume to be trapped B.is typically developed where there is
turbulence on the windward side of a building or other obstruction C.all of the above are true
concerning wakes D.none of the above is true concerning wakes
24. The principle absorber of solar radiation is the A.continents B.oceans C.both continents and
oceans absorb solar radiation equally
25. The most important natural cleansing process in the atmosphere is A.precipitation scavenging
B.impaction C.gravitational settling D.all of the above are equally important E.none of the above
is an important natural cleansing process
26. Which of the following describes a Marine West Coast Climate? A.mild temperatures
B.moderate to abundant rainfall C.with strong maritime influences D.all of the above describe
Marine West Coast Climates E.none of the above describes marine west coast climates
27. Soil bacteria, burning fossil fuels and motor emissions may produce A.carbon dioxide B.carbon
monoxide C.nitrogen dioxide D. all of the above may be produced E.none of the above is
produced
28. A Northern Hemisphere climate developed between 50 and 65° latitude in which there is extreme
continentality with less than 50 cm of rain per year is a A.humid continental B.marine west coast
C.boreal D.polar E.highland
29. Which of the following is true concerning turbidity? A.may cause colder temperatures due to
increased albedo B.may cause warmer temperatures due to backradiation to the surface and
heat absorption by particles C.is due to an increase in dust within the atmosphere D.all of the
above are true concerning turbidity E.none of the above is true concerning turbidity
30. Which of the following describe air mass climatology? A.air masses originate in cyclones and
modify as they move away from them B.climate may be described by the frequency and
occurrence of air masses C.all of the above describe air mass climatology D.none of the above
describe air mass climatology
31. Which of the following describes a Mediterranean Climate? A.occurs on the east side of
continents at 25-40° latitude B.with abundant rain (76-165 cm) throughout the year C.with hot
summers and mild winters D.all of the above are true concerning Mediterranean Climates
E.none of the above is true concerning Mediterranean Climates
32. Most precipitation poleward of 40° latitude occurs during the A.spring B.summer C.fall D.winter
33. Which of the following describes climate at 20-35° latitude? A.with subtropical cyclones B.with
convergence at the surface and heavy rains C.with subtropical climate D.all of the above
describe climate at 20-35° latitude E.none of the above describes climate at 20-35° latitude
34. The 22,000 year Milankovitch Cycle is the A.angle of the ecliptic B.eccentricity of the Earth's
orbit C.precession of the equinoxes
35. Photochemical smog may produce harmful A.formaldehyde B.ketones C.peroxyacetyl nitrates
D.ozone E.all of the above are harmful biproducts of photochemical smog
36. Which of the following is true concerning the "Climate Optimum"? A.occurred approximately
5,000 to 7,000 years ago B.the temperature was approximately 2°C cooler than now C.all of the
above are true D.none of the above is true
37. Which of the following is not true concerning mixing depth? A.if mixing depths are greater than 1
km, there are more air pollutants per air volume B.mixing depth is the vertical distance between
the Earth's surface and the altitude at which convection currents reach C.all of the above are true
concerning mixing depth D.none of the above is true concerning mixing depth
38. Subtropical deserts are due to the presence of A.rain shadows B.subtropical anticyclones C.all
of the above D.none of the above
39. The Antarctic ozone hole is most-developed during the A.spring B.summer C.fall D.winter
40. Evidence for the last ice ages includes all of the following except A.oxygen isotope differences
B.cores of deep sea and lake sediments C.distribution of fossil pollen D.studies of ancient
sedimentary structures E.all of the above provide evidence of the last ice ages
41. A gas released by burning fossil fuels and by slash and burn agriculture, that causes drowsiness
(or may kill you) is A.carbon dioxide B.methane C.sulfur compounds D.carbon monoxide
E.photochemical smog
42. There is a ? shift of isotherms over water than land. A.greater B.lesser
43. In the Köppen Climate Classification, the abbreviation "C" signifies ? climates. A.subtropical
B.temperate C.boreal D.tropical humid E.dry
44. Urban weather A.tends to have less fog, less clouds and less precipitation B.this is caused by
fewer hygroscopic nuclei and the heat island effect, which causes higher temperatures and less
moisture in the air C.all of the above are true D.none of the above is true
45. Rain is less reliable in ? climates. A.maritime B.continental C.rain is equally reliable in both
maritime and continental climates
46. The "ice ages" occurred primarily during the A.Eocene B.Oligocene C.Miocene D.Pliocene
E.Pleistocene
47. The following is produced by smelting ores, auto emissions, burning fossil fuels, volcanoes and
anaerobic decay. A.photochemical smog B.aerosols C.sulfur compounds D.methane E.carbon
dioxide
48. In the Köppen Climate Classification, coastal deserts would be designated by the abbreviation
A.Aw B.Ar C.BWh D.BWk E.BWn
49. As wind speed increases, the number of air pollutants per volume of air typically A.increase
B.decrease C.remain the same
50. Which of the following describes climate? A.average weather over time B.extremes in weather
behavior C.seasonal distribution of weather D.all of the above describe climate E.none of the
above describe climate
51. In the Köppen Climate Classification, the abbreviation "D" signifies ? climates. A.subtropical
B.temperate C.boreal D.tropical humid E.dry
52. In the Köppen Climate Classification, the abbreviation "H" signifies ? climates. A.polar
B.temperate C.boreal D.highland E.dry
53. In the western United States, air pollution is typically worst during the A.spring B.summer C.fall
D.winter
54. Tundra climates are a subdivision of ? climates. A.humid continental B.marine west coast
C.boreal D.polar E.highland
55. Climate classifications based on meteorological features are termed A.genetic B.empirical C.all
of the above
56. Tropical monsoon circulation is due primarily to shifting of all of the following except:
A.intertropical convergence zone B.westerlies C.subtropical highs D.monsoon circulation is due
to shifting of all of the above E.monsoon circulation is not affected by these major circulation
patterns
57. According to the Köppen Climate Classification, tropical savannahs are symbolized by the
abbreviation A.Aw B.Ar C.BSh D.BSk E.BW
58. The heat equator is ? of the geographic equator. A.north B.south C.the heat equator is at the
same position as the geographic equator
59. Which of the following is true concerning a temperature inversion? A.air temperature decreases
with altitude B.causes unstable air that enhances air pollution episodes C.all of the above are
true concerning temperature inversions D.none of the above is true concerning temperature
inversions
60. The Southern Hemisphere A.has less albedo B.more land C.more warm ocean water D.all of
the above are true E.none of the above is true
61. Photochemical smog is A.primarily due to auto emissions B.occurs where sulfur compounds and
carbon monoxide combines in the presence of sunlight C.all of the above are true D.none of the
above is true
62. Departures from long-term climatic averages are termed A.agroclimatic compensation B.climatic
anomalies C.streamlines D.confluence zones E.climate zones
63. A volatile organic compound that is often smog-forming and may be carcinogenic is A.carbon
monoxide B.sulfur compounds C.hydrocarbons D.nitrogen dioxide E.sulfur compounds
64. Aerosols include all of the following except A.dust B.pesticides C.soot D.fungal spores and
pollen E.all of the above may be classified as aerosols
65. A temperature inversion caused by a stalled anticyclone and subsiding air is termed a ?
temperature inversion. A.subsidence B.radiational C.all of the above are due to stalled
anticyclones
66. The average frontal positions, which separate different types of climates, are termed
A.confluence zones B.topography C.streamlines D.climatic anomalies E.climatic norms
67. Globally, precipitation patterns tend to be A.meridional B.zonal C.precipitation patterns are
equally meridional or zonal in distribution
68. Another name for a subtropical dry summer climate is A.Boreal B.Highland C.Mediterranean
D.Steppe E.Temperate
69. Subtropical steppe or semiarid areas are due to A.rain shadows B.subtropical anticyclones
C.all of the above D.none of the above
70. ? damages crops and trees and degrades rubber and fabrics. A.ketones B.PAN C.formaldehyde
D.ozone E.all of the above damages crops and trees and degrade rubber and fabrics
71. Temperate and boreal deserts are due to the presence of A.rain shadows B.subtropical
anticyclones C.all of the above D.none of the above
72. Air pollution potential ? with higher topographic relief. A.decreases B.increases
73. The average and extremes of climate for a locality, usually described over a thirty year period,
defines the A.climatic anomalies B.air mass climatology C.streamlines D.climatic norm
E.confluence zone
74. The greenhouse effect may cause ? rain and snow near the poles and equator. A.more B.less
C.rain and snow will not be affected by the greenhouse effect
75. The average, or mean, paths of air mass winds moving horizontally describe A.confluence zones
B.topography C.streamlines D.climatic anomalies E.climatic norms
76. Air pollution episodes are classified as A.atmospheric conditions that enhance the dilution of air
pollutants B.episodes that may be harmful to human health C.all of the above define air pollution
episodes D.none of the above defines air pollution episodes
77. A greenhouse gas that forms mostly from anaerobic decay and as natural gas is A.nitrogen
dioxide B.sulfur compounds C.photochemical smog D.methane E.carbon monoxide
78. Atmospheric instability ? air pollution episodes. A.enhances B.inhibits
79. Globally, the mean annual isotherms approximately parallel A.longitude B.latitude C.there is no
correlation between isotherms, parallels or meridians
80. The ? side of continents at 25-40° latitude typically have little variation in rain throughout the year.
A.north B.south C.east D.west
81. According to the Köppen Climate Classification, rainforests are symbolized by the abbreviation
A.Aw B.Ar C.BSh D.BSk E.BW
82. Dry deposition includes all of the following except A.precipitation scavenging B.impaction
C.gravitational settling D.dry deposition includes all of the above E.dry deposition includes none
of the above
83. Every 300 meters of elevation is equivalent to a northward shift of climate of some ? kilometers.
A.100 B.200 C.300 D.400 E.500
84. A humid continental Climate A.would be developed on the windward side of continents B.has
variable weather, especially due to the position of the polar front C.has precipitation primarily
during the winter D.all of the above are true concerning humid continental Climates E.none of the
above is true concerning humid continental Climates
85. Hydrocarbons that cause pollution problems may be derived from all of the following except
A.sources of methane B.vegetation C.tobacco smoke D.motor vehicles E.all of the above may
produce harmful hydrocarbons
86. Which of the following is not believed to affect glaciation? A.volcanic activity B.changes in solar
irradiance C.elevation of mountains D.plate tectonics E.all of the above are believed to affect
glaciation
87. Which of the following is typically transitional between arid and humid climates? A.subtropical
B.temperate C.boreal D.steppe E.highland
88. Which of the following human activities probably has the greatest global effect on climate?
A.altering radiational properties of the Earth's surface B.venting waste heat into the atmosphere
C.changing the gaseous and aerosol components of the atmosphere D.all of the above human
activities would affect global climate equally E.none of the above human activities is believed to
affect global climate
89. The circumpolar vortex is believed to enhance the destruction of A.nitrogen B.methane C.ozone
D.carbon monoxide E.carbon dioxide
90. Acid rain is due to oxides of A.sulfur B.nitrogen C.all of the above D.none of the above
91. Which of the following has been hypothesized as altering solar irradiance and affecting climate?
A.11-year sunspot cycles B.22-year sunspot cycles C.changes in sunspot umbra and penumbra
D.all of the above have been hypothesized to change climate E.none of the above have been
hypothesized to change climate
92. A process by which particulates stick to buildings is A.gravitational settling B.precipitation
scavenging C.impaction D.all of the above are where particulates stick to buildings E.none of
the above is where particulates stick to buildings
93. Agroclimatic compensation states that A.poor growing weather is typically a world-wide
phenomenon B.poor growing weather in one area is typically offset by better growth in another
C.all of the above define agroclimatic compensation
94. Which of the following climate controls would be the least predictable? A.topography B.proximity
to large water bodies C.atmospheric circulation D.elevation E.all of the above are equally
unpredictable
95. The following may cause heart, lung, liver and kidney damage as well as brochitis and
pneumonia: A.nitrogen dioxide B.methane C.carbon dioxide D.carbon monoxide E.aerosols
96. Poleward of 40° latitude there is ? precipitation. A.sparse B.abundant
97. Midlatitude steppes are primarily due to the presence of A.subtropical anticyclones B.rain
shadows C.all of the above D.none of the above
98. Most ? is due to soil erosion. A.dust B.soot C.all of the above are due to soil erosion D.none of
the above is due to soil erosion
99. In the Köppen Climate Classification, the abbreviation "B" signifies ? climates. A.subtropical
B.temperate C.boreal D.tropical humid E.dry
100. During ice age intervals, the amount of O18 in oceans A.decreases B.increases C.remains the
same