Geology 110: Earth and Space Science
Chapter 15 (Weather Systems) Homework
SELF-REFLECTION AND COMPREHENSION SURVEYS
Checkpoint 15.1, p. 422
#1: Explain three examples of how you use the weather forecast.
Checkpoint 15.2, p. 423
#2: Examine Figure 15.1. Identify 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. What patterns can you identify in the weather
characteristics displayed on the map?
Checkpoint 15.5, p. 425
#3: Of the five most common types of air masses, which ones most directly affect the
area where you live?
Checkpoint 15.6, p. 425
#4: Which air masses would be present during July at each of the locations indicated on
the following globes?
Checkpoint 15.9, p. 428
#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 15.18, p. 435
#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 15.20, p. 435
#7: Rank the three thunderstorm components (air temperature, moisture, a lifting
mechanism) in order of their significance in causing thunderstorms. Justify your ranking.
Checkpoint 15.22, p. 438
#8: Examine the 4 images of tornado damage in Figure 15.22. Which image corresponds
to damages from an F1, F2, F3, and F4 tornado, respectively? Justify your pairings.
Checkpoint 15.25, p. 441
#9: The costliest hurricanes are not necessarily the most intense. Explain why two
Category 1 hurricanes (Agnes, 1972; Diane, 1955) are in the top 10 most costly U.S.
hurricanes when adjusted for inflation.
Checkpoint 15.26, p. 446
#10: Draw a diagram that illustrates how the 4 components of the Earth system
(atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere) interact during a hurricane.
Checkpoint 15.27, p. 447
#11: Venn Diagram: Mid-level Cyclones, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes
Use the Venn diagram provided here to compare and contrast mid-latitude cyclones,
tornadoes, and hurricanes. Identify at least 12 features.