Geography Exam Topics Quiz- Tornadoes, Cyclones, Weather ETC

Meteorologists are the people who study weather. They analyze atmospheric conditions, climate patterns, and weather phenomena to understand and predict weather patterns. They use various tools and technologies to collect data, such as weather satellites, radar systems, and weather balloons. Meteorologists play a crucial role in forecasting weather, issuing warnings for severe weather events, and providing valuable information for industries like agriculture, aviation, and emergency management.

A tornado or twister is indeed a wildly spinning column of air that drops down from under a cumulonimbus cloud and moves across the ground or the water.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the winds move in a clockwise direction. This is due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the rotation of the Earth. As the Earth rotates, the winds are deflected to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, causing them to move in a clockwise direction. This is opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, where the winds move in a counterclockwise direction.

Thunder is the sound caused by rapidly expanding air. When lightning occurs, it heats up the air around it to extremely high temperatures. This sudden increase in temperature causes the air to expand rapidly, creating a shock wave that we perceive as thunder. Therefore, the statement that thunder is the sound caused by rapidly expanding air is true.

In America, cyclones are called hurricanes. Hurricanes are large, powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters and have strong winds and heavy rainfall. They are known for their destructive potential and are given different names in different parts of the world. In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, they are called hurricanes, while in the Northwest Pacific, they are called typhoons. In the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, they are called cyclones. Tornadoes, on the other hand, are smaller, more localized storms that form from severe thunderstorms and are characterized by a rotating column of air.

The equinox is the day when the duration of daylight and darkness is approximately equal. It occurs twice a year, in March and September. The correct answer states that the equinox is on the 22nd of September, which is accurate.

Tornadoes that form over water are called waterspouts. Waterspouts are similar to tornadoes in that they are rotating columns of air, but they form over bodies of water instead of land. They are typically weaker than tornadoes and are usually classified as non-supercellular tornadoes. Waterspouts can be dangerous if they move onshore, as they can cause damage and pose a threat to people and structures.

The Coriolis Effect refers to the different forces caused by the rotation of the Earth. As the Earth rotates, objects moving over its surface are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is due to the rotation of the Earth and the conservation of angular momentum. The Coriolis Effect influences various phenomena, such as the rotation of cyclones and anticyclones, the direction of ocean currents, and the movement of projectiles. It is an important concept in meteorology and fluid dynamics.

The statement is true. The complete life cycle of a tropical cyclone typically lasts around 9 days. However, it can vary and be shorter, lasting only 2 or 3 days, or longer, lasting more than 20 days.

A firebrand is indeed a piece of wood that has been burned or is currently burning. This term is commonly used to refer to a burning piece of wood that is used to start or spread a fire. Therefore, the statement "Firebrand- a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning" is true.

El Nino occurs when the trade winds weaken and warm water slides back to the eastern equatorial Pacific. This phenomenon disrupts the normal pattern of ocean currents and causes a warming of the sea surface temperature in the eastern Pacific. This change in temperature affects weather patterns around the world, leading to altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and other extreme weather events in various regions.

La Nina is a climate pattern that occurs when the surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This leads to cooler temperatures and conditions in various parts of the world. In contrast, El Nino is the opposite climate pattern, characterized by warmer temperatures. Therefore, the statement that La Nina brings cooler temperatures and conditions than El Nino is true.

The western waters are warmer than the eastern waters because they are exposed to the sun longer and because they are closer to the equator. The sun's rays hit the western waters for a longer duration compared to the eastern waters, leading to more heat absorption. Additionally, the western waters being closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight, resulting in higher temperatures.

An anticyclone is another name for a high pressure system. In an anticyclone, the air pressure at the center is higher than the surrounding areas, causing the air to sink and diverge outward. This creates stable and clear weather conditions. On the other hand, a cyclone is a low pressure system with air flowing inward and upward, resulting in unstable weather conditions. Tropical air refers to warm and humid air masses found in tropical regions, but it is not specifically associated with high pressure systems.

Air pressure always flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This is because air molecules move from an area of higher concentration (higher pressure) to an area of lower concentration (lower pressure). This movement creates a pressure gradient, causing air to flow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This is the fundamental principle behind wind and weather patterns, as air moves to equalize pressure imbalances in the atmosphere.

High pressure systems are associated with constant good weather, cloudless skies, and dry conditions. This is because high pressure systems are characterized by sinking air which inhibits cloud formation and leads to stable atmospheric conditions. The sinking air also prevents the formation of precipitation, resulting in dry conditions. Therefore, the statement is true for high pressure systems.

The winds at the eye of a cyclone are calm because it is the center of the storm where the air is sinking and there is low pressure. The calmness is caused by the absence of strong winds and precipitation. This is in contrast to the surrounding eyewall, where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall occur. The calm conditions at the eye provide a brief respite before the storm intensifies again as it moves further.

El Nino and La Nina are climate patterns that occur in the Pacific Ocean. El Nino refers to a warming of the ocean surface temperatures, while La Nina refers to a cooling of the ocean surface temperatures. These patterns have significant impacts on global weather patterns, including changes in rainfall, temperature, and storm activity. The terms "Little Boy and Little Girl, or Boy child and Girl Child" metaphorically represent the warm and cool phases of these climate patterns.

The correct answer is Fujita Scale. The Fujita Scale is a scale used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. It ranges from F0 to F5, with F0 being the weakest and F5 being the strongest. The scale takes into account the type of damage caused to buildings, vegetation, and other structures in order to determine the tornado's intensity. The Fujita Scale is widely used by meteorologists and researchers to classify tornadoes and assess their destructive power.

Tornado Alley is the correct answer because it is a term used to describe a region in the central United States where tornadoes are most frequent and destructive. This area, which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, experiences a high number of tornadoes due to the unique combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains. The convergence of these air masses creates the ideal conditions for tornado formation, making Tornado Alley the most likely place for tornadoes to occur.

A tornado needs a supercell or a cumulonimbus cloud to form. Supercells are large, powerful thunderstorms that have a rotating updraft, which is essential for tornado formation. Cumulonimbus clouds are also capable of producing tornadoes due to their strong updrafts and turbulent atmospheric conditions. Both of these cloud types provide the necessary conditions for the development of a tornado.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the winds move in an anti-clockwise direction. This is due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the rotation of the Earth. As the Earth rotates, the winds are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, causing them to move in an anti-clockwise direction around areas of low pressure. This is opposite to the direction of movement in the Southern Hemisphere, where the winds move in a clockwise direction.

Tropical cyclones are measured by the Saffir Simpson Scale. This scale categorizes cyclones based on their maximum sustained wind speed and provides an indication of their potential for damage. The scale consists of five categories ranging from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest), with each category representing a specific range of wind speeds. The Saffir Simpson Scale is widely used by meteorologists and emergency management agencies to assess the severity and potential impact of tropical cyclones, helping in the preparation and response to these weather events.

The correct answer is that the funnel of a tornado is called a vortex. A vortex refers to a swirling mass of air or water, which accurately describes the shape and movement of a tornado funnel. The statement about the funnel hissing when it drops down is also correct, as the rapid movement of air within the tornado can create a hissing or roaring sound.

The highest level of tropical cyclone is S5 and the highest level of tornado is an F5 (or an F6, which is mythical).

Tornadoes are smaller than cyclones. Tornadoes are a type of cyclone, but they are much smaller and more localized in comparison. Tornadoes typically have a diameter of a few hundred meters to a few kilometers, while cyclones can span hundreds of kilometers. Tornadoes are characterized by their intense rotating winds and narrow, funnel-shaped cloud formations, whereas cyclones are large-scale weather systems that encompass a broader area.

The Humboldt Current is a cold ocean current that flows northwestward along the west coast of South America from the southern tip of Chile to northern Peru. It flows in the direction of the equator.

The Saffir Simpson Scale was discovered by combining the last names of two individuals, Saffir and Simpson. Therefore, the correct answer is "Saffir Simpson."

In a low pressure system, the air rises and creates a region of lower pressure. As a result, the surrounding air flows inward towards the center of the low pressure system. This inward movement of air is what causes the winds to go inwards in a low pressure system.

On the other hand, in a high pressure system, the air descends and creates a region of higher pressure. This descending air causes the surrounding air to flow outward away from the center of the high pressure system. This outward movement of air is what causes the winds to go downwards and outwards in a high pressure system.

Isobars are lines on a weather map that connect points of equal air pressure. They are used to show areas of high and low pressure. The measurement of air pressure is commonly done in hectopascals. The closer the isobar lines are to each other, the stronger the wind is in that area. Therefore, the three correct statements are: isobars show lines of equal air pressure, isobars are measured in hectopascals, and the closer the isobar lines, the stronger the wind.

Tropical cyclones are intense low pressure systems that form over tropical oceans with temperatures of 24-26 degrees. They rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

The flank of the fire refers to the side of the fire. It is the area or direction where the fire is spreading or moving towards. This term is commonly used in firefighting to describe the position or location of the fire in relation to the firefighters or other objects. By understanding the flank of the fire, firefighters can strategically position themselves and allocate resources to control and contain the fire effectively.

El Nino is a climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean and affects weather patterns worldwide. It is characterized by warmer than average ocean temperatures. The duration of El Nino can vary, but it typically lasts for 12-18 months. During this time, the warm ocean temperatures influence atmospheric circulation and can lead to changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and storm activity.

The Walker Circulation is an atmospheric circulation of air at the equatorial Pacific Ocean, responsible for creating ocean upwelling off the coasts of Peru and Ecuador.

The fire triangle is a concept that explains the three essential elements required for a fire to occur. These elements are fuel, heat or ignition source, and oxygen. Fuel refers to any combustible material, heat or ignition source provides the energy to start the fire, and oxygen is necessary to sustain the combustion process. Without any of these three components, a fire cannot be initiated or sustained.

Lightning happens when the negative charges in the bottom of the cloud are attracted to the positive charges in the ground. This creates a stream of negative charges that pour down towards a high point where positive charges have clustered. Additionally, a bolt of lightning heats the air along its path causing it to expand rapidly. Therefore, the correct answer is a and d.

A spot fire is a fire that is ignited outside the perimeter of the main fire by flying sparks or embers. It is started by fire brands, which are small pieces of burning material that are carried by the wind. Spot fires can occur when the wind carries these embers or sparks ahead of the main fire, causing new fires to start in different areas. This can make the fire more difficult to control and can lead to the fire spreading rapidly.

The answer provided is incorrect. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, not the longest. It occurs on the 22nd of December, not the 22nd of June.

El Nino occurs late in the year towards Christmas. This is a weather phenomenon that typically develops in the Pacific Ocean around December and lasts for several months. During El Nino, the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm, which can have significant impacts on global weather patterns. It often leads to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events in different parts of the world.

After a cyclone, several after-effects occur. Strong winds are one of the most prominent effects, causing significant damage to infrastructure and vegetation. Floods or storm surges are also common, resulting in the inundation of coastal areas and low-lying regions. Torrential rain accompanies cyclones, leading to heavy precipitation and potential flash floods. Additionally, rough seas are observed due to the cyclonic winds, creating dangerous conditions for maritime activities.

ENSO stands for El Nino Southern Oscillation Index. The El Nino Southern Oscillation is a climate pattern that occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It involves the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere, leading to changes in sea surface temperatures, atmospheric pressure, and wind patterns. The ENSO Index is a measure used to quantify and monitor the strength of this climate phenomenon. It is calculated based on the anomalies of sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure in specific regions of the Pacific Ocean.

El Nino events do not happen in any precise cycle means that El Nino is not a regular or predictable occurrence. Happening mainly off the coast of Peru and Ecuador indicates that this phenomenon is predominantly observed in this region. In Australia, El Nino is associated with drought and hot weather suggests that when El Nino occurs in Australia, it is accompanied by dry conditions and high temperatures.

Low pressure systems are associated with unsettled weather, cloudy conditions, wind, cyclones, and periods of rain. They generally stay in the 900 hpa area and never go above 1013 hpa. The air near the center of a low pressure system is unstable, which contributes to the formation of clouds, precipitation, and atmospheric disturbances.