Ch 8: Air Masses And Cyclonic Weather Systems
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Fronts are associated with clouds because
- A.
Friction along the front heats the air and makes clouds.
- B.
The cold air of the cold front can't hold as much moisture, so it becomes cloud banks.
- C.
The warm air is stable and cooled by radiation escaping to space.
- D.
When air moves it becomes opaque.
- E.
The warm air rises and cools adiabatically over the cooler air.
Correct Answer
E. The warm air rises and cools adiabatically over the cooler air.Explanation
When a front occurs, warm air and cool air meet. The warm air, being less dense, rises over the cooler air. As the warm air rises, it expands and cools adiabatically (without gaining or losing heat to the surrounding environment). This cooling causes the water vapor in the warm air to condense and form clouds. Therefore, the warm air rising and cooling adiabatically over the cooler air is the reason why fronts are associated with clouds.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
The air mass that originates over the Gulf of Mexico is the
- A.
CP
- B.
CT
- C.
MP
- D.
MT
- E.
CA
Correct Answer
D. MTExplanation
The air mass that originates over the Gulf of Mexico is mT (maritime tropical). The Gulf of Mexico is known for its warm waters, which leads to the formation of warm and moist air masses. These air masses are characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. As the air mass moves over land, it can bring warm and humid conditions, which can contribute to the development of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Seen from above, the surface air circulation associated with a Northern Hemisphere midlatitude cyclone is
- A.
Counterclockwise because of its high pressure.
- B.
From north to south because they originate at the polar front.
- C.
Clockwise because of its low pressure.
- D.
Clockwise because of its high pressure.
- E.
Counterclockwise because of its low pressure.
Correct Answer
E. Counterclockwise because of its low pressure.Explanation
The correct answer is counterclockwise because of its low pressure. In a Northern Hemisphere midlatitude cyclone, air flows counterclockwise around the low-pressure center. The low pressure at the center of the cyclone causes air to converge and rise, creating a cyclonic circulation pattern. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. This counterclockwise circulation is a result of the Coriolis effect, which deflects the air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Regardless warm or cold fronts, clouds form when warm air rises above the cold air.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Clouds form when warm air rises above cold air because as warm air rises, it expands and cools, causing the water vapor in the air to condense into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These tiny droplets or crystals then come together to form clouds. This process is known as adiabatic cooling. Therefore, regardless of whether it is a warm front or a cold front, the basic principle of warm air rising above cold air applies, leading to the formation of clouds.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
During the open stage of a midlatitude cyclone,
- A.
Clouds are absent along the warm front.
- B.
Precipitation is unlikely.
- C.
The warm front is moving faster than the cold front.
- D.
Occlusion is occurring.
- E.
The warm and cold fronts are fully separated.
Correct Answer
E. The warm and cold fronts are fully separated.Explanation
During the open stage of a midlatitude cyclone, the warm and cold fronts are fully separated. This means that the warm air mass and the cold air mass are not interacting with each other and are moving independently. This separation of fronts is typically associated with a weakening cyclone, as the warm and cold air masses are no longer being forced to rise and create precipitation. Additionally, the absence of clouds along the warm front suggests that there is not enough moisture present for precipitation to occur.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which of the following indicate a warm front on a weather map?
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
Correct Answer
B. 2Explanation
Option 2 indicates a warm front on a weather map. A warm front is represented by a line with semicircles on one side, indicating that warm air is moving into an area of colder air. This is different from a cold front, which is represented by a line with triangles on one side, indicating that cold air is moving into an area of warmer air. Therefore, option 2 is the correct choice as it accurately represents a warm front on a weather map.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Precipitation usually ends with the passage of the cold front.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because precipitation can occur before, during, or after the passage of a cold front. Cold fronts often bring precipitation, but it is not always the case that precipitation ends with the passage of a cold front.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
The air mass that mostly influences the weather of the Pacific Northwest including Washington and Oregon is the
- A.
MT
- B.
CT
- C.
CA
- D.
CP
- E.
MP
Correct Answer
E. MPExplanation
The correct answer is mP. The Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Oregon, is influenced by maritime polar (mP) air masses. These air masses originate from the Pacific Ocean and bring cool and moist conditions to the region. The proximity to the ocean and the prevailing westerly winds contribute to the dominance of mP air masses in this area. These air masses often result in cloudy and rainy weather, characteristic of the Pacific Northwest climate.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
The number and severity of tornadoes in the United States are predominantly a function of the:
- A.
Large number of mobile homes.
- B.
Rain shadow effect from the Rocky Mountains.
- C.
Influence of the Gulf Stream.
- D.
The urban heat islands.
- E.
Ready interaction of the mT and CP air masses.
Correct Answer
E. Ready interaction of the mT and CP air masses.Explanation
The correct answer is the ready interaction of the mT and CP air masses. This is because tornadoes form when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico (mT air mass) collides with cool, dry air from Canada (CP air mass). The contrasting air masses create instability in the atmosphere, leading to the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The other options, such as the large number of mobile homes or the rain shadow effect, are not directly related to the formation and severity of tornadoes.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
The coldest air masses are the
- A.
MP
- B.
CT
- C.
ME
- D.
CA
- E.
MT
Correct Answer
D. CAExplanation
The correct answer is cA because the letter "c" represents a continental air mass, which means it originates from land. The letter "A" represents an Arctic air mass, which means it originates from the polar regions. Arctic air masses are known for being extremely cold, making them the coldest air masses.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
In the United States, with the passage of a typical warm front
- A.
A day of slow but steady precipitation ends.
- B.
Temperatures drop.
- C.
Clouds begin to get lower and thicker.
- D.
The winds will flow from the north.
- E.
The air mass will always be a cP.
Correct Answer
A. A day of slow but steady precipitation ends.Explanation
With the passage of a warm front in the United States, a day of slow but steady precipitation ends. This is because warm fronts typically bring warmer air, which can lead to the lifting of the moist air mass causing precipitation. Once the warm front passes, the weather conditions tend to change, and the precipitation usually stops.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
The passage of a warm front means the temperatures will rise
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
When a warm front passes through an area, it brings warmer air into that region. As warm air replaces the colder air, temperatures naturally rise. Therefore, the statement that the passage of a warm front means temperatures will rise is true.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
Based on the map, which is a cT air mass?
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
- E.
5
Correct Answer
D. 4 -
- 14.
The center of Tornado Alley is
- A.
California and Nevada
- B.
Mississippi and Alabama
- C.
Oklahoma and Kansas
- D.
Kentucky and West Virginia
- E.
Kentucky and Tennessee
Correct Answer
C. Oklahoma and KansasExplanation
The correct answer is Oklahoma and Kansas. Tornado Alley is a region in the central United States that is known for its frequent tornado activity. Oklahoma and Kansas are located in the heart of this region and experience a high number of tornadoes each year. These states have the ideal conditions for tornado formation, including warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains. This collision of air masses creates the perfect environment for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to develop.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Midlatitude cyclones in the United States generally
- A.
Move from west to east.
- B.
Move from east to west.
- C.
Move from north to south.
- D.
Move from south to north.
- E.
Remain stationary.
Correct Answer
A. Move from west to east.Explanation
Midlatitude cyclones in the United States generally move from west to east. This is because these cyclones are formed by the interaction between warm and cold air masses. In the United States, the prevailing westerly winds, known as the prevailing westerlies, blow from west to east. As a result, the cyclones are carried along by these winds, causing them to move in an eastward direction across the country. This movement pattern is consistent with the general atmospheric circulation patterns in the midlatitudes.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
The interaction of mT and cP air along the polar front frequently occurs during a
- A.
Occlusion front.
- B.
Cold front.
- C.
Warm front.
- D.
Cold air inversion
- E.
Midlatitude cyclone
Correct Answer
E. Midlatitude cycloneExplanation
The interaction of mT (maritime tropical) and cP (continental polar) air masses along the polar front is a common occurrence during a midlatitude cyclone. Midlatitude cyclones are large-scale weather systems that form in the middle latitudes and are characterized by the interaction of different air masses. The polar front is the boundary between warm and cold air masses, and when a midlatitude cyclone develops, it intensifies the interaction between mT and cP air, leading to the formation of various weather phenomena such as precipitation and changes in temperature.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Select all of the following statements that are characteristics of tornadoes.
- A.
Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
- B.
When the tornado becomes clogged with the air it takes in, the funnel strengthens.
- C.
Tornadoes can be on the ground for hundreds of kilometers and last for several hours.
- D.
Tornadoes are classified on a scale from 0 to 6.
- E.
The average duration of a tornado is about 15 minutes.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
C. Tornadoes can be on the ground for hundreds of kilometers and last for several hours.
E. The average duration of a tornado is about 15 minutes.Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which is a rating system used to assess the intensity and damage caused by a tornado. Additionally, tornadoes can be on the ground for hundreds of kilometers and last for several hours, making them capable of causing widespread destruction over a large area. Lastly, the average duration of a tornado is about 15 minutes, although some tornadoes can last for a shorter or longer period of time.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
A boundary where contrasting air masses meet is a(n)
- A.
Storm surge
- B.
Hurricane
- C.
Eye wall
- D.
Squall line
- E.
Front.
Correct Answer
E. Front.Explanation
A boundary where contrasting air masses meet is called a front. This is the area where warm and cold air masses collide, resulting in changes in weather conditions. Fronts can bring about storms, precipitation, and changes in temperature and wind direction. They are important in meteorology as they play a significant role in the development of weather systems and can have a major impact on local weather patterns.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
The following before and after images document damage most likely caused by which type of storm.
- A.
Thunderstorm
- B.
Typhoon
- C.
Tropic storm
- D.
Hurricane
- E.
Tornado
Correct Answer
E. TornadoExplanation
The given before and after images document damage that is most likely caused by a tornado. Tornadoes are known for their destructive power, often leaving a trail of destruction in their path. The images likely show the aftermath of strong winds and swirling debris, which are characteristic of tornadoes. Tornadoes are different from other types of storms such as thunderstorms, typhoons, tropical storms, and hurricanes, which may also cause damage but have distinct characteristics and effects.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Select three of the following statements that are true about air masses.
- A.
An air mass that moves from the northern Pacific Ocean to northern Canada, where it stagnates for a couple of weeks in January, will tend to warm up because the land is still warm relative to the lower atmosphere.
- B.
Air masses are named by their temperature and humidity characteristics.
- C.
Air masses are named by their height and appearance.
- D.
An air mass is any large body of the lower atmosphere that has fairly uniform conditions of temperature and moisture.
- E.
An air mass derives its characteristics from a source region.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Air masses are named by their temperature and humidity characteristics.
D. An air mass is any large body of the lower atmosphere that has fairly uniform conditions of temperature and moisture.
E. An air mass derives its characteristics from a source region.Explanation
The first statement is true because when an air mass moves from a colder region (northern Pacific Ocean) to a warmer region (northern Canada), it tends to warm up due to the temperature difference between the land and the lower atmosphere.
The second statement is true because air masses are indeed named based on their temperature and humidity characteristics, such as tropical, polar, and maritime.
The third statement is true because an air mass is defined as a large body of the lower atmosphere with fairly uniform conditions of temperature and moisture.
The fourth statement is false because air masses are not named based on their height and appearance, but rather on their temperature and humidity characteristics.
The fifth statement is true because an air mass derives its characteristics, such as temperature and moisture, from the source region where it originates.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 03, 2016Quiz Created by
Darwyn
STEM Entrance Exam Quiz: Can you pass this Stem Exam?
STEM Entrance Exam Quiz: Can you pass this Stem Exam?
What Celebrity Do I Look Like Quiz? Discover Your Celebrity Look Alike
What Celebrity Do I Look Like Quiz? Discover Your Celebrity Look Alike
- Air Quizzes
- Atmosphere Quizzes
- Beach Quizzes
- Biome Quizzes
- Conservation Quizzes
- Desert Quizzes
- Diffusion Quizzes
- Disaster Quizzes
- Ecosystem Quizzes
- Evolution Quizzes
- Fire Quizzes
- Flower Quizzes
- Forest Quizzes
- Global Warming Quizzes
- Lake Quizzes
- Landform Quizzes
- Mountain Quizzes
- Natural Resource Quizzes
- Nature Of Matter Quizzes
- Osmosis Quizzes
- Plant Quizzes
- Pollution Quizzes
- Recycling Quizzes
- River Quizzes
- Sea Quizzes
- Season Quizzes
- Soil Quizzes
- Wildlife Quizzes
Back to top