1.
An important piece of information for weather scientists is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the amount of water vapor needed to reach saturation at a given temperature. These data allow meteorologists ot better predice teh weather. What piece of information is being described?
Correct Answer
B. Relative humidity
Explanation
Relative humidity is the piece of information being described in the question. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor present in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor that could be present at a given temperature. It is an important measurement for weather scientists as it helps them understand how close the air is to being saturated with moisture. This information is crucial for predicting weather patterns and conditions accurately.
2.
Human skin contains melanin. Melanin helps protect the skin from which environmental factor?
Correct Answer
C. Ultraviolet rays from the sun
Explanation
Melanin is a pigment that is responsible for the color of human skin, hair, and eyes. It acts as a natural sunscreen by absorbing and scattering the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays can cause damage to the skin, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, melanin helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation.
3.
The jet stream usually stays too far north to affect Florida's weather. What is the jet stream?
Correct Answer
A. A narrow band of strong winds that blows in the upper region of the atmosphere
Explanation
The jet stream is a narrow band of strong winds that blows in the upper region of the atmosphere. It typically stays too far north to affect Florida's weather.
4.
One of the main factors used to determine climate is temperature. For exapmple, a tropical climate has generally warm temperatures thorughout the year. What is the other MAIN factor used to determine climate.
Correct Answer
D. Precipitation
Explanation
Precipitation is the other main factor used to determine climate. While temperature plays a significant role, precipitation, which includes rainfall, snowfall, and other forms of water that fall from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, also greatly influences climate. The amount and distribution of precipitation in an area can determine whether it has a dry or wet climate. Areas with high precipitation tend to have more humid climates, while areas with low precipitation may have arid or desert climates. Therefore, precipitation is an essential factor in understanding and classifying different climate types.
5.
If a warm wind passes over snow, the snow can be heated rapidly. When this happens, the snow can change directly into water vapor without first becoming liquid water. What is the correct erm for this process?
Correct Answer
D. Sublimation
Explanation
When a warm wind passes over snow, the snow can be heated rapidly. This causes the snow to change directly from a solid state to a gaseous state without first becoming liquid water. This process is known as sublimation.
6.
Eliana measures the outdoor temperature each day for a week at exactly 3:00 p.m. The temperatures she records are all between 25 C and 30 C. Eliana concludes that the climate of her area is tropical. What is the most important reason why her study and conclusion may not be correct?
Correct Answer
C. She made her conclusion based on only 1 week of data instead of over a long period of time
Explanation
The most important reason why Eliana's study and conclusion may not be correct is that she made her conclusion based on only 1 week of data instead of over a long period of time. Climate is determined by long-term weather patterns, and a single week of temperature measurements may not accurately represent the overall climate of an area. To draw a more accurate conclusion about the climate, it is important to gather data over a longer period of time to account for seasonal variations and trends.
7.
For several days, the weather where Cheyenne lives was cool. When the temperatuer did warm, Cheyenne noticed that it was also very windy. How could winds influence the temperature.
Correct Answer
A. Winds transfer energy around the Earth
Explanation
Winds transfer energy around the Earth by moving air masses from one place to another. This movement of air can cause a transfer of heat energy, which can influence the temperature of an area. When winds blow, they can bring warmer air from one region to another, causing an increase in temperature. Similarly, they can also bring cooler air, resulting in a decrease in temperature. Therefore, winds play a significant role in influencing the temperature by transferring energy from one place to another.
8.
Florida is susceptible to muck fires. Which of the following conditions explains Florida's risk of muck fires?
Correct Answer
D. The lower layers of soil are made of organic material that can vecome very dry during droughts.
Explanation
Florida is susceptible to muck fires because the lower layers of soil in the state are made of organic material that can become very dry during droughts.
9.
Visitors to Florida sometimes complain about the high humidity. What does high humidity indicate?
Correct Answer
D. A high amount of water vapor in the air
Explanation
High humidity indicates a high amount of water vapor in the air. When the air contains a large amount of water vapor, it feels damp and sticky, which is often associated with high humidity. This can make the temperature feel hotter than it actually is and can also affect how comfortable people feel. High humidity is common in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Florida, where warm temperatures and proximity to bodies of water contribute to the presence of water vapor in the air.
10.
During a winter storm, Annabelle observes hail falling in her yard. After the hailstorm, rain falls. Which statement correctly describes hail and rain?
Correct Answer
D. Hail is a solid, and rain is a liquid
Explanation
Hail is a solid because it falls as ice pellets during a winter storm. Rain, on the other hand, is a liquid as it falls in the form of water droplets.
11.
One type of weather event develops when some of the warm air in a thunderstorm rises into high-altitude, horizontal winds. This causes the rising air to rotate. What type of weather event is being described?
Correct Answer
D. Tornado
Explanation
The given question describes a weather event where warm air in a thunderstorm rises into high-altitude, horizontal winds, causing the rising air to rotate. This rotation of air is characteristic of a tornado.
12.
The sun's energy influences climate in different ways. For example, the latitudes at the equator receive more energy from the sun and therefore have warmer temperatures. How does the sun's energy most directly influence precipitation in a climate?
Correct Answer
A. The sun's energy drives the water cycle, which determines precipitation.
Explanation
The sun's energy drives the water cycle, which determines precipitation. This is because the sun's heat causes water to evaporate from oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water. This water vapor then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. Eventually, the condensed water droplets in the clouds become heavy enough to fall as precipitation, such as rain or snow. Therefore, without the sun's energy, there would be no water cycle and no precipitation.
13.
Elevation is the measure of how high something is above a reference point. What is the most common reference point used to refer to the elevation of antural landforms?
Correct Answer
A. Sea level
Explanation
Sea level is the most common reference point used to measure the elevation of natural landforms because it provides a consistent and universally recognized baseline. Sea level is the average level of the ocean's surface, and it is used as a reference point because it is relatively stable and unaffected by local variations such as tides or temporary changes in water levels. Using sea level as a reference point allows for accurate and standardized measurements of elevation across different locations and landforms.
14.
The temperature of Gainesvill, Florida (inland), vary more than the temperatures in Miami, Florida (coastal), do. How can the locations of the two cities explain the differences in thier temperature ranges?
Correct Answer
C. Miami is closer to the ocean, which affects its climate by keeping its temperatures more consistent.
Explanation
Miami is closer to the ocean, which affects its climate by keeping its temperatures more consistent. The ocean acts as a moderating influence, regulating the temperature by absorbing and releasing heat more slowly compared to land. This means that Miami experiences milder and more consistent temperatures throughout the year. In contrast, Gainesville being farther inland does not have the same moderating effect from the ocean, resulting in greater temperature variations.
15.
Latitude lines go
Correct Answer
B. East and west
Explanation
Latitude lines go east and west. This is because latitude lines are imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator, which is the line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. These lines are used to measure the distance north or south of the equator. Since they run parallel to the equator, they must go east and west.
16.
Florida beaches are known for their white sand, clear ocean water, and palm trees. Which elements would be adding water vapor to the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
D. Palm trees and ocean water
Explanation
Palm trees and ocean water would be adding water vapor to the atmosphere. Palm trees release moisture through a process called transpiration, where water evaporates from their leaves. Ocean water also evaporates, contributing to the water vapor content in the atmosphere. Therefore, both palm trees and ocean water are sources of water vapor in the Florida beaches' atmosphere.