1.
What is the first appearance of light before sunrise called?
Correct Answer
B. Dawn
Explanation
The first appearance of light before sunrise is called dawn. It is the time when the sky starts to lighten up and the sun begins to rise above the horizon. Dawn marks the beginning of a new day and is often considered a peaceful and beautiful time of day. The other options, green flash, aurora, and dusk, do not refer to the first appearance of light before sunrise.
2.
Which unit measures atmospheric pressure?
Correct Answer
B. Millibar
Explanation
Millibar is the correct answer because it is a unit commonly used to measure atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure refers to the force exerted by the weight of the air in the Earth's atmosphere. Millibar is a metric unit of pressure equal to one thousandth of a bar, which is a unit of pressure approximately equal to atmospheric pressure at sea level. It is widely used in meteorology and aviation to measure and report atmospheric pressure.
3.
What is America's federal weather agency called?
Correct Answer
B. National Weather Service
Explanation
The correct answer is National Weather Service. The National Weather Service is America's federal weather agency responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings, and other weather-related information to the public. They collect and analyze data from various sources to produce accurate and timely forecasts, helping to protect lives and property from hazardous weather conditions.
4.
The Saffir-Simpson scale measures the strength of what natural phenomenon?
Correct Answer
D. Hurricanes
Explanation
The Saffir-Simpson scale is a measurement system used to assess the strength and intensity of hurricanes. It categorizes hurricanes into five different levels based on their maximum sustained wind speeds, storm surge potential, and potential for damage. This scale helps in determining the potential impact and severity of a hurricane, providing valuable information for emergency preparedness and response efforts.
5.
What film about tornados came out in 1996?
Correct Answer
B. Twister
Explanation
The film about tornados that came out in 1996 is "Twister."
6.
Fog that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile is classified as what?
Correct Answer
D. Dense
Explanation
Fog that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile is classified as dense. Dense fog refers to fog that is thick and reduces visibility significantly. It can make it difficult to see and navigate, especially while driving. Dense fog is often caused by temperature and moisture conditions that allow the air to become saturated, leading to the formation of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. This type of fog can create hazardous conditions and require caution when traveling.
7.
What gauge in a weather station measures precipitation?
Correct Answer
A. Rain Gauge
Explanation
A rain gauge is a device used in weather stations to measure the amount of precipitation, specifically rainfall. It consists of a cylindrical container with markings to indicate the amount of water collected. Rain gauges are designed to collect and measure the amount of rain that falls over a specific period of time, allowing meteorologists to track and record rainfall data for weather analysis and forecasting. Therefore, the rain gauge is the appropriate gauge in a weather station for measuring precipitation.
8.
What combination of air temperature and humidity is a measurement of how hot it feels?
Correct Answer
A. Heat Index
Explanation
The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels, taking into account both air temperature and humidity. It is a measure of the perceived temperature, which can differ from the actual temperature due to the influence of humidity on the body's ability to cool itself through sweating. Higher humidity levels make it harder for sweat to evaporate, making the air feel hotter. Therefore, the heat index provides a more accurate indication of the level of discomfort or danger associated with high temperatures.
9.
Thunder is the loud sound produced when air is heated by what?
Correct Answer
C. Lightning
Explanation
Thunder is the loud sound produced when air is heated by lightning. Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm. When lightning travels through the air, it rapidly heats the surrounding air to temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. This sudden heating causes the air to expand rapidly, creating a shock wave that we perceive as thunder. Therefore, lightning is the correct answer to the question.
10.
The winter solstice occurs in what month?
Correct Answer
A. December
Explanation
The winter solstice occurs in December. This is because the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It usually falls on December 21st or 22nd. During this time, the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in the least amount of daylight. June, October, and February are not correct answers because they do not correspond to the winter solstice.
11.
On the Beaufort wind scale, what is a 13-18 MPH wind classified as?
Correct Answer
B. Moderate Breeze
Explanation
A 13-18 MPH wind is classified as a Moderate Breeze on the Beaufort wind scale. This means that the wind speed is moderate, creating noticeable movement in trees and causing loose paper to blow around. It is not as strong as a gale or hurricane, but still has enough force to be felt and observed.
12.
What thin, clear ice appears on roads?
Correct Answer
A. Black Ice
Explanation
Black ice is a thin, clear ice that forms on roads. It is called black ice because it is transparent and takes on the color of the road surface underneath it, making it difficult to see. Black ice is particularly dangerous because it is often invisible to drivers, causing them to lose control of their vehicles. It forms when the temperature drops below freezing and moisture on the road surface freezes quickly.
13.
What period occurs between dusk and dawn?
Correct Answer
A. Night
Explanation
The period that occurs between dusk and dawn is known as night. Dusk refers to the time just after sunset when the sky is still partially lit, while dawn is the time just before sunrise when the sky starts to brighten. Therefore, the period between these two times is when it is dark outside and considered nighttime.
14.
What instrument measures atmospheric pressure?
Correct Answer
B. Barometer
Explanation
A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. It consists of a long glass tube filled with mercury or another liquid, which is inverted into a container of mercury. The pressure of the atmosphere pushes the mercury up the tube, and the height of the mercury column indicates the atmospheric pressure. By measuring changes in atmospheric pressure, a barometer can help predict weather patterns and changes in altitude. Therefore, a barometer is the correct instrument to measure atmospheric pressure.
15.
What does a weathervane measure?
Correct Answer
C. Wind
Explanation
A weathervane is a device that is used to measure the direction of the wind. It typically consists of a pointer or arrow that rotates based on the wind's direction. By observing the position of the weathervane, one can determine the current wind direction. Therefore, the correct answer is wind.