Bce Weather And Climate Unit Test
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
How are El Nino and La Nina alike?
- A.
They both begin at the same time of year.
- B.
The both cause dry weather in the southern United States.
- C.
The both bring wet weather to the Pacific Northwest.
- D.
They both cause a change in ocean temperature.
Correct Answer
D. They both cause a change in ocean temperature.Explanation
El Nino and La Nina are both climate patterns that cause changes in ocean temperature. During El Nino, the ocean temperature in the eastern Pacific becomes warmer than usual, while during La Nina, the ocean temperature becomes cooler than usual. These changes in ocean temperature have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world, including the southern United States and the Pacific Northwest. Both El Nino and La Nina can lead to extreme weather events such as droughts or heavy rainfall, depending on the region.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Climate is:
- A.
Pattern of weather over a long period of time
- B.
The weather report for the day
- C.
The changing of weather throughout the day
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Pattern of weather over a long period of timeExplanation
Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather in a particular region or area. It involves studying and analyzing weather conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and humidity, over an extended period, typically spanning several decades. Unlike weather, which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, climate provides a broader understanding of the average and predictable weather patterns in a specific location. Therefore, the correct answer is "pattern of weather over a long period of time."Rate this question:
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- 3.
The boundary between cold and warm air masses is called a ______________.
- A.
Front
- B.
Storm
- C.
Climate
- D.
Flood
Correct Answer
A. FrontExplanation
A front is the boundary between two air masses with different temperatures. When a cold air mass meets a warm air mass, they do not mix easily due to their differing densities. This creates a front, which can lead to changes in weather conditions such as rain, storms, or temperature shifts.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When water droplets in a cloud combine, become too heavy, and fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet or hail, we are expecting _________________.
- A.
Evaporation
- B.
Condensation
- C.
Precipitation
- D.
Transpiration
Correct Answer
C. PrecipitationExplanation
When water droplets in a cloud combine and become too heavy, they fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This process is known as precipitation.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Above a continent, a warm air mass slowly passes over a cold air mass. As the warm air begins to cool, clouds form. What will most likely happen next?
- A.
Rain will fall.
- B.
Hurricanes will form.
- C.
Lightning will strike.
- D.
Hail will form.
Correct Answer
A. Rain will fall.Explanation
As the warm air mass cools and clouds form, it indicates that the air is becoming saturated with moisture. This saturation leads to the condensation of water vapor, resulting in the formation of raindrops. Therefore, the most likely outcome in this scenario is that rain will fall.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why is watering plants and grass in the early morning before the sun comes up a way to conserve (save) water?
- A.
There is always more water in the morning.
- B.
Smaller amounts of water evaporate in the cool morning.
- C.
Water used in the morning can be recycled for afternoon use.
- D.
Grass can absorb water only in the morning.
Correct Answer
B. Smaller amounts of water evaporate in the cool morning.Explanation
Watering plants and grass in the early morning before the sun comes up is a way to conserve water because smaller amounts of water evaporate in the cool morning. This means that more water is able to reach the plants and be absorbed by the soil, reducing the amount of water that is wasted through evaporation. Watering in the morning also allows the plants to take up the water they need before the heat of the day, reducing the risk of water stress and promoting healthier growth. Additionally, watering in the morning allows any excess water to be recycled and used later in the day, further conserving water resources.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which location on Earth receives the most direct sunlight?
- A.
North America
- B.
The South Pole
- C.
The equator
- D.
The Western Hemisphere
Correct Answer
C. The equatorExplanation
The equator receives the most direct sunlight because it is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Due to the Earth's tilt, the sun's rays hit the equator at a perpendicular angle, resulting in more direct and intense sunlight compared to other locations. This leads to a higher amount of solar energy reaching the equator, making it the region with the most direct sunlight.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following processes is responsible for changing liquid water into water vapor?
- A.
Photosynthesis
- B.
Condensation
- C.
Evaporation
- D.
Precipitation
Correct Answer
C. EvaporationExplanation
Evaporation is the process responsible for changing liquid water into water vapor. During evaporation, heat from the surroundings causes the water molecules to gain enough energy to break their intermolecular bonds and escape into the air as vapor. This process occurs at the surface of the liquid and is influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and air movement. Evaporation plays a crucial role in the water cycle, as it is one of the primary ways water is transferred from the Earth's surface back into the atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A beach is a place where air currents will form due to the uneven heating of the Earth. In which direction will air currents most likely move during the day?
- A.
Straight down over the land
- B.
From the land toward the sea
- C.
Straight up above the sea
- D.
From the sea toward the land
Correct Answer
D. From the sea toward the landExplanation
During the day, the land heats up faster than the sea because of its lower heat capacity. This causes the air above the land to become warmer and less dense, creating a low-pressure area. On the other hand, the air above the sea remains cooler and denser, creating a high-pressure area. As air flows from areas of high pressure to low pressure, the air currents will most likely move from the sea toward the land.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What has the greatest effect on wind speed?
- A.
Amount of precipitation
- B.
Air pressure
- C.
What season it is
- D.
Wind direction
Correct Answer
B. Air pressureExplanation
Air pressure has the greatest effect on wind speed. Wind is created by differences in air pressure, and the greater the difference in pressure between two areas, the faster the wind will blow. Higher air pressure creates a force pushing air molecules together, causing them to move towards areas of lower pressure. This movement of air creates wind, and the greater the difference in air pressure, the stronger the wind will be. Therefore, air pressure is the primary factor influencing wind speed.Rate this question:
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- 11.
How would a meteorologist best describe an air mass that has developed over the Atlantic Ocean near the equator?
- A.
Hot and dry
- B.
Warm and moist
- C.
Cold and wet
- D.
Warm and dry
Correct Answer
B. Warm and moistExplanation
A meteorologist would describe an air mass that has developed over the Atlantic Ocean near the equator as warm and moist. This is because the equator is a region of high temperature and humidity, resulting in warm air masses with a high moisture content.Rate this question:
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- 12.
North America’s weather is mostly controlled by:
- A.
Winds off of the Atlantic Ocean
- B.
The Jet Stream
- C.
The polar easterly winds
- D.
Winds off of the Gulf Coast
Correct Answer
B. The Jet StreamExplanation
The Jet Stream is a high-speed air current that flows from west to east in the upper atmosphere. It plays a significant role in controlling North America's weather patterns. The Jet Stream acts as a boundary between warm air to the south and cold air to the north. It can steer storms and weather systems, influencing temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns across the continent. Therefore, the Jet Stream is a major factor in determining North America's weather conditions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
You hung a wet towel on the clothesline. Later, it was dry. What happened?
- A.
The water that was in the towel froze.
- B.
The water changed to dew on the grass.
- C.
The water that was in the towel evaporated.
- D.
The water that was in the towel condensed.
Correct Answer
C. The water that was in the towel evaporated.Explanation
When a wet towel is hung on a clothesline, the water in the towel starts to evaporate. Evaporation is the process by which water molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid state and become vapor in the air. As the water molecules evaporate, they escape into the surrounding air, leaving the towel dry. Therefore, the correct answer is that the water in the towel evaporated.Rate this question:
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- 14.
You poured a cold glass of water and brought it outside on a hot day. 10 minutes later, you noticed that there were water droplets on the outside of the cup. What happened?
- A.
The water from the inside of the cup transferred to the outside of the cup.
- B.
The water vapor from the air was attracted to the cold glass and condensed.
- C.
The water vapor from the air evaporated on the outside of the glass.
- D.
The water vapor from the air evaporated.
Correct Answer
B. The water vapor from the air was attracted to the cold glass and condensed.Explanation
When the cold glass of water is brought outside on a hot day, the temperature difference causes the air around the glass to cool down. As a result, the water vapor present in the air loses energy and condenses into liquid water on the surface of the cold glass. This is why water droplets form on the outside of the cup.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which type of cloud is thin, wispy, and made of ice crystals?
- A.
Cumulus
- B.
Cirrus
- C.
Stratus
- D.
Cumulonimbus
Correct Answer
B. CirrusExplanation
Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy, and made of ice crystals. They are typically found at high altitudes and are often associated with fair weather. These clouds form when water vapor freezes into ice crystals at high altitudes where temperatures are very cold. The ice crystals in cirrus clouds give them their characteristic wispy appearance.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What tool helps meteorologists determine the air pressure?
- A.
Anemometer
- B.
Barometer
- C.
Thermometer
- D.
Hygrometer
Correct Answer
B. BarometerExplanation
A barometer is a tool used to measure air pressure. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury or a liquid, with one end sealed and the other end open. As the air pressure changes, it causes the liquid in the tube to rise or fall. Meteorologists use barometers to determine air pressure because changes in air pressure are important indicators of weather patterns. High air pressure usually indicates fair weather, while low air pressure often indicates the approach of a storm or bad weather. Therefore, a barometer is the correct tool for meteorologists to determine air pressure.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which type of cloud is low in the sky, gray, and looks like a blanket? This type of cloud brings overcast skies and drizzling rain.
- A.
Stratus
- B.
Cumulus
- C.
Cirrus
- D.
Cumulonimbus
Correct Answer
A. StratusExplanation
Stratus clouds are low-lying clouds that appear gray and cover the entire sky like a blanket. They are often associated with overcast conditions and light drizzling rain. Cumulus clouds are fluffy and puffy in appearance, cirrus clouds are thin and wispy, and cumulonimbus clouds are tall and dense, often bringing thunderstorms. Therefore, the correct answer is stratus.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which type of cloud is puffy, white, and signals fair weather?
- A.
Stratus
- B.
Cumulus
- C.
Cirrus
- D.
Cumulonimbus
Correct Answer
B. CumulusExplanation
Cumulus clouds are puffy and white in appearance, often resembling cotton balls. They are typically associated with fair weather conditions, as they indicate stable atmospheric conditions. Cumulus clouds form due to the upward movement of warm air, which causes the moisture in the air to condense and form visible clouds. These clouds are usually found at lower altitudes and are a common sight on clear, sunny days.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which statement most accurately describes a cumulonimbus cloud?
- A.
Thin, wispy, and made of ice crystals
- B.
Very low to the ground, and brings a steady light rain
- C.
Light and puffy, indicates fair weather
- D.
Tall mountains of clouds that bring thunderstorms
Correct Answer
D. Tall mountains of clouds that bring thunderstormsExplanation
A cumulonimbus cloud is described as "tall mountains of clouds that bring thunderstorms" because it is a large and vertically-developed cloud that is associated with thunderstorms and severe weather conditions. These clouds can reach high altitudes and have a distinctive anvil-shaped top. They are often characterized by heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and sometimes hail and tornadoes.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Hurricanes that affect the weather in North America almost always develop in which ocean?
- A.
Pacific Ocean
- B.
The Red Sea
- C.
Arctic Ocean
- D.
Atlantic Ocean
Correct Answer
D. Atlantic OceanExplanation
Hurricanes that affect the weather in North America almost always develop in the Atlantic Ocean. This is because the Atlantic Ocean provides the warm water and favorable atmospheric conditions necessary for the formation and intensification of hurricanes. The warm ocean waters fuel the storm, while the wind patterns and atmospheric conditions in the region allow for the development of the rotating system that characterizes a hurricane. The other oceans listed, such as the Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, and Arctic Ocean, do not typically experience the same conditions necessary for hurricane formation in this region.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What tool is used to measure the amount of heat energy in the air?
- A.
Rain gauge
- B.
Thermometer
- C.
Barometer
- D.
Hygrometer
Correct Answer
B. ThermometerExplanation
A thermometer is used to measure the amount of heat energy in the air. It measures the temperature, which is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the air molecules. By using a thermometer, we can determine how hot or cold the air is, providing us with information about the amount of heat energy present in the air.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What tool is used to measure the wind speed?
- A.
Rain gauge
- B.
Anemometer
- C.
Wind vane
- D.
Hygrometer
Correct Answer
B. AnemometerExplanation
An anemometer is a tool specifically designed to measure wind speed. It typically consists of three or four cups that spin when the wind blows, and the rotation speed is directly proportional to the wind speed. By measuring the rotation speed, anemometers provide an accurate measurement of wind speed. Therefore, anemometer is the correct tool to measure wind speed.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What tool is used to measure the amount of humidity in the air?
- A.
Rain gauge
- B.
Anemometer
- C.
Wind vane
- D.
Hygrometer
Correct Answer
D. HygrometerExplanation
A hygrometer is used to measure the amount of humidity in the air. It is a device that measures the moisture content in the atmosphere, indicating the level of humidity. This measurement is important in various fields such as meteorology, agriculture, and indoor climate control. A hygrometer typically uses a sensor or a mechanical mechanism to detect and quantify the moisture present in the air, providing accurate readings of humidity levels.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What tool is used to measure the amount of rainfall?
- A.
Rain gauge
- B.
Anemometer
- C.
Wind vane
- D.
Hygrometer
Correct Answer
A. Rain gaugeExplanation
A rain gauge is a tool specifically designed to measure the amount of rainfall. It consists of a cylindrical container with markings indicating the amount of rainfall in inches or millimeters. When it rains, the water collects in the container, allowing us to accurately measure the precipitation. An anemometer is used to measure wind speed, a wind vane is used to determine wind direction, and a hygrometer is used to measure humidity levels. However, none of these tools are suitable for measuring rainfall.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What tool is used to measure wind direction?
- A.
Anemometer
- B.
Wind vane
- C.
Hygrometer
- D.
Rain gauge
Correct Answer
B. Wind vaneExplanation
A wind vane is used to measure wind direction. It consists of a freely rotating arrow or pointer that aligns itself with the direction from which the wind is blowing. This allows meteorologists and weather enthusiasts to accurately determine the direction of the wind at a particular location. The other options listed, such as a rain gauge, anemometer, and hygrometer, are used to measure other weather parameters like rainfall, wind speed, and humidity respectively, but not wind direction.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Most warm and cold air masses that enter NC are moved by global winds. Which globalwinds are responsible for most of the local weather in NC?
- A.
Northeast trade winds
- B.
Southeast trade winds
- C.
Polar easterlies
- D.
Prevailing westerlies
Correct Answer
D. Prevailing westerliesExplanation
The prevailing westerlies are responsible for most of the local weather in NC. These winds blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes and play a significant role in determining the weather patterns in this region. They bring in air masses from different directions, influencing temperature, humidity, and precipitation in NC. The prevailing westerlies can also interact with other weather systems, such as cold fronts and low-pressure systems, further impacting the local weather conditions.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which statement best describes runoff?
- A.
Water vapor cools off and changes into water droplets.
- B.
Water in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail falls from clouds.
- C.
Precipitation that falls to Earth ultimately flows over land into lakes, stream, and rivers.
- D.
Water from the oceans and the surface of the earth changes into water vapor.
Correct Answer
C. Precipitation that falls to Earth ultimately flows over land into lakes, stream, and rivers.Explanation
Runoff refers to the process where precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, falls to the Earth's surface and eventually flows over the land, making its way into lakes, streams, and rivers. This water does not get absorbed into the ground or evaporate but instead collects and moves across the land, eventually joining larger bodies of water.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which climate condition cause hurricanes to become larger and more powerful?
- A.
Over warm water
- B.
Over cold water
- C.
Over mountains
- D.
Over dry, flat land
Correct Answer
A. Over warm waterExplanation
Hurricanes require warm water to form and intensify. When a hurricane moves over warm water, it absorbs heat and moisture from the ocean, which fuels its strength and size. The warm water provides the necessary energy for the hurricane to develop and maintain its intensity. As the warm water evaporates, it forms clouds and releases heat, creating a feedback loop that further strengthens the storm. Therefore, hurricanes become larger and more powerful when they move over warm water.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What occurs when cool air moves from the beach toward the ocean, during the night?
- A.
A land breeze
- B.
Prevailing winds
- C.
A sea breeze
- D.
Updrafts
Correct Answer
A. A land breezeExplanation
During the night, cool air moves from the beach toward the ocean, creating a land breeze. This happens because the land cools down faster than the ocean, causing the air above the land to become cooler and denser. As a result, the cool air flows from the land toward the warmer ocean, creating a breeze that is known as a land breeze.Rate this question:
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- 30.
What source of energy evaporates the most water from Earth’s surface?
- A.
Volcanoes
- B.
The sun
- C.
Lightning
- D.
Wind
Correct Answer
B. The sunExplanation
The sun is the source of energy that evaporates the most water from Earth's surface. Solar radiation provides the heat necessary for evaporation to occur, causing water to change from a liquid to a gas state and rise into the atmosphere. This process is essential for the water cycle, as it enables the formation of clouds and precipitation. Volcanoes, lightning, and wind can also have an impact on evaporation, but the sun's energy is the primary driver of this process.Rate this question:
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- 31.
When do clouds form?
- A.
When the air is dry
- B.
When the wind blows hard
- C.
When temperatures are very high
- D.
When moist air rises, then cools
Correct Answer
D. When moist air rises, then coolsExplanation
Clouds form when moist air rises and then cools. 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 droplets or crystals then come together to form clouds. This process occurs when there is enough moisture in the air and the air rises to a point where it cools enough for condensation to occur. Therefore, when moist air rises and cools, clouds are formed.Rate this question:
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- 32.
In which way are evaporation and condensation similar?
- A.
Both cause decreases in air temperature.
- B.
Both cause increases in air temperature.
- C.
Both are caused by the warming of the atmosphere.
- D.
Both are caused by changes in heat energy.
Correct Answer
D. Both are caused by changes in heat energy.Explanation
Evaporation and condensation are both processes that involve changes in heat energy. During evaporation, heat energy is absorbed from the surroundings, causing the liquid to turn into vapor. On the other hand, during condensation, heat energy is released to the surroundings, causing the vapor to turn back into liquid. In both cases, the transfer of heat energy is responsible for the phase change from liquid to vapor and vice versa.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Which process allows green plants to control the amount of water stored in their leaves?
- A.
Evaporation
- B.
Condensation
- C.
Transpiration
- D.
Precipitation
Correct Answer
C. TranspirationExplanation
Transpiration is the process by which green plants control the amount of water stored in their leaves. It involves the movement of water from the roots, through the plant's vascular system, and out through small openings called stomata on the leaves. This process helps plants regulate their water balance, as excess water is released through transpiration. Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation are not directly involved in this process.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Global Wind is caused by _______ heating of air at different latitudes and the ________ of Earth.
- A.
Uneven / rotation
- B.
Even / rotation
- C.
Uneven / shape
- D.
Even / shape
Correct Answer
A. Uneven / rotationExplanation
Global wind is caused by the uneven heating of air at different latitudes and the rotation of the Earth. The uneven heating of air creates temperature and pressure differences, which in turn create areas of high and low pressure. As air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, it creates wind. The rotation of the Earth, known as the Coriolis effect, causes the wind to be deflected, creating global wind patterns.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Heavy precipitation and storms occur _____________.
- A.
In high-pressure systems.
- B.
In polar zones.
- C.
In low-pressure systems.
- D.
At fronts.
Correct Answer
C. In low-pressure systems.Explanation
Heavy precipitation and storms occur in low-pressure systems. This is because low-pressure systems create an upward motion of air, which leads to the formation of clouds and the condensation of water vapor. As the air rises, it cools and releases moisture, resulting in precipitation. Low-pressure systems are associated with unstable atmospheric conditions, which are conducive to the development of storms and intense rainfall. On the other hand, high-pressure systems typically bring clear skies and stable weather conditions. Precipitation also commonly occurs at fronts, which are the boundaries between air masses with different characteristics.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Which is the best explanation for how air masses move across the United States?
- A.
The trade winds move air masses from west to east across the United States.
- B.
The jet stream moves air masses from the Pacific Ocean across the United States.
- C.
The prevailing westerlies move air masses from west to east across the United States, but may be deflected (moved) by the jet stream.
- D.
The warm air of the Gulf Stream causes air masses to move from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Correct Answer
C. The prevailing westerlies move air masses from west to east across the United States, but may be deflected (moved) by the jet stream.Explanation
The prevailing westerlies are the dominant winds that blow from west to east across the United States. However, these winds can be influenced or deflected by the jet stream, which is a narrow band of strong winds in the upper atmosphere. This interaction between the prevailing westerlies and the jet stream can cause air masses to be moved or redirected, affecting their movement across the United States.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Andy lives in the southern hemisphere. What season does he most likely experience in December?
- A.
Winter
- B.
Summer
- C.
Fall
- D.
Spring
Correct Answer
B. SummerExplanation
Andy lives in the southern hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. In December, the northern hemisphere experiences winter, but since Andy lives in the southern hemisphere, he would most likely experience summer during this time.Rate this question:
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