Deck 3: Temperature

Question 1

A poleward moving (northward moving in the Northern Hemisphere) ocean current is:

A) a cold current.
B) a warm current.
C) either a warm or a cold current.
D) warm in summer and cold in winter.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Where is the best location to place a thermometer for an accurate air temperature reading?

A) two to three inches above the ground in a shady place
B) as close to a building as possible
C) in full sunlight so that it gets full exposure
D) inside a shelter painted white

Answer 2

D

Question 3

How is the daily maximum temperature affected by the presence of clouds?

A) warmer
B) warmer during day, cooler at night
C) cooler
D) no conclusive effect

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A windward coast can expect:

A) a greater daily temperature range than a comparable continental location.
B) a temperature range similar to that of comparable continental locations.
C) unpredictable daily temperature ranges.
D) a moderate daily temperature range compared to similar continental locations.

Question 5

The Fahrenheit scale is considered to be the LEAST useful temperature scale for scientific purposes because:

A) the original fixed points for the scale were arbitrarily (and poorly) chosen, giving 0°F no real meaning.
B) the Celsius scale was created first, and so has a longer tradition with the scientific community.
C) the modern Fahrenheit scale does not properly identify the steam point of water.
D) it is too difficult to convert Fahrenheit data into the Celsius scale.

Question 6

Assume that there is a linear relationship between the number of heating degree- days and fuel consumption. If the number of heating degree- days tripled from one month to the next for a building, we would expect the fuel bill to:

A) stay the same.
B) double.
C) triple.
D) be one- third as much.
E) be half as much.

Question 7

The annual temperature range at most latitudes in the southern hemisphere is much smaller than in the northern hemisphere. Why?

A) There is more area covered by water in the southern hemisphere.
B) There is less desert area in the southern hemisphere.
C) Rainfall and cloudiness are greater in the southern hemisphere.
D) Earth is closer to the Sun during southern hemisphere summer.
E) There is more mountainous area in the southern hemisphere.

Question 8

The most important cause of temperature variations is:

A) cloud cover and albedo.
B) altitude.
C) differential heating of land and water.
D) differences in receipt of solar radiation.
E) ocean currents.

Question 9

The lag of extreme temperatures with respect to minimum or maximum values of solar radiation is due to:

A) absorption within the atmosphere.
B) the elliptical orbit of the earth.
C) the rotational motion of the earth.
D) the earth being covered mostly by water.
E) the influence of the total radiation balance.

Question 10

The lag of the maximum is exhibited when:

A) the maximum temperature during a year does not occur until autumn.
B) the highest levels of solar radiation are not received until late afternoon.
C) the warmest annual mean temperature occurs in the year following maximum CO₂ emissions.
D) the maximum temperature for the day occurs several hours after maximum solar radiation receipt.

Question 11

The specific heat of water is high; what does this mean?

A) Water has a high density.
B) Water absorbs a higher percentage of solar energy than land does.
C) Water must gain or lose large amounts of energy when its temperature changes.
D) Water will always be warmer than other materials for the same energy gain or loss.

Question 12

Over a one year period, how thick a layer in the oceans is subject to heating and cooling as the seasons change?

A) 10 centimeters
B) 15 - 100 meters
C) 200- 600 meters
D) 1 meter
E) less than 6 meters

Question 13

How is the annual mean temperature calculated?

A) It is the average of the warmest and the coldest monthly mean temperatures.
B) It is the average of all the daily mean temperatures for the year.
C) It is the average of the warmest and the coldest temperatures recorded during that year.
D) It is the average of all 12 monthly mean temperatures.

Question 14

Two cities are located at the same latitude (40 degrees). City A is in the Southern Hemisphere and City B is in the Northern Hemisphere. Assume the two cities reflect the general characteristics of the hemispheres where they are located. Which city should have the warmer winter temperatures?

A) City A
B) City B
C) Both cities should have nearly identical winter temperatures.

Question 15

Since the equator- to- pole temperature contrast is the major cause of atmospheric circulations, you would expect wind speeds to be slowest in the:

A) winter.
B) autumn.
C) spring.
D) summer.

Question 16

The temperature data application that could help you to predict when your corn crop will be ready to harvest is:

A) the growing degree day.
B) the monthly mean temperature during the growing season.
C) the average harvest temperature.
D) the heating degree day.

Question 17

The daily mean temperature in a particular place is 83. How many cooling- degree days were accumulated?

A) 18 cooling degree days
B) 83 cooling degree days
C) 74 cooling degree days
D) 148 cooling degree days

Question 18

The annual temperature range is quite small near the equator. This is true primarily because:

A) solar radiation is nearly uniform all year.
B) wind speeds tend to be always slow.
C) the earth emits more infrared energy at these locations.
D) low pressure systems are almost never present.
E) the elevation of most land areas there is near sea level.

Question 19

A primary reason for drawing isotherms on a map of temperature values is to allow:

A) determination of temperature ranges.
B) elimination of extreme values.
C) calculation of mean values.
D) recognition of temperature patterns.

Question 20

Reduction of Arctic sea ice is expected to:

A) decrease the amount of solar radiation absorbed by surfaces in the Arctic.
B) lead to a further increase in air temperatures in the Arctic region.
C) cause the Arctic to cool as the cold meltwater enters warmer waters.
D) increase the average surface albedo across the Arctic region.

Question 21

A primary reason why land areas warm up more rapidly than water areas is that:

A) land absorbs more solar energy.
B) heat from Earth's interior warms the land.
C) land is a better emitter of energy.
D) evaporation is usually greater on land.
E) on land, all solar energy is absorbed in a shallow layer.

Question 22

38°C is equal to______- K.

A) 100.4
B) 311
C) 3.3
D) - 235

Question 23

Two cities are located at the same latitude (40 degrees). City A is in the Southern Hemisphere and City B is in the Northern Hemisphere. Assume the two cities reflect the general characteristics of the hemispheres where they are located. Which city is most likely to have the higher annual temperature range?

A) City A
B) City B
C) Both cities should have nearly identical annual temperature ranges.

Question 24

45°F is equal to____________K.

A) 280.2
B) 318
C) - 228
D) 140

Question 25

The annual temperature range at most latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere is much smaller than that in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason for this is that:

A) rainfall and cloudiness are greater in the Southern Hemisphere.
B) the earth is closest to the Sun during the Southern Hemisphere summer.
C) less area is covered by desert in the Southern Hemisphere.
D) a greater proportion of the land surface is mountainous in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) there is a greater percentage of water surface in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 26

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C is called:

A) specific heat.
B) conductive heat.
C) latent heat.
D) kinetic heat.

Question 27

If the maximum temperature for a particular day is 26°C and the minimum temperature is 14°C, the daily mean would be:

A) 40°C.
B) 20°C.
C) 13°C.
D) 12°C.
E) The daily mean cannot be determined with the data provided.

Question 28

Daily and seasonal temperature cycles depend primarily on:

A) distance from the Sun.
B) only terrestrial radiation.
C) the combined effects of solar and terrestrial radiation.
D) friction between the wind and Earth surface.
E) only solar radiation.

Question 29

The world record high temperature (134°F) was recorded at:

A) Khartoum, Sedan.
B) Death Valley, California.
C) Mekka, Saudi Arabia.
D) El Azizia, Libya.

Question 30

What type of severe weather event killed up to 35,000 people in Europe during the summer of 2003?

A) a flood on the Elbe River
B) a drought
C) a tornado outbreak
D) a heat wave

Question 31

Consider the isotherm map of the United States shown above. Which of the following statements best describes the area between Las Vegas, NV, and Palm Springs, CA?

A) One would expect to encounter a temperature of 40°F if driving from Las Vegas to Palm Springs.
B) This area exhibits one of the lowest temperature gradients on the map.
C) The average temperature in this area is below freezing.
D) This area exhibits one of the greatest temperature gradients on the map.

Question 32

Which temperature scale was developed first?

A) Celsius
B) Fahrenheit
C) Kelvin
D) All three were proposed within a year of each other.

Question 33

Consider the isotherm map of the United States shown above. Which of the following is the best realistic estimate of the current temperature at the spot marked by an X?

A) 80°F
B) 85°F
C) 70°F
D) 75°F

Question 34

The boiling point of water occurs at:

A) 200°F.
B) 100°C.
C) 273 K.
D) 212°C.

Question 35

An electrical instument used to measure temperature is known as a:

A) thermograph
B) thermistor
C) resistor
D) bimetal strip

Question 36

Absolute zero equals:

A) - 400°F.
B) 0°F.
C) - 273°C.
D) 273 K.
E) 0°C.

Question 37

The__________ instrument contains a liquid of low density, such as alcohol, with an embedded dumb- bell index.

A) maximum thermometer
B) thermistor
C) minimum thermometer
D) bimetal strip

Question 38

Summer temperatures along the California coast are cooler than along the coast of South Carolina, due to the influence of:

A) latitude.
B) evaporation.
C) altitude.
D) specific heat.
E) ocean currents.

Question 39

65°F is equal to __________°C.

A) 65
B) 18.3
C) 149
D) 338

Question 40

An isotherm on a map:

A) identifies all places that have the same annual mean temperature.
B) connects points of equal temperature.
C) represents the coldest place on the map.
D) represents the warmest place on the map.

Question 41

A small dumbbell- shaped index is pushed by surface tension in a:

A) bimetal strip.
B) thermistor.
C) maximum thermometer.
D) minimum thermometer.

Question 42

Which of the following associations is CORRECT?

A) land - distributes heat through convection
B) evaporation - raises the temperature of air
C) high latitude - low annual temperature range
D) water - high specific heat

Question 43

A place located along a windward coast:

A) will probably have cooler summer temperatures than an inland place at the same latitude.
B) will probably have summer temperatures that are very similar to an inland place at the same latitude.
C) will probably have warmer summer temperatures than an inland place at the same latitude.

Question 44

Which of the following factors would have the net effect of making a place warmer in the summer?

A) in the middle of a landmass
B) at a high latitude
C) at a high elevation
D) near an ocean

Question 45

Which month is most likely to be the HOTTEST in the northern hemisphere?

A) May
B) June
C) September
D) August
E) January

Question 46

If the maximum temperature on a particular day is 30°F and the minimum temperature is 21°F, then the daily temperature range is:

A) 25.5°F
B) 51°F
C) 9°F
D) the daily temperature range cannot be determined with the data provided.

Question 47

The number of degrees separating the ice point and the steam point:

A) is identical for the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and the Kelvin scales.
B) is greater for the Celsius scale than for the Fahrenheit scale.
C) is identical for both the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
D) is identical for both the Kelvin and Celsius scales.

Question 48

All of the following explain the difference between land and water temperature patterns EXCEPT:

A) evaporative cooling is more common over water than over land.
B) radiation does not penetrate as deeply in land as it does in water.
C) land has a higher specific heat than water.
D) convective mixing helps distribute heat energy throughout a water body.

Question 49

$\begin{array}{|l|c|}\hline \text { MONTH } & \begin{array}{c}\text { MONTHLY } \\\text { MEAN TEMP. }\end{array} \\\hline \text { January } & 28.4^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { February } & 29.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { March } & 36.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { April } & 42.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { May } & 46.8^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { June } & 58.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { July } & 66.1^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { August } & 65.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { September } & 57.6^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { October } & 49.1^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { November } & 32.5^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { December } & 27.5^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline\end{array}$
$2010 \text { Monthly Mean Temperatures for the state of Idaho. Source: NOAA's NCDC Climate at a Glance }$
Refer to the chart above of 2010 monthly mean temperatures for the state of Idaho. Based on this data, what was the annual temperature range for Idaho in 2010?

A) 47.3°F
B) 38.6°F
C) 45.1°F
D) 66.1°F

Question 50

Overnight temperatures are warmer when the air is humid because:

A) water vapor and clouds cause the Earth system to have a higher nighttime albedo.
B) water vapor is a good absorber of incoming shortwave radiation, causing more energy to be stored during the day.
C) water vapor is good at scattering longwave radiation.
D) water vapor is a good absorber of outgoing longwave radiation.

Question 51

During the night, clouds:

A) keep the air warmer by absorbing and re- emitting longwave energy back to the surface.
B) keep the air warmer by reflecting shortwave energy back to the surface.
C) keep the air cooler by reflecting shortwave energy back to space.
D) keep the air cooler by accelerating longwave energy loss to space.

Question 52

Why are average monthly temperatures cooler in Quito, Ecuador than Guayaquil, Ecuador?

A) Quito is at a higher elevation.
B) Glaciers in the Andes Mountains moderate the air temperature in Quito.
C) Guayaquil is feeing the effects of global warming.
D) Quito is at a higher latitude.

Question 53

An energy surplus in the atmosphere from solar radiation occurs:

A) in the morning.
B) exactly at midnight.
C) between midnight and dawn.
D) between sunset and midnight.
E) in the early afternoon.

Question 54

Of the following, the city with the highest average of annual heating degree- days is:

A) Chicago, IL.
B) Atlanta, GA.
C) Salt Lake City, UT.
D) Anchorage, AK.
E) Cleveland, OH.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a valid explanation of the urban heat island effect?

A) Increased runoff on urban surfaces reduces evaporative cooling in the area.
B) Urban areas generally have a higher albedo than surrounding rural areas.
C) Urban areas retain heat longer and do not cool off as quickly at night as surrounding rural areas.
D) Pollution trapped over a city enhances the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere.

Question 56

Heat waves are usually more severe in:

A) very rural areas.
B) coastal areas.
C) large urban areas.
D) no one particular place; they are equally severe everywhere.

Question 57

How is the daily temperature range affected by the presence of clouds?

A) The temperature range is lower when clouds are present.
B) The temperature range is not affected by the presence or absence of clouds.
C) The temperature range is greater when clouds are present.
D) Temperature range is not affected in a predictable way by the presence of clouds.

Question 58

Every state in the United States has a maximum high temperature record above 100°F EXCEPT Alaska and:

A) Maine.
B) North Dakota.
C) Hawaii.
D) Montana.

Question 59

The ________is defined as the amount of temperature change per unit of distance.

A) degree dissipation
B) range in temperature
C) temperature gradient
D) isotherm

Question 60

$\begin{array}{|l|c|}\hline \text { MONTH } & \begin{array}{c}\text { MONTHLY } \\\text { MEAN TEMP. }\end{array} \\\hline \text { January } & 28.4^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { February } & 29.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { March } & 36.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { April } & 42.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { May } & 46.8^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { June } & 58.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { July } & 66.1^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { August } & 65.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { September } & 57.6^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { October } & 49.1^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { November } & 32.5^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline \text { December } & 27.5^{\circ} \mathrm{F} \\\hline\end{array}$
$2010 \text { Monthly Mean Temperatures for the state of Idaho. Source: NOAA's NCDC Climate at a Glance }$

-Refer to the chart above of 2010 monthly mean temperatures for the state of Idaho. Based on this data, what was the annual mean temperature for Idaho in 2010?

A) 45.1°F
B) 47.25°F
C) 38.6°F
D) 46.8°F

Question 61

List three factors that contribute to the differential heating of land and water.

Question 62

The daily maximum temperature occurs at the time:

A) when outgoing radiation equals incoming.
B) when incoming radiation first exceeds outgoing radiation.
C) of maximum incoming radiation.
D) near noon.

Question 63

On a particular day, a place accumulates 15 heating degree days. What was the daily mean temperature on that day?

A) 65°F
B) 15°F
C) 80°F
D) 40°F
E) 50°F

Question 64

Snow does not immediately melt away on a mild spring day because:

A) shortwave radiation from the sun is absorbed but not re- radiated as longwave.
B) snow is more resistant to melting when it's been sitting on the ground for a long time.
C) the high albedo of the snow keeps air temperatures cooler.
D) snow allows more longwave radiation to be absorbed by the air.

Question 65

A location on a windward coast refers to a place where the prevailing wind is:

A) always light or calm.
B) away from land.
C) toward the land.
D) from the north.
E) strong.

Question 66

Which of these factors influences the sensation of temperature that the human body feels?

A) wind speed
B) humidity
C) air temperature
D) all of the above

Question 67

The primary purpose served by surface ocean currents is to:

A) equalize climate impacts felt on opposite sides of the same continent.
B) drive atmospheric wind patterns.
C) help dissipate excess energy received at the poles during their periods of 24- hour daylight.
D) transfer heat and equalize the imbalance of energy between the poles and the equator.

Question 68

Mountains tend to:

A) produce effects similar to marine climates.
B) enhance the effects of nearby oceans for locations that are downwind of them.
C) moderate seasonal temperatures.
D) produce more continental climates for locations downwind of them.

Question 69

The_____ is often used in making a thermograph.

A) wet bulb thermometer
B) minimum thermometer
C) maximum thermometer
D) bimetal strip
E) thermistor

Question 70

The annual range of temperature may be described as:

A) the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures over a period of one year.
B) the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures during the period of one month.
C) the sum of the average temperatures for each month of the year.
D) the difference between the average temperatures of the warmest and coldest months.

Question 71

How does the phase change of water from liquid to vapor generally influence the air temperature experienced in locations near water?

A) Water phase change has no specific influence.
B) They have higher maximum temperatures.
C) Air temperatures are generally warmer.
D) Air temperatures are generally cooler.

Question 72

The phenomenon illustrated in the map above is known as:

A) the greenhouse effect.
B) the urban heat island.
C) the city heat center.
D) geographic positioning.

Question 73

Temperatures at the Earth's surface tend to DECREASE when solar radiation:

A) exceeds Earth's longwave radiation.
B) is equal to Earth's longwave radiation.
C) is increasing.
D) is less than Earth's longwave radiation.

Question 74

Surface air temperatures rise and fall more slowly over land areas.

Question 75

Locations on Earth which have the largest annual temperature change from summer to winter are often:

A) at the equator.
B) at high latitudes.
C) at low altitudes.
D) near an ocean.
E) very humid.

Question 76

The minimum temperature usually occurs near sunrise because:

A) reflection of solar radiation is a maximum.
B) atmospheric path is longest.
C) the Sun angle is lowest then.
D) Earth experiences a net loss of radiation until then.

Question 77

7°C is equal to_______ °F.

A) - 13.9
B) 44.6
C) 65
D) 280

Question 78

In a _________, mercury must force its way through a narrow constriction just above the bulb.

A) minimum thermometer
B) liquid- in- glass thermometer
C) maximum thermometer
D) standard thermometer

Question 79

The Kelvin scale is preferred in some scientific applications because:

A) it was created first and so has the longest history of scientific validation.
B) it has the same degree value as the Fahrenheit scale, making it easier for Americans to use.
C) 0 K represents the freezing point of water, a useful scientific basis for a temperature scale.
D) 0 K actually represents absolute zero, so the scale is based on the actual scientific definition of temperature.

Question 80

Standard temperature data must be collected from sensors mounted at a height of:

A) 1 meter (3 feet)
B) 2 meters (6 feet)
C) 1.5 meters (5 feet)
D) 3 meters (10 feet)