Deck 6: Atmospheric Pressure, wind, and Global Circulation

Question 1

If you are experiencing winds that are described as "westerlies," the winds are flowing from which direction?

A) north
B) east
C) south
D) west
E) clockwise

Answer 1

D

Question 2

If you are experiencing winds that are described as "easterlies," the winds are flowing from which direction?

A) north
B) east
C) south
D) west
E) clockwise

Answer 2

B

Question 3

A low-pressure system is often associated with ____[1]_____ because ____[2]_____ and holds little moisture. Answer 1 Choices:
Fair weather
Stormy weather
Answer 2 Choices:
Descending air cools
Descending air warms
Rising air cools
Rising air warms

Answer 3

D

Question 4

On a map,lines of equal air pressure are called

A) isotherms.
B) isohyets.
C) isobars.
D) isopachs.
E) contours.

Question 5

Select all of the following statements that are true about low-pressure systems.

A) A low-pressure system has air converging at the surface.
B) A low-pressure system has air diverging at the surface.
C) A low-pressure system spins clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
D) A low-pressure system spins counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) A low-pressure system is also known as a cyclone.

Question 6

A high-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere

A) consists of warm, moist air.
B) has air flowing out at ground level anticyclonically.
C) has air flowing out at ground level cyclonically.
D) has air flowing in at ground level anticyclonically.
E) has air flowing in at ground level cyclonically.

Question 7

Select all of the following statements that are true about anticyclones.

A) An anticyclone has air diverging at the surface.
B) An anticyclone is also known as a high pressure system.
C) An anticyclone spins clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
D) An anticyclone has air converging at the surface.
E) An anticyclone spins clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 8

Select all of the units in which air pressure is measured.

A) meters
B) inches of mercury
C) millibars
D) feet
E) millimeters of mercury

Question 9

If the name of the wind direction is "Northerlies," it is flowing from which direction?

A) north
B) east
C) south
D) west
E) clockwise

Question 10

In a high-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere,the horizontal flow of air ____[1]____ in a ___[2]______ direction(as seen from above).
Answer 1 Choices:
converges
diverges
Answer 2 Choices:
clockwise
counterclockwise
cyclonic

Question 11

Air pressure is

A) the force of gravity on a body at the surface.
B) the force that air molecules exert on a surface due to their weight.
C) higher at higher altitudes.
D) higher at higher temperatures.
E) a measure of the average speed of the air molecules.

Question 12

In a low-pressure system in the Southern Hemisphere,the horizontal flow of air ____[1]____ in a ____[2]_____ direction(as seen from above),
Answer 1 Choices:
converges
diverges
Answer 2 Choices:
clockwise
counterclockwise
cyclonic

Question 13

Select all of the following statements that are true about high-pressure systems.

A) A high-pressure system has air converging at the surface.
B) A high-pressure system has air diverging at the surface.
C) A high-pressure system spins counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
D) A high-pressure system spins counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
E) A high-pressure system is also known as an anticyclone.

Question 14

A low-pressure system is often associated with ____[1]_____ because ____[2]_____ and can hold less moisture.
Answer 1 Choices:
fair weather
storm weather
Answer 2 Choices:
descending air cools
rising air cools
rising air warms up

Question 15

When a mass of air is forced to rise quickly,

A) it heats up.
B) its pressure increases.
C) its density increases.
D) it results in higher atmospheric pressure.
E) it results in lower atmospheric pressure.

Question 16

Select all of the following statements that are true about air movement and air pressure.

A) When you have a volume of ascending air, you have a high-pressure system.
B) When you have a volume of descending air, you have a high-pressure system.
C) When you have a volume of ascending air, you have a low-pressure system.
D) The horizontal airflow around the center of a high-pressure system is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) Large areas of relatively high pressure are referred to as anticyclones.

Question 17

Atmospheric pressure is most closely associated with the ___[1]____ and ___[2]____ of air.
Answer 1 Choices:
composition
constant %
density
speed
temperature
Answer 2 Chocies
composition
density
humidity
temperature
variable %

Question 18

In a low-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere,the horizontal flow of air ____[1]____ in a ____[2]_____ direction(as seen from above),
Answer 1 Choices:
converges
diverges
Answer 2 Choices:
clockwise
counterclockwise
cyclonic

Question 19

Select all of the following statements that are true about cyclones.

A) A cyclone has air converging at the surface.
B) A cyclone has air diverging at the surface.
C) A cyclone spins clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
D) A cyclone spins counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) A cyclone is also known as a low-pressure system.

Question 20

A volume of air in the atmosphere of low density is ____[1]______ than that same volume of air at higher pressure.
Answer Choices
warmer
lower in the atmosphere
closer to the surface of the Earth
colder
sinking

Question 21

The primary wind system in the tropics that flows toward the ITCZ on the equatorial side of the Subtropical High-Pressure System is known as the

A) equatorial trough.
B) Intertropical Convergence Zone.
C) trade winds.
D) tropical easterlies.
E) Hadley cell.

Question 22

A large-scale convection loop in the tropical latitudes that connects the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the Subtropical High.

A) Intertropical Convergence Zone
B) Subtropical High-Pressure System
C) Hadley cell
D) Polar Front
E) Polar High

Question 23

In general,the surface winds underneath the Ferrel Cell's Midlatitudes are

A) Northerlies.
B) Easterlies.
C) Westerlies.
D) Northeasterlies.
E) Southeasterlies.

Question 24

In the Northern Hemisphere,descending air spirals in a ___[1]____ direction,and upon reaching the surface it ___[1]_____.
Answer 1 Choices:
clockwise
counterclockwise
vertical
Answer 2 Choices:
converges
diverges

Question 25

The ___________ is(are)a core of low-pressure zones associated with the ITCZ.

A) Equatorial trough
B) Subtropical High-Pressure System (STH)
C) trade winds
D) tropical easterlies
E) Hadley cell

Question 26

The ultimate cause for all wind patterns on Earth is

A) a consequence of gravity and the mass of air at different elevations.
B) density differences due to elevation.
C) unequal surface elevations.
D) the pressure gradient's coriolis force.
E) the unequal heating of land surfaces.

Question 27

As air descends it __[1]___ and can hold __[2]___ moisture.
Answer 1 Choices:
cools
warms
Answer 2 Choices:
less
more
no

Question 28

The band of high air pressure,calm winds,and clear skies that exist at about 25-30° N and S latitude is called the

A) Intertropical Convergence Zone.
B) Subtropical High (Hadley) Pressure System.
C) Hadley cell.
D) Polar Front.
E) Polar High.

Question 29

Examining a map of isobars,you can tell the relative strength of surface winds by looking

A) at the largest numbers on the isobars.
B) at the smallest numbers on the isobars.
C) at the concentration of isobars in a given area.
D) for the greatest concentration of high-pressure systems.
E) for the greatest concentration of low-pressure systems.

Question 30

The band of low pressure,calm winds,and clouds in tropical latitudes where air converges is called the

A) equatorial trough.
B) Intertropical Convergence Zone.
C) trade winds.
D) tropical easterlies.
E) Hadley cell.

Question 31

A band of easterly winds that exist where northern and southern trade winds converge is called the

A) equatorial trough
B) Intertropical Convergence Zone
C) trade winds
D) tropical easterlies
E) Hadley cell

Question 32

The Coriolis force is the force

A) that causes winds to move parallel to isobars because of the combined effect of the pressure gradient force and geostrophic force.
B) created by the Earth's rotation that causes winds to be deflected to the left in the Northern Hemisphere and to the right in the Southern Hemisphere.
C) that causes winds to move perpendicular to isobars because of the combined effect of the pressure gradient force and geostrophic force.
D) created by the Earth's rotation that causes winds to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) that makes air rise, move horizontally, sink, and move horizontally back to where they originally rose, making a loop.

Question 33

On a global scale,air heated near the ___[1]____ results in ___[2]_____ as air rises within the upward-moving part of the convection process.
Answer 1 Choices
Equator
Midlatitudes
Poles
Answer 2 Choices
high pressure
low pressure

Question 34

When isobars are close together,it means

A) there are strong surface winds.
B) there are no or light surface winds.
C) there is a low-pressure system nearby.
D) there is a high-pressure system nearby.
E) it is going to rain.

Question 35

As air rises it __[1]___ and can hold __[2]___ moisture.
Answer 1 Choices:
cools
warms
Answer 2 Choices:
less
more
no

Question 36

If you are experiencing winds that are described as "southerlies," the winds are flowing from which direction?

A) north
B) east
C) south
D) west
E) counterclockwise

Question 37

The combined processes of __[1]____ and ___[2]___ are the overall method through which heat is distributed around the planet.
Answer 1 Choices
advection
conduction
convection
radiation
Answer 3 Choices
advection
conduction
convection
radiation

Question 38

Atmospheric pressure systems in the Midlatitudes generally migrate from __[1]__ to __[2]__.
Answer 1 Choices:
north
south
east
west
Answer 2 Choices
north
south
east
west

Question 39

Select all of the following statements that are true about high- and low-pressure systems.

A) In the center of a high-pressure system there are no clouds.
B) In the center of a low-pressure system there are no clouds.
C) In the center of a high-pressure system there are very light winds.
D) In the center of a low-pressure system it is cloudy.
E) In the center of a low-pressure system it is very windy.

Question 40

In the Southern Hemisphere,descending air spirals in a ___[1]____ direction,and upon reaching the surface it ___[2]_____.
Answer 1 Choices:
clockwise
counterclockwise
vertical
Answer 2 Choices:
converges
diverges

Question 41

The __________ is(are)the jet stream pattern that develops when distinct Rossby waves exist and the polar front jet stream flows parallel to the meridians lines of latitude in many places.

A) Rossby waves
B) Polar Front jet stream
C) zonal flow
D) meridional flow
E) none of these

Question 42

The winds that prevail in the Midlatitudes are the

A) northerlies.
B) southerlies.
C) easterlies.
D) westerlies.
E) trade winds.

Question 43

The core of a Rossby wave is a

A) low-latitude anticyclone.
B) midlatitude cyclone.
C) high-latitude anticyclone.
D) low-latitude cyclone.
E) midlatitude anticyclone.

Question 44

Select all of the following statements that are true about high latitudes.

A) Polar High is a zone of high atmospheric pressure at high latitudes.
B) Polar Low is a zone of high atmospheric pressure at high latitudes.
C) Polar Easterlies is a band of easterly winds at high latitudes.
D) Polar Convergence Zone is a band of easterly winds at high latitudes.
E) Polar High systems direct cold, dry air toward the polar front in the form of polar easterlies.

Question 45

The contact in the Midlatitudes between warm,tropical air,and colder polar air is known as the

A) Intertropical Convergence Zone.
B) Subtropical High-Pressure System.
C) Hadley cell.
D) Polar Front.
E) Polar High.

Question 46

The __________ is(are)the side of a mountain range that faces oncoming winds.

A) windward side.
B) Chinook winds
C) leeward side
D) valley breeze
E) katabatic winds

Question 47

Part 1: In which of the following diagrams is the subsolar point located over the Tropic of Capricorn?

Question 48

The Gulf Stream is a good example of a(n)

A) gyre.
B) thermohaline circulation.
C) downwelling current.
D) upwelling current.
E) Coriolis force.

Question 49

Part 1: In which of the following diagrams is the subsolar point located over the Equator?

Question 50

During the day,air over __[1]__ heats up more rapidly than air over __[2]__,resulting in a small zone of low pressure over the __[3]__ near the shore.
Answer 1-3 Choices
land
water

Question 51

An excellent example of a ____________ is the mistral wind,which occurs along the Mediterranean coast of France during the winter months.

A) sea breeze
B) Chinook wind
C) mountain breeze
D) valley breeze
E) katabatic wind

Question 52

Part 1: In which of the following diagrams is the subsolar point located over the Tropic of Cancer?

Question 53

With the onset of meridional flow,warm air on the __[1]__ side of the wave pushes poleward because the winds are ___[2]____.
Answer 1 Choices:
east
west
Answer 2 Choices:
northerly
southerly

Question 54

Undulations that develop in the Polar Front jet stream when significant temperature differences exist between tropical and polar air masses are called the

A) Rossby waves.
B) Polar Front jet stream.
C) zonal flow.
D) meridional flow.
E) none of these.

Question 55

The seasonal change in wind direction that occurs in subtropical locations due to the migration of the ITCZ and STH is known as

A) katabatic winds .
B) monsoon.
C) Rossby waves.
D) sea breeze.
E) land breeze.

Question 56

The _________ is(are)the side of a mountain range that faces away from prevailing winds.

A) windward side
B) Chinook winds
C) leeward side
D) valley breeze
E) katabatic winds

Question 57

The __________ is(are)rivers of high-speed air in the upper atmosphere that flows along the polar front.

A) Rossby waves
B) Polar Front jet stream
C) zonal flow
D) meridional flow
E) none of these

Question 58

In which direction do surface winds of the tropical Northern Hemisphere flow?

A) northeasterly
B) southeasterly
C) westerly
D) easterly

Question 59

A high-pressure system is referred to as an anticyclone.

Question 60

Which of the following is a force that contributes to the direction of airflow?

A) frictional
B) geostrophical
C) Coriolis
D) pressure gradient

Question 61

Atmospheric pressure is most closely associated with the temperature and density of the air.

Question 62

The horizontal flow of air around the center of a low-pressure system is clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 63

A cyclone rotates in which direction in the Southern Hemisphere?

A) counterclockwise
B) west to east
C) clockwise
D) east to west

Question 64

The horizontal flow of air around the center of a lo- pressure system is counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 65

The horizontal flow of air around the center of a low-pressure system is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 66

In the center of a low-pressure system,in what direction is the flow of air?

A) rising vertically
B) horizontally
C) cannot be known without knowing the hemisphere
D) descending vertically

Question 67

How is atmospheric pressure measured?

A) in newtons
B) in millibars
C) in cubic yards
D) in micrometers

Question 68

What is the average air pressure at mean sea level for the planet?

A) 1013.25 mb
B) 1880 mm
C) 129.99 mb
D) 250.23 mm

Question 69

The horizontal flow of air around the center of a low-pressure system is counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 70

Air pressure increases with increasing altitude.

Question 71

High-pressure systems are referred to as cyclones.

Question 72

During normal (non-El Niño)years,which of the following is/are true? (Select one or more answers.)

A) The dominant current in the tropical Pacific is easterly along the South Equatorial Current.
B) This current is caused by the easterly trade winds that flow from strong STH pressure systems to the ITCZ.
C) The flow of water away from equatorial South America allows the Humboldt Current to upwell in the eastern Pacific near the Equator.
D) Cool water, cool air means lots of precipitation along the coast of South America.
E) Warm air, warm water means low pressure in the western Pacific.

Question 73

At sea level,the air pressure is 1013.25 mb.

Question 74

The air pressure at the top of Mount Everest is greater than the air pressure in Denver,Colorado.

Question 75

In the center of a high-pressure system,in what direction does the air flow?

A) rising vertically
B) horizontally
C) cannot be known without knowing the hemisphere
D) descending vertically

Question 76

If air warms it causes the air molecules to scatter,thus the density decreases.

Question 77

In which direction do surface winds of the tropical Southern Hemisphere flow?

A) northeasterly
B) southeasterly
C) westerly
D) easterly

Question 78

The horizontal transfer of air between low- and high-pressure systems is known as convection.

Question 79

The Coriolis force is due to differences in atmospheric pressure between regions.

Question 80

The ultimate cause for all wind patterns on Earth is the unequal heating of land surfaces.