Question 1

You would expect vertical airflow in a cyclone to result in:

Accepted Answer

Vertical airflow in a cyclone is associated with the upward motion of air, which leads to low pressure and divergence aloft. This typically results in cloud development and potentially precipitation. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate answer.

Question 2

An altimeter is an adaptation of the:

Accepted Answer

An altimeter measures altitude, which is the height above sea level. It is essentially a type of barometer that uses changes in air pressure to determine altitude. The aneroid barometer is a type of barometer that does not use liquid and is therefore more compact and portable than the mercurial barometer. The aneroid barometer is the basis for the design of the altimeter.

Question 3

What is the average sea level pressure in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The average sea level pressure in the United States is 1013.25 mb, which is also the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. Option A and B are not correct average pressure values and option D is the standard atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury (inHg) rather than millibars (mb). Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Question 4

A plane takes off from City A headed for City B, located directly to the north. The pilot flies directly north following a straight line, but arrives at a city some distance to the west of City B. What can be said of the airplane?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A plane takes off from City A...

Question 5

The overall strength of a circulation system is determined by:

Accepted Answer

The strength of a circulation system is primarily determined by its pressure gradient, which is the difference in air pressure between two points. This creates a force that drives the movement of air from high pressure to low pressure areas, ultimately determining the strength of the circulation system. While other factors such as latitude, air temperature, and friction can influence circulation, they are not as important as the pressure gradient in determining overall strength.

Question 6

The effect of friction on the wind directly and/or indirectly alters its:

Accepted Answer

Friction can slow down or divert the flow of wind, affecting its speed and direction.

Question 7

Meteorologists convert all atmospheric pressure data to the equivalent sea- level air pressure in order to:

Accepted Answer

Converting all atmospheric pressure data to equivalent sea-level air pressure removes the effects of elevation, allowing for accurate comparisons between pressure readings at different locations.

Question 8

The pressure gradient force is directed from higher to lower pressure:

Accepted Answer

The pressure gradient force (PGF) is always directed from high to low pressure, regardless of location on Earth. Therefore, the correct choice is E, which states that the PGF is everywhere. Choices A, B, C, and D are incorrect as they imply that the direction of the PGF is dependent on location, which is not the case.

Question 9

As seen by an observer on Earth, the Coriolis effect is an illusion; no deflection can actually be measured.

Accepted Answer

The Coriolis effect is a real phenomenon caused by the Earth's rotation, leading to the deflection of moving objects such as air currents and ocean currents. It can be measured and is not an illusion.

Question 10

If the National Weather Service converted to the metric system, they would most likely report air pressure in which units?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the National Weather Service converted to...

Question 11

Which of the following would involve the greatest change in atmospheric pressure?

Accepted Answer

As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases exponentially. Therefore, the greatest change in atmospheric pressure would be the balloon ascent from sea level to 3 miles, which would result in a significant decrease in pressure.

Question 12

What does Buys Ballot's Law state?

Accepted Answer

Buys Ballot's Law states that if you stand with your back to the wind in the Northern Hemisphere, the low pressure is on your left and high pressure is on your right. This is the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, choice D is the correct statement of Buys Ballot's Law.

Question 13

The force that generates wind is:

Accepted Answer

The force that generates wind is the pressure gradient force. Wind moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, and the pressure gradient force is responsible for this movement.

Question 14

If you want to locate the centers of high and low pressure systems, you will need a map that has:

Accepted Answer

Isobars are lines that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure, which makes them the best choice for locating centers of high and low pressure systems. Isodrosotherms are lines connecting points of equal dew point temperature, isotherms are lines connecting points of equal temperature, and contour lines are used for representing elevation on topographic maps.

Question 15

Identify the choice above that represents high pressure center in the Southern Hemisphere.

Accepted Answer

The answer of 
Identify the choice above that represents high...

Question 16

Which type of meteorological instrument is used to collect the necessary data for the production of upper- level weather charts?

Accepted Answer

Radiosondes are meteorological instruments that carry measurement devices into the upper atmosphere to collect data on temperature, humidity, and pressure. This data is then transmitted back to the ground station, where it is used to produce upper-level weather charts.

Question 17

The maximum pressure range of the atmosphere, as defined by the highest and lowest pressures ever recorded, is between:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The maximum pressure range of the atmosphere,...

Question 18

Air pressure drops __________ with altitude in a column of cold (dense) air than in a column of warm (less dense) air.

Accepted Answer

Air pressure drops more rapidly with altitude in a column of cold (dense) air than in a column of warm (less dense) air. This is because in cold air, the molecules are packed closely together, which means there are more molecules in the same volume of space. As altitude increases, there are fewer air molecules above, and so the pressure decreases more quickly. In warm air, the molecules are more spread out, so there are fewer molecules in the same volume of space to begin with. This means that the pressure decreases more slowly with altitude.

Question 19

The National Weather Service measures air pressure in the unit of a millibar, which is equivalent to:

Accepted Answer

A millibar is equivalent to 100 Newtons per square meter, as 1 bar is defined as 100,000 Newtons per square meter, and a millibar is 1/1000th of a bar.

Question 20

Who invented the mercury barometer?

Accepted Answer

The mercury barometer was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643.

Quiz 6: Air Pressure and Winds