Question 1

The large thermally driven convection cell that is driven by convective "hot" towers along the equator is the

Accepted Answer

The large thermally driven convection cell that is driven by convective "hot" towers along the equator is known as the Hadley cell. This is a key mechanism for the transfer of heat from low to high latitudes in the atmosphere, and is responsible for the trade winds and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). The Ferrel cell is a mid-latitude atmospheric circulation cell, while the Ekman spiral refers to the vertical profile of winds and currents in the ocean, and El Niño refers to a climate phenomenon associated with warm water in the equatorial Pacific.

Question 2

On a surface weather map during the month of July,one would expect to find what type of pressure system over the desert southwest of the United States?

Accepted Answer

During the month of July, the desert southwest of the United States experiences hot and dry conditions, which lead to thermal heating from the surface. This results in a thermal low-pressure system over the region.

Question 3

At Barrow,Alaska (latitude 70 N),you would expect the prevailing wind to be

Accepted Answer

Barrow, Alaska is located in the polar region where the prevailing winds are typically easterly, known as the polar easterlies.

Question 4

The position of the Pacific high over the North Pacific Ocean shifts ____ in winter and ____ in summer.

Accepted Answer

The Pacific high shifts southward in winter as the polar jet stream moves southward and forces the high-pressure system to follow. In summer, the opposite occurs and the Pacific high shifts northward as the polar jet stream migrates northward.

Question 5

A westerly wind means that the atmosphere

Accepted Answer

The answer of A westerly wind means that the atmosphere
...

Question 6

In terms of the three-cell model of the general circulation,areas of surface low pressure should be found at

Accepted Answer

In the three-cell model, surface low pressure areas are typically found at the equator (due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone) and at 60 degrees latitude (due to the polar front).

Question 7

In terms of the three-cell general circulation model,the driest regions of the earth should be near

Accepted Answer

The driest regions are typically found at 30 degrees latitude (subtropical high-pressure zones) and the polar regions due to descending air that inhibits precipitation.

Question 8

In Honolulu,Hawaii (latitude 21 N),you would most likely experience winds blowing from the

Accepted Answer

Honolulu is located in the Northern Hemisphere, and trade winds blow from the northeast in this region. These trade winds are steady and reliable, making them a significant factor in the climate of Hawaii. Thus, the most likely direction of winds blowing in Honolulu is from the northeast.

Question 9

The majority of the United States lies within this wind belt:

Accepted Answer

The westerlies are winds that blow from west to east in the middle latitudes (around 30 to 60 degrees north and south of the equator). The United States is located in the middle latitudes, so the majority of the country experiences westerly winds. These winds are generally responsible for the prevailing weather patterns in the US, and can also affect shipping and aviation routes.

Question 10

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)is a region where

Accepted Answer

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is a region near the equator where the northeast trades and southeast trades converge. They meet and rise, creating a band of clouds and precipitation along the equator.

Question 11

The world's deserts are found at 30  latitude because

Accepted Answer

The sinking air of the subtropical highs is responsible for the formation of deserts found at 30N and 30S latitudes. Due to the Hadley Cell circulation, warm air rises at the equator and moves towards the poles. As it moves away from the equator, it cools and sinks back to the surface at around 30N and 30S latitudes, creating high-pressure zones known as subtropical highs. These high-pressure zones result in stable atmospheric conditions, little to no precipitation, and hence desert regions.

Question 12

In the general circulation of the atmosphere,one would find the region called the doldrums

Accepted Answer

The doldrums refer to the equatorial region where the trade winds converge, resulting in a zone of low pressure and calm winds. Therefore, the correct option is B (at the equator).

Question 13

According to the three-cell general circulation model,at the equator we would not expect to find

Accepted Answer

The three-cell general circulation model predicts a band of low pressure near the equator, known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which results in heavy showers and cumuliform clouds. However, the equator is not expected to have a ridge of high pressure, as the convergence of the trade winds prevents the development of such a ridge. Light winds are also not expected at the equator, as the Coriolis force is weak and the pressure gradient is shallow. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.

Question 14

The wind belt observed on the poleward side of the polar front is called the

Accepted Answer

The wind belt on the poleward side of the polar front is known as the polar easterlies, which blow from the east in the polar regions.

Question 15

Air moving eastward more slowly than the earth rotates would appear to be ____ wind to an observer on the earth.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Air moving eastward more slowly than the...

Question 16

On a weather map of the Northern Hemisphere,the trade winds would be observed

Accepted Answer

The trade winds are found in the region between the subtropical highs and the equator, which is south of the subtropical highs in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 17

On a weather map of the Northern Hemisphere,one would observe the westerlies

Accepted Answer

The westerlies are prevailing winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes of both hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are located between the subpolar lows (which are located around 60 degrees latitude) and the subtropical highs (which are located around 30 degrees latitude). Therefore, the best choice is D.

Question 18

Generally,along the polar front,one would not expect to observe

Accepted Answer

Along the polar front, one would not expect to observe sinking air aloft. The polar front is a zone of convergence between cold polar air and warm subtropical air, which leads to the lifting of warm air and the formation of clouds and precipitation. This lifting of warm air also leads to the formation of an elongated region of lower pressure, and the convergence of surface air towards this region. However, sinking air aloft would be more commonly observed in areas of high pressure rather than along the polar front. Therefore, option E is the correct answer.

Question 19

Chicago,Illinois (latitude 42 N)is located in the

Accepted Answer

Chicago, Illinois is located in the mid-latitudes, which are generally influenced by the westerlies. The westerlies are prevailing winds that blow from the west to the east, and are responsible for weather patterns in North America. The other choices, northeast trades, southeast trades, and doldrums, are not applicable to the location of Chicago.

Question 20

Which below is not an assumption of the single-cell model of the general circulation of the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

The single-cell model assumes a non-rotating Earth, so the assumption that the Earth rotates once in 24 hours is not part of this model.

Quiz 10: Wind: Global Systems