W
What best explains this temperature change?
A. A shift from autumn to winter
B. Reduced precipitation during these months
C. Increased polar winds from the south
D. The transition from spring to summer
A. A shift from autumn to winter
How does the Gulf Stream affect cities along the eastern coast of the United States in winter?
A. It creates colder, stormy conditions.
B. It keeps coastal temperatures milder.
C. It reduces wind speeds inland.
D. It increases snowstorms near the coast.
B. It keeps coastal temperatures milder.
The table shows precipitation over three days:
Day Precipitation (in.)
Monday 0.2
Tuesday 0.8
Wednesday 0.5
Which day experienced the most rain?
A. Monday
B. Tuesday
C. Wednesday
D. Rainfall was equal each day
B. Tuesday
A glass of saltwater is left outside in the sun, and only salt crystals remain after several days. What caused this change?
A. The salt absorbed all the water.
B. The water evaporated into the air.
C. The salt cooled the remaining water.
D. The water transpired into the atmosphere.
B. The water evaporated into the air.
Which weather condition is associated with a low-pressure system?
A. Clear skies and light winds
B. Cloudy skies and increased rainfall
C. Warm air and strong winds
D. Dry air and high temperatures
Map and Geographic Analysis
B. Cloudy skies and increased rainfall
Why does a region experience less precipitation during the winter months?
A. Warmer air holds more moisture in winter.
B. Cold air holds less moisture, reducing rainfall.
C. Increased sunlight reduces cloud formation.
D. Ocean currents increase cloud evaporation.
B. Cold air holds less moisture, reducing rainfall.
Why do coastal cities tend to have milder climates compared to inland cities?
A. Coastal areas receive less direct sunlight.
B. The ocean absorbs and releases heat slowly.
C. Coastal winds prevent extreme temperatures.
D. Inland cities have fewer clouds.
B. The ocean absorbs and releases heat slowly.
The table shows temperatures for two days:
Day Temp (°F) Wind Speed (mph)
Thursday 68 5
Friday 72 10
How do the weather conditions differ between the two days?
A. Friday was cooler and less windy.
B. Friday was warmer and more windy.
C. Thursday was warmer with stronger winds.
D. Thursday was cooler with less wind.
B. Friday was warmer and more windy.
D. Thursday was cooler with less wind.
A student observes that it rains more on days with heavy clouds. What conclusion can be drawn?
A. Heavy clouds increase the likelihood of rain.
B. Rainfall reduces cloud density over time.
C. Rainfall is unrelated to cloud cover.
D. Cloud cover decreases rainfall.
A. Heavy clouds increase the likelihood of rain.
Why does a coastal city experience milder winters than an inland city?
A. The ocean moderates temperature changes.
B. Coastal cities receive less direct sunlight.
C. The wind patterns are weaker inland.
D. Inland areas have less rainfall.
A. The ocean moderates temperature changes.
What data most likely supports a prediction of sunny skies?
A. A decrease in humidity
B. An increase in air pressure
C. A change in wind direction
D. A drop in temperature
B. An increase in air pressure
How would an increase in cloud cover most likely impact evaporation?
A. Evaporation would decrease due to less sunlight.
B. Evaporation would increase due to more humidity.
C. Runoff would decrease as evaporation rises.
D. Condensation would stop entirely.
A. Evaporation would decrease due to less sunlight.
The table shows changes in pond water levels:
Day Water Level
Monday Low
Tuesday Normal
Wednesday Above Normal
What most likely caused this change?
A. A decrease in precipitation
B. A decrease in transpiration
C. An increase in evaporation
D. An increase in precipitation
D. An increase in precipitation
What is the best way to measure daily rainfall using a rain gauge?
A. Measure the temperature of the rain in the gauge each day.
B. Empty the rain gauge at the same time every day after measurement.
C. Leave the rain gauge full to track cumulative rainfall.
D. Measure only after a storm to ensure accuracy.
B. Empty the rain gauge at the same time every day after measurement.
What effect does the Gulf Stream have on North Carolina in winter?
A. It keeps coastal temperatures warmer.
B. It increases snowfall inland.
C. It brings colder air from the north.
D. It decreases precipitation along the coast.
A. It keeps coastal temperatures warmer.
What weather conditions are most likely associated with a low-pressure system?
A. Hot and sunny
B. Rainy and cloudy
C. Clear skies and cool temperatures
D. Dry and windy
B. Rainy and cloudy
A plant in a sunny area has wilted leaves, but on cloudy days, the leaves appear full. What best explains this observation?
A. Precipitation increases on sunny days, causing wilting.
B. Transpiration is higher on sunny days, reducing water in leaves.
C. Evaporation decreases on sunny days, reducing soil moisture.
D. Condensation on leaves causes wilting on sunny days.
B. Transpiration is higher on sunny days, reducing water in leaves.
The table shows weather data for two months:
Month Avg. High Temp (°F) Avg. Rainfall (in.)
January 42 3.2
April 58 2.1
How does January’s weather compare to April’s?
A. January is warmer and wetter.
B. January is cooler and drier.
C. January is cooler and wetter.
D. January is warmer and drier.
C. January is cooler and wetter.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
A. Weather describes daily patterns; climate is seasonal.
B. Weather is seasonal, and climate is a long-term average.
C. Climate changes daily, but weather stays constant.
D. Climate only affects coastal regions.
B. Weather is seasonal, and climate is a long-term average.
If the air temperature is 32°F in the morning and 60°F in the afternoon, what type of precipitation would likely occur?
A. Snow in the morning and rain in the afternoon
B. Hail in the morning and sleet in the afternoon
C. Sleet in the morning and snow in the afternoon
D. Rain throughout the day
A. Snow in the morning and rain in the afternoon
Why are thunderstorms more common in summer?
A. Warm air holds less moisture.
B. Rising warm air causes cloud formation.
C. Cold air prevents cloud development.
D. Summer winds are stronger, forming storms.
B. Rising warm air causes cloud formation.
Why does snow form during winter storms but not during summer storms?
A. Snow requires higher humidity levels.
B. Snow forms only at temperatures below freezing.
C. Summer air cannot hold enough water vapor for snow.
D. Clouds in summer are too warm to produce snow.
B. Snow forms only at temperatures below freezing.
D. Clouds in summer are too warm to produce snow.
The table shows weather conditions over two days:
Day Wind Speed (mph) Temp (°F) Rainfall (in.)
Tuesday 8 62 0.5
Wednesday 10 58 1.0
What describes the weather difference between the two days?
A. It was windier and cooler on Wednesday.
B. It rained more but was warmer on Tuesday.
C. The wind speed was the same on both days.
D. Wednesday was less rainy but windier.
A. It was windier and cooler on Wednesday.
What would most likely happen if the Gulf Stream stopped flowing near the United States’ east coast?
A. Coastal regions would experience warmer winters.
B. Coastal regions would experience cooler winters.
C. Precipitation levels would increase along the coast.
D. Inland temperatures would become more extreme.
B. Coastal regions would experience cooler winters.
Why do water droplets form on the outside of a cold drink?
A. Water from the drink evaporates.
B. Humid air condenses on the glass surface.
C. The glass absorbs water from the air.
D. Heat from the drink attracts moisture.
B. Humid air condenses on the glass surface.