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Temperature increases as altitude increases in both the stratosphere and the thermosphere. What is the main difference between these two layers?
The temperature increases in the stratosphere because ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation, and in the thermosphere because of direct exposure to the sun.
Which has the greatest influence on wind speed?
differences in the density of adjacent air masses
A city is experiencing heavy smog formed by motor vehicle exhaust. Which of these weather conditions contributes MOST to the formation of smog?
temperature inversion
On December 12th a snowstorm in a city produced 20 centimeters of snowfall. When can this event be used to describe the climate of the region?
if the snowfall was consistent with weather in December over time
Temperature affects the development of sea-turtle eggs. Eggs that are incubated at warmer temperatures are more likely to become females. Eggs incubated at cooler temperatures are more likely to become males. How would higher atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations MOST likely affect sea turtle populations?
Earth’s climate would be warmer, so the percentage of female turtles would increase.
Auroras occur where Earth’s magnetosphere traps high-energy particles in which region of the atmosphere?
troposphere
Which statement BEST explains why the force of a hurricane diminishes as the hurricane moves over land?
The supply of warm, moist air decreases.
Which of these has been controlled in an attempt to reduce the depletion of ozone in Earth’s atmosphere?
use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Over a 30-year period residents of an area have noticed that spring-like conditions have been starting earlier each year. This general observation is MOST likely based on
a series of weather observations indicating a possible change in climate.
Raising livestock, such as sheep and cattle, results in the production of large amounts of methane gas (CH4). Methane has a similar effect in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). As more livestock are raised to provide food for humans, what is the MOST likely effect of the increase in methane?
global warming
Which is most often a result of a warm air mass moving over a cooler air mass?
an increase in air pressure
The air masses that interact to form hurricanes and cyclones rise and fall due to changes in air density and air pressure. Why do these storms also spin?
Low-pressure air pushes high-pressure air sideways.
Which of these air pollutants can react with chemicals in the atmosphere and cause acid rain?
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
A student writes the following statement in a journal: “It was 84°F at 3 p.m. on Tuesday in the schoolyard.” This statement BEST describes which system?
local weather
The greenhouse effect is a process by which atmospheric gases, including help warm the atmosphere and surface of Earth. Most scientists think the greenhouse effect is increasing due to human activities. Which of these human activities has caused the greatest increase in concentrations of atmospheric
burning fossil fuels
The average yearly rainfall for Miami, Florida is about 58 inches. During the year, Miami goes through a dry period where it receives very little rainfall. Which factor is MOST likely responsible for the dry period?
location of latitude north of the equator
The high winds and torrential rains of a hurricane can cause damage to cities and natural areas in its path. A hurricane is likely to gain the MOST strength when it travels over which of the following?
warm ocean
Which of these events is an example of a change in climate?
The average amount of annual precipitation decreases.
A rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall at one location over a short time period. How can a rain gauge be MOST effectively used to provide a partial description of climate?
by making many observations over many years
The presence of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere is important to Earth’s ability to support human life.
More heat from solar radiation would escape into space.
High-pressure systems stop air from rising into the colder regions of the atmosphere where water can condense. What will MOST likely result if a high-pressure system remains in an area for a long period of time?
rain
Which is a major source of air pollution?
the production of energy using solar and nuclear power
An area is described as having mild temperatures in the summer and being cool and rainy in the winter. On a day in May, the area experienced snow. Which BEST describes this day in terms of weather and climate?
The weather was different from the normal climate for the area.
Volcanoes release several gases during eruptions. Which of these gases has been shown to cause significant cooling of the climate for one or more years after an eruption?
sulfur dioxide
The stratosphere contains ozone which interacts with the ultraviolet radiation that reaches Earth from the Sun. How does the action of ozone in the stratosphere affect Earth?
Ozone removes electromagnetic radiation that is harmful to living things.