Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A)  equally 
B)  more slowly 
C)  more rapidly 
D)  less significantly

Question 2

-Refer to the map above. What best explains the high wind speeds found immediately around the low pressure center (L)?

Accepted Answer

A)  the higher humidity associated with low pressures 
B)  the dramatically lower temperatures in the area 
C)  increased friction 
D)  the comparatively high pressure gradient in the area

Question 3

The inventor of the mercury barometer was Sir Francis Bacon.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 4

The mercury barometer is larger and less portable than an aneroid barometer.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Which of these factors influence the magnitude of the Coriolis force?

Accepted Answer

A)  latitude 
B)  wind speed 
C)  wind direction 
D)  both wind speed and latitude

Question 6

A cyclone is generally defined by meteorologists as:

Accepted Answer

A)  a tornado on the ground. 
B)  an intense, violent storm. 
C)  an area of high pressure. 
D)  an area of low pressure.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A)  radiosonde 
B)  mercury barometer 
C)  altimeter 
D)  hygrometer

Question 8

Friction at the surface results in a stronger Coriolis force.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

What do isobars represent on a map?

Accepted Answer

A)  the lowest pressures on the map 
B)  lines connecting points of equal air pressure 
C)  the highest pressures on the map 
D)  areas of convergence in the upper atmosphere

Question 10

Vertical air movement is necessary for the creation of a sea breeze.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes all moving objects that travel large distances in the atmosphere to deflect to the right of their original path.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Winds flow cyclonically around all areas of low pressure.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Weather reports of wind express only the horizontal motion of the air. The vertical component of the air motion is usually:

Accepted Answer

A)  very much slower. 
B)  about the same. 
C)  only slightly slower. 
D)  much faster. 
E)  No general statement can be made.

Question 14

The best explanation for the cause of atmospheric pressure is:

Accepted Answer

A)  air compression. 
B)  air density. 
C)  air temperature. 
D)  wind force. 
E)  weight of the air above.

Question 15

A steep pressure gradient indicates strong winds.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

When representing wind direction numerically, winds from the north are associated with:

Accepted Answer

A)  0 degrees. 
B)  235 degrees. 
C)  90 degrees. 
D)  180 degrees.

Question 17

The primary force which causes ALL winds is:

Accepted Answer

A)  Coriolis effect. 
B)  pressure gradient force. 
C)  geostrophic force. 
D)  centrifugal force. 
E)  inertia force.

Question 18

If the earth were not rotating:

Accepted Answer

A)  atmospheric pressure would decrease. 
B)  Earth would lose its atmosphere. 
C)  all winds would cease. 
D)  air would move directly from high to low pressure.

Question 19

When geostrophic conditions exist in the atmosphere, the net force on the moving air is:

Accepted Answer

A)  large since the wind speed is fast. 
B)  zero. 
C)  large when the wind speed is slow. 
D)  called a centrifugal force. 
E)  called a centripetal force.

Question 20

What units of pressure are used when air pressure is reported to the public in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A)  millibars 
B)  Newtons 
C)  kilopascals 
D)  inches of mercury

Exam 6: Air Pressure and Winds

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

-Refer to the map above. What best explains the high wind speeds found immediately around the low pressure center (L) ?

The inventor of the mercury barometer was Sir Francis Bacon.

The mercury barometer is larger and less portable than an aneroid barometer.

Which of these factors influence the magnitude of the Coriolis force?

A cyclone is generally defined by meteorologists as:

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

Friction at the surface results in a stronger Coriolis force.

What do isobars represent on a map?

Vertical air movement is necessary for the creation of a sea breeze.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes all moving objects that travel large distances in the atmosphere to deflect to the right of their original path.

Winds flow cyclonically around all areas of low pressure.

Weather reports of wind express only the horizontal motion of the air. The vertical component of the air motion is usually:

The best explanation for the cause of atmospheric pressure is:

A steep pressure gradient indicates strong winds.

When representing wind direction numerically, winds from the north are associated with:

The primary force which causes ALL winds is:

If the earth were not rotating:

When geostrophic conditions exist in the atmosphere, the net force on the moving air is:

What units of pressure are used when air pressure is reported to the public in the United States?