Download Quiz 2: Use the following questions to help you review for the

Quiz 2: Use the following questions to help you review for the upcoming quiz.
Reminder: In addition to completing this review sheet, you should also review notes, and the Weather Unit
section of my website. Not all concepts and terms are on this sheet.
What is necessary for a cloud to form?
low pressure, water vapor, and dust. Low pressure systems allow air to be pushed up into the atmosphere
where temperatures are colder. The water vapor in the air condenses (do to the colder temperatures) on dust
particles suspended in the air. Without dust, water vapor will not have a surface to condense on.
What happens when a warm air mass comes into contact with a cold air mass? Why does this happen?
As a warm air mass (warm front) comes in contact with a cold air mass, it begins to rise above the colder air.
When this happens, the water vapor associated with the warmer air condenses (due to colder temperatures in
the upper atmosphere), and clouds form. Warm air rises above cold air because it is less dense (air particles
are farther apart).
Evaporation is a phase change from a _liquid__ to a ___gas____. It is also considered a
__endothermic_____ process because it takes in heat.
Condensation is a phase change from a ___gas____ to a ____liquid___. It is also considered a
__exothermic___ process because heat is released.
What are isobars?
Isobars are lines draw to indicate areas of the same pressure on a weather map.
Identify the lowest pressure system in the map below.
Identify a high pressure system.
What are the four layers of the atmosphere?
From bottom to top: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere
How does the temperature vary within the layers of the atmosphere?
From top to bottom:
Troposphere→ decrease
Stratosphere→ increase (due to formation of ozone)
Mesosphere→ decrease (due to movement away from the formation of ozone)
Thermosphere→ increase (due to ionization of particles and proximity to direct radiation from the sun
Why does temperature increase in the stratosphere?
UV radiation is absorbed in this region of the atmosphere. As this happens, ozone is formed, and heat is
released.
Areas of low pressure generally indicate what kind of weather? Why do low pressure systems bring this type of
weather?
Low pressure­ clouds, precipitation
Why? Air associated with low pressure systems move up. As the air moves higher into the atmosphere, it
condenses due to the decrease in temperature. As long as dust particles are present, clouds will form.
High pressure air moves…up? or down? DOWN
Low pressure air moves...up? or down? UP
In the northern hemisphere, high pressure systems move,
clockwise or counter clockwise? CLOCKWISE
Which way to low pressure systems move?
COUNTER CLOCKWISE
continental polar (cP) air masses are…dry and cold
maritime polar (mP) air masses are…wet and cold
maritime tropical (mT) air masses are…wet and warm
continental tropical (cT) air masses are…dry and warm
What causes local surface winds?
As surfaces warm, the air above them becomes warm. Warm air rises and is replaced by colder air that is
more dense.
Air moves from high pressure systems to low pressure systems. As the air moves from one area to another,
wind is generated.
The direction of wind in the different pressure systems is a result of the _Coriolis__ effect?
According to this map, what are the weather conditions in New York?
New york is experiencing temperatures at 56oF with about 50% cloud
cover and winds moving 8­12 knots in a Northeasterly direction.
Boston?
Boston is experiencing temperatures at 52oF with 100% cloud cover and
winds moving 8­12 knots in a easterly direction.