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Weather Analysis > Final Exam > Flashcards

Final Exam Flashcards

1
Q

The most favorable situation for lake effect snow is __________air flowing over __________water.
(a) warm, cold
(b) warm, warm
(c) cold, warm
(d) cold, cold

A

c. cold, warm

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2
Q

Which wind direction is most often associated with lake effect snows?
(a) northwesterly
(b) northeasterly
(c) southeasterly
(d) southwesterly

A

a. northwesterly

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3
Q

Lake effect snows in the Great Lakes area are favored when:
(a) a low-pressure center is located to the east of the lakes.
(b) a high-pressure center is located to the west of the lakes.
(c) a strong pressure gradient exists between a high west of the lakes and a low east of the lakes.
(d) All of the above are correct.

A

d. All of the above are correct

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4
Q

In a lake effect snow situation, the airflow near the surface is ___________ over the upwind shore and ____________ over the downwind shore.
(a) divergent, divergent
(b) divergent, convergent
(c) convergent, divergent
(d) convergent, convergent

A

b. divergent, convergent

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5
Q

Why does air rise near the downwind shore of a lake effect snowstorm?
(a) buoyancy from the heat gained over the lake
(b) buoyancy from the released latent heat
(c) frictional convergence
(d) All of the above
(e) (a) and (b) are correct, (c) is incorrect.

A

d. All of the above

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6
Q

Where is the most favorable location for the center of a low-pressure system to create lake-effect snow?
(a) north of the Great Lakes
(b) east of the Great Lakes
(c) south of the Great Lakes
(d) west of the Great Lakes

A

b. east of the Great Lakes

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7
Q

Which of the following does not influence the development and intensity of lake effect snow?
(a) topography
(b) air temperature
(c) wind direction
(d) lake temperature
(e) All of the above influence lake effect snow.

A

e. All of the above influence lake effect snow

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8
Q

When the Great Lakes freeze over, what happens to lake effect snow?
(a) It starts.
(b) It ceases.
(c) It increases.
(d) It decreases.

A

b. It ceases

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9
Q

How do hills enhance lake effect snow on the downwind lakeshore?
(a) They increase surface friction.
(b) They increase low-level convergence.
(c) They enhance upward motion on the slopes of the hills.
(d) (a) and (b) are correct.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.

A

e. a, b, and c are all correct

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10
Q

Which of the following is not a type of organization of lake effect snow?
(a) vortices
(b) wind-parallel rolls
(c) shore-parallel bands
(d) wind-perpendicular bands

A

d. wind-perpendicular bands

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11
Q

A shore-parallel band of lake effect snow:
(a) can occur when winds are relatively weak.
(b) is generally oriented along the long axis of a lake.
(c) can develop where air converges from opposite shores of the lake.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct, (c) is incorrect.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.

A

e. a, b, and c are all correct

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12
Q

It is early December and all conditions are favorable for lake effect snow formation. Winds are blowing from the west and are weak. ________ will develop over Lake Michigan and _______ will develop over Lake Erie.
(a) wind-parallel rolls; shore-parallel bands
(b) shore-parallel bands; wind-parallel rolls
(c) shore-parallel bands; shore-parallel bands
(d) wind-parallel rolls; wind-parallel rolls

A

a. wind-parallel rolls; shore-parallel bands

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13
Q

The core of a cold wave at the surface is what type of pressure system?
(a) strong high-pressure
(b) weak high-pressure
(c) strong low-pressure
(d) weak low-pressure

A

c. strong low-pressure

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14
Q

When a cold polar airmass is found over a land surface, what is its typical depth?
(a) less than 1 km
(b) 1 to 3 km
(c) 3 to 6 km
(d) more than 8 km

A

b. 1 to 3 km

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15
Q

During a cold outbreak over eastern North America, the axis (centerline) of an upper-air __________would most likely be found over the __________.
(a) trough; Rocky Mountains
(b) ridge; Rocky Mountains
(c) trough; West Coast
(d) ridge; East Coast

A

b. ridge; Rocky Mountains

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16
Q

Which of the following is not a contributor to the southward plunge of cold airmasses into the central United States?
(a) The cold air is very dense.
(b) The air has little moisture content.
(c) Steering winds in the middle and upper troposphere.

A

b. The air has little moisture content

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17
Q

What role do East Coast cyclones play during the development of cold waves that affect the eastern United States?
(a) Cold air is pulled southward at low levels behind the cyclone.
(b) The southward movement of cold air west of the cyclone intensifies the upper-level trough over eastern North America.
(c) Snow cover is often made more extensive.
(d) Both (a) and (c) are correct.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.

A

e. a, b, and c are all correct

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18
Q

Which of the following would you not expect to find in association with a cold air outbreak east of the Rockies?
(a) strong northwest winds
(b) a ridge over the West Coast
(c) extensive snow cover in Canada
(d) upward vertical motion over southern Canada

A

d. upward vertical motion over southern Canada

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19
Q

Over northern Asia, the formation of cold airmasses is enhanced by:
(a) the large distance to the nearest unfrozen ocean
(b) the absence of mountain barriers to the south and east
(c) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(d) None of the above are correct.

A

a. the large distance to the nearest unfrozen ocean

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20
Q

Which statement about the spatial extent of cold waves is correct?
(a) Strong cold waves can extend as far south as Texas and northern Mexico
(b) Deep cold airmasses can spill over the Rocky Mountains into the Great Basin
(c) In rare cases, cold airmasses can spill westward over the Sierra Nevada into California
(d) (b) and (c) are correct.
(e) All of the above statements are correct.

A

c. In rare cases, cold airmasses can spill westward over the Sierra Nevada into California

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21
Q

Which of the following combinations is most conducive to the occurrence of extremely cold surface temperatures?
(a) cloudy sky, snow-covered ground, strong winds
(b) cloudy sky, snow-covered ground, light winds
(c) clear sky, snow-covered ground, light winds
(d) clear sky, snow-free ground, strong winds
(e) clear sky, snow-free ground, light winds

A

c. clear sky, snow-covered ground, light winds

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22
Q

Which of the following geographical features does not play a significant role in Great Plains blizzards?
(a) Rocky Mountains
(b) Canadian Arctic
(c) Gulf of Mexico
(d) Great Lakes

A

d. Great Lakes

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23
Q

The National Weather Service issues a blizzard warning when falling or blowing snow is accompanied by winds exceeding what speed?
(a) 30 knots
(b) 40 knots
(c) 50 knots
(d) 60 knots
(e) None of the above. Wind speed is not a criterion for blizzard warnings.

A

a. 30 knots

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24
Q

Which of the following is not an “ingredient” of a severe blizzard?
(a) strong winds
(b) extremely cold air
(c) falling or blowing snow
(d) low dewpoint temperatures

A

d. low dewpoint temperatures

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25
Q

How does a strong high-pressure center at the surface contribute to a blizzard?
(a) It provides the Coriolis force (rotation) from a more northerly location.
(b) It causes a strengthening of the pressure gradient and winds.
(c) It enhances the frictional convergence.
(d) It increases the curvature effect.

A

b. It causes a strengthening of the pressure gradient and winds

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26
Q

A Great Plains blizzard can result from which of the following?
(a) a Colorado cyclone
(b) an Alberta Clipper
(c) an East Coast cyclone
(d) (a) and (b) are correct, (c) is incorrect.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.

A

d. a and b are correct, c is incorrect

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27
Q

Blizzards with which type of cyclone typically have colder temperatures?
(a) Alberta Clipper
(b) Colorado cyclone

A

a. Alberta Clipper

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28
Q

For blizzard conditions to develop in the Great Plains, what must be in place over the Canadian plains at the time a cyclone is developing?
(a) bitter cold air
(b) an Arctic front
(c) a snow-free surface
(d) a strong low-pressure system

A

a. bitter cold air

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29
Q

As a blizzard-producing cyclone moves eastward, what direction does the associated Arctic airmass move?
(a) eastward
(b) southward
(c) westward
(d) northward

A

b. southward

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30
Q

Immediately prior to the formation of the cyclone that eventually creates a Great Plains blizzard, where would a 500 mb trough most likely be found?
(a) over the Midwest
(b) over the Rocky Mountains
(c) over the West Coast
(d) over north-central Canada

A

b. over the Rocky Mountains

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31
Q

On which side of a surface low-pressure center do the most severe blizzard conditions generally occur?
(a) northeast
(b) southeast
(c) southwest
(d) northwest

A

d. northwest

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32
Q

Alberta Clipper cyclones generally form when the upper-level winds over Canada and the northern United States are blowing from what direction?
(a) northwest
(b) southwest
(c) southeast
(d) northeast

A

northwest

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33
Q

Which statement about blizzard associated with Alberta Clippers is not correct?
(a) Alberta Clippers produce less snow than Colorado cyclones.
(b) The snow with Alberta Clippers tends to be low density, dry, and easily windblown.
(c) Most of the snow with an Alberta Clipper forms in air lifted along and over the retreating warm front.
(d) Strong winds to the northwest of the cyclone are driven by the pressure gradient between an arctic high pressure center and the cyclone center.
(e) Drifting and whiteouts during an Alberta Clipper blizzard can effectively shut down travel.

A

c. Most of the snow with an Alberta Clipper forms in air lifted along and over the retreating warm front

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34
Q

Which of the following western states obtains the largest portion of its power from hydroelectric plants?
(a) Colorado
(b) California
(c) Utah
(d) Washington

A

d. Washington

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35
Q

What characteristic of mountain ranges influences the amount of snow that falls
(a) elevation
(b) location
(c) steepness of slope
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(e) (a), (b) and (c) are all correct

A

d. Both a and b are correct

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36
Q

Which is the correct ordering of the mountain ranges over which air passes as it moves eastward from the West Coast at San Francisco?
(a) Rockies, Wasatch, Coast Range, Sierra Nevads
(b) Coast Range, Wasatch, Sierra Nevada, Rockies
(c) Coast Range, Sierra Nevada, Rockies, Wasatch
(d) Coast Range, Sierra Nevada, Wasatch, Rockies

A

d. Coast Range, Sierra Nevada, Wasatch, Rockies

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37
Q

What is the term meteorologists use to describe the moisture streams in the atmosphere that are concentrated along the frontal systems associated with extratropical cyclones.
(a) runoff flow
(b) moisture trough
(c) atmospheric river
(d) cyclone water valley

A

c. Atmospheric river

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38
Q

What do meteorologists call an atmospheric river that extends as far southwest as the Hawaiian Islands?
(a) luau train
(b) Hawaiian torrent
(c) Hawaiian river
(d) pineapple express

A

d. pineapple express

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39
Q

Most cyclones arrive at the West Coast of the U.S. at what stage?
(a) initial stage (stationary front only)
(b) developing stage (weakly formed cold and warm fronts)
(c) mature stage (well defined cold and warm fronts)
(d) occluded state (occluded front formed)
(e) dissipating stage (no fronts)

A

d. occluded state (occluded front formed)

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40
Q

What is the term used to describe air forced to rise along the windward slopes of mountain ranges?
(a) stationary uplift
(b) orographic lifting
(c) hydrostatic lifting
(d) occlusionary uplift

A

b. orographic lifting

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41
Q

What is the term used to describe the depth of water that would be obtained by melting snow?
(a) water content
(b) water liaison
(c) water potential
(d) water equivalent

A

d. water equivalent

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42
Q

What is the term used to describe a winter storm that occurs on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains?
(a) Plains storm
(b) eastern storm
(c) upslope storm
(d) lee-side storm
(e) downwind storm

A

c. upslope storm

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43
Q

Climatologically, the winds on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains generally blow from what direction?
(a) west
(b) north
(c) east
(d) south

A

c. east

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44
Q

As air flows westward from the Mississippi River to the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, its pressure ________ by about _______.
(a) decreases, 50 mb
(b) decreases, 150 mb
(c) increases, 50 mb
(d) increases, 150 mb

A

b. decreases, 150 mb

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45
Q

When upslope snowstorms occur in Colorado, where is a surface low-pressure center typically located?
(a) over Wisconsin
(b) over Wyoming
(c) over the Pacific Northwest
(d) over the “Four Corners” region

A

d. over the “Four Corners” region

46
Q

Blizzard conditions in eastern Colorado are most likely to occur when the prominent surface features are a high to the ______ and a low to the ______.
(a) north, south
(b) west, east
(c) south, north
(d) east, west

A

a. north, south

47
Q

Where do Chinook winds occur?
(a) eastern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains
(b) eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains
(c) eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains
(d) northern slopes of the Himalayas
(e) northern slopes the Alps

A

c. eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains

48
Q

Waves in the air created by flow over mountains are known as __________ waves.
(a) altostratus
(b) upslope
(c) Rossby
(d) inertial
(e) lee

A

e. lee

49
Q

What is the term used to describe a fluid flow phenomenon that plays a role in strong downslope winds?
(a) hydraulic jump
(b) hydrostatic step
(c) hydrologic break
(d) hypsometric bulge

A

a. hydraulic jump

50
Q

Strong downslope winds can be regarded as a shooting flow. This shooting flow develops because a large volume of air must pass between a mountaintop and ______.
(a) the base of a lenticular cloud
(b) the tropopause
(c) an inversion
(d) a trowal

A

c. an inversion

51
Q

What is the name given to downslope windstorms found in southern California?
(a) bora
(b) foehn
(c) Chinook
(d) katabatic
(e) Santa Ana

A

e. Santa Ana

52
Q

What is the name given to downslope windstorms found in Antarctica?
(a) bora
(b) foehn
(c) Chinook
(d) katabatic
(e) Santa Ana

A

d. katabatic

53
Q

Which of the following is not a factor in determining the temperature of air reaching the base of a mountain in a mountain windstorm?
(a) the upstream wind speed
(b) the upstream temperature
(c) adiabatic warming during descent
(d) the latent heat released into the air passing over the mountains

A

a. the upstream wind speed

54
Q

If air descending a mountain is warmer than it was at the same elevation on the upslope side, then:
(a) The wind speed has increased.
(b) The wind speed has decreased.
(c) It is cloudy on the downslope side.
(d) Precipitation has fallen out of the air.

A

d. Precipitation has fallen out of the air

55
Q

What is a Chinook wall cloud an indication of?
(a) A tornado may be imminent.
(b) Winds are converging at the edge of the wall cloud.
(c) Evaporation is occurring in the descending air.
(d) All the moisture was condensed out of the air.

A

d. All of the moisture was condensed out of the air.

56
Q

A Chinook in eastern Colorado is favored by ________ pressure over the Great Basin and ________ pressure over the Plains to the east.
(a) high, low
(b) low, high
(c) low, low
(d) Pressure is not a factor in Chinook development.

A

a. high, low

57
Q

You are forecasting for an area where Chinooks can occur. Which of the following would not be an indication that a Chinook may develop?
(a) a surface high-pressure system over Nebraska
(b) a strong background flow near the mountain top
(c) a strong surface pressure gradient across the mountain
(d) a stable layer upstream of the mountain one or two kilometers above the mountain top

A

a. a surface high-pressure system over Nebraska

58
Q

In comparison with Chinooks, Santa Ana winds of Southern California:
(a) are colder.
(b) are stronger.
(c) result in more fire damage.
(d) are more common in summer rather than winter.
(e) (c) and (d) are correct, (a) and (b) are incorrect.

A

c. result in more fire damage

59
Q

In which of the following months is a Santa Ana windstorm most dangerous for Southern California?
(a) October
(b) December
(c) February
(d) April

A

a. October

60
Q

Which is not a characteristic of katabatic winds?
(a) exceptionally dense air
(b) adiabatic cooling
(c) gravitational driving
(d) very low temperatures
(e) None of the above are characteristics of katabatic winds.

A

b. adiabatic cooling

61
Q

Which statement about coastal cyclones is not true?
(a) Extratropical cyclones form along the East and Gulf Coasts of North America several times each year during late fall, winter, and early spring
(b) Coastal cyclones have a tremendous impact on political events and the local economy, influencing important events such as the American Revolutionary War.
(c) Coastal cyclones initiated the early establishment of underground transportation systems in northeastern cities.
(d) Coastal cyclones have the greatest economic impact of any storm type on the northeast United States and Canada, even more than hurricanes.
(e) The greatest impact of heavy snow is within the urban corridor stretching from Buffalo southwest to Pittsburgh.

A

e. The greatest impact of heavy snow is within the urban corridor stretching from Buffalo southwest to Pittsburgh.

62
Q

Which east coast urban area typically receives the largest number of snowfall events greater than 4 inches in winter?
(a) Boston, Massachusetts
(b) New York City, New York
(c) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(d) Baltimore, Maryland
(e) Washington, D.C.

A

a. Boston, Massachusetts

63
Q

Which of the following factors does not account for the difference in intensity between East/Gulf Coast cyclones and Rocky Mountain cyclones?
(a) Snow cover over the land surfaces contributes to a weakening of the jetstreaks aloft creating upper level convergence in the Rocky Mountain storms but not the East/Gulf Coast storms because there is no snow cover on the ocean surface.
(b) There is often more than one jetstreak acting to create divergence in the upper level flow affecting East/Gulf Coast storms.
(c) Latent heat release during condensation in the clouds contributes more to storm intensification along the East and Gulf Coasts.
(d) Sensible heat from the ocean surface acts to heat the atmosphere, contributing more to storm intensification

A

a. Snow cover over the land surfaces contributes to a weakening of the jetstreaks aloft creating upper level convergence in the Rocky Mountain storms but not the East/ Gulf Coast storms because there is no snow cover on the ocean surface

64
Q

East Coast cyclones are often more intense than Rocky Mountain cyclones. What is(are) the primary reason(s) for this?
(a) multiple jet streaks and enhanced latent heat release
(b) stronger air flow at the surface and weak shear aloft
(c) sensible heat released from oceans and strong thermal contrasts along the coast
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(e) Both (a) and (c) are correct.

A

e. Both a and c are correct

65
Q

Satellite animations of cloud features over North America during wintertime often show high clouds streaming rapidly from the tropical Pacific northeastward across Mexico and the southern United States. What is the circulation associated with these clouds?
(a) a Gulf Coast cyclone
(b) the easterly trade winds
(c) the polar front jetstream
(d) the subtropical jetstream
(e) the subtropical easterly wave front

A

d. the subtropical jetstream

66
Q

The subtropical jetstream is part of what larger circulation that dominates the tropical atmosphere?
(a) the Hadley cell
(b) the Walker cell
(c) the Trade Wind cell
(d) the Madden-Julian cell
(e) the Intertropical Convergent cell

A

a. the Hadley cell

67
Q

Cold air dammed against mountains is important to the development of certain cyclones that affect the United States. In which geographic region of the United States does this occur?
(a) east of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland
(b) west of the Appalachian Mountains in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee
(c) east of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee
(d) west of the Rocky Mountains in Utah, Idaho and New Mexico

A

a. east of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland

68
Q

Prior to the formation of an East Coast cyclone, a sharp thermal boundary will often develop along the East Coast between cold air on the continent and warm air over the ocean surface. What do meteorologists call this boundary?
(a) a warm front
(b) a coastal front
(c) an occluded front
(d) an apparent front

A

b. a coastal front

69
Q

Why are East Coast cyclones called “Nor’easters” in New England?
(a) Northeastern Airlines always cancels flights during these storms.
(b) Low-pressure centers first approach New England from the northeast.
(c) Legends passed down from early settlers associated bad weather with the arrival of ships to the New World, which commonly arrived from the northeast.
(d) The winds during blizzard conditions blow toward New England from the northeast.
(e) Cities affected by these storms are all located on the Northeast Coast of the United States.

A

d. The winds during blizzard conditions blow toward New England from the northeast

70
Q

During the development of an East Coast cyclone, a surface high-pressure contributes to the intensification with westward airflow south of the high transporting warm air toward the coast. Where is the high-pressure typically located?
(a) over the Gulf of Mexico
(b) just east of the Great Lakes
(c) over the North Atlantic Ocean
(d) over the South Atlantic Ocean

A

c. over the North Atlantic Ocean

71
Q

Along the eastern coast of the United States, the process of ________ leads to the development of ___________.
(a) latent heat release; a dry slot
(b) jetstreak merging; beach erosion
(c) cold air damming; a coastal front
(d) divergence aloft; freezing rain events
(e) explosive cyclogenesis; the subtropical jetstream

A

c. cold air damming; a coastal front

72
Q

Often during Gulf and East Coast cyclones, more than one jetstreak will act to create divergence aloft over the developing low-pressure center. These jetstreaks are within the subtropical and polar jetstreams. Which statement below best describes the relationship between these jetstreams?
(a) The subtropical jetstream is at a higher altitude and higher latitude compared to the polar jetstream.
(b) The subtropical jetstream is at a higher altitude and lower latitude compared to the polar jetstream.
(c) The subtropical jetstream is at a lower altitude and higher latitude compared to the polar jetstream.
(d) The subtropical jetstream is at a lower altitude and lower latitude compared to the polar jetstream.
(e) The subtropical jetstream and polar jetstream are at the same altitude, but different latitudes.

A

b. The subtropical jetstream is at a higher altitude and lower latitude compared to the polar jetstream.

73
Q

During an East Coast cyclone, where is the cold front typically located?
(a) over the Atlantic Ocean
(b) toward the northeast (hence the term Nor’easter)
(c) extending to the southwest along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains
(d) None of the above are correct.

A

a. over the Atlantic Ocean

74
Q

East Coast cyclones begin to dissipate when surface friction causes air to converge into the low. The “filling” process for East Coast cyclones is ________ than that of Rocky Mountain cyclones because _________.
(a) slower; the effect of friction is reduced over water
(b) slower; the large waves create extra drag on the air
(c) faster; wind speeds are faster in East Coast cyclones
(d) faster; the high relative humidity of Rocky Mountain cyclones reduces the surface pressure

A

a. slower; the effect of friction is reduced over water

75
Q

A “bomb” cyclone derives its name from the fact that:
(a) the temperatures in these cyclones are unusually high.
(b) the center of the cyclone is associated with high, rather than low pressure.
(c) the central pressure of these cyclones falls to very low values at a rapid rate.
(d) the pressure in the center of the cyclone becomes so low that it frequently triggers explosions of gas lines in cities along the Northeast urban corridor.
(e) the cyclone only has warm fronts, and these fronts produce exceptionally strong weather.

A

c. the central pressure of these cyclones falls to very low values at a rapid rate

76
Q

East Coast, Gulf Coast, and Rocky Mountain cyclones all produce significant weather problems for the communities they affect. For East Coast cyclones, the problem that is normally of least concern to forecasters is:
(a) heavy snow
(b) freezing rain
(c) tornadoes
(d) strong winds

A

c. tornadoes

77
Q

Snowstorms within East Coast cyclones develop as air rises within the cyclone’s circulation. In these cyclones, the air in which the snow forms is lifted:
(a) along the cyclone’s warm front
(b) by the Appalachian Mountains
(c) within the dry slot
(d) above the tropopause
(e) both (a) and (b) are correct

A

e. both a and b are correct

78
Q

What was one of the lasting effects of the Blizzard of 1888?
(a) The development of email to replace mail carriers lost in the storm.
(b) The development of underground power distribution systems in urban areas.
(c) The development of forecast techniques that accounted for the effects of jetstreak circulations.
(d) The development of weather maps that clearly showed where snow was likely to fall in the next 24 hours.

A

b. The development of underground power distribution systems in urban areas

79
Q

Which statement about the Blizzard of 1888 is false?
(a) The storm was a slow moving storm that stalled off the New York coast for almost two days, leading to the heavy snowfall accumulation in New York.
(b) Meteorologists predicted the storm accurately, saving many lives in New York City.
(c) Winds during the blizzard near the coast averaged 50 to 70 miles per hour.
(d) The 1888 Blizzard led to development of underground wiring in New York.
(e) The storm is an example of a Nor’easter.

A

b. Meteorologists predicted the storm accurately, saving many lives in New York City

80
Q

Gulf Coast cyclones are more likely to develop during winters in which:
(a) the Gulf of Mexico is cooler than normal.
(b) there is no vertical wind shear over the Gulf of Mexico.
(c) a stationary front between cold polar air and warm tropical air is located along the Mississippi River valley.
(d) the subtropical jetstream is a persistent feature over Mexico and the southern United States.

A

d. the subtropical jetstream is a persistent feature over Mexico and the southern United States

81
Q

The subtropical jetstream is strongest and the frequency of Gulf Coast cyclones is highest during:
(a) El Niño
(b) La Niña
(c) La Nada

A

a. El Niño

82
Q

Factors that can contribute to the deepening of a Gulf Coast cyclone include which of the following?
(a) divergence aloft associated with a jetstreak in the subtropical jetstream
(b) divergence aloft associated with one or more jetstreaks in the polar front jetstream
(c) divergence aloft associated with latent heat release in the thunderstorms that erupt over the Gulf
(d) (a), (b) and (c) are all true.
(e) (a), (b) and (c) are all false.

A

d. a, b, and c are all true

83
Q

Gulf Coast cyclones intensify as long as the _______ aloft associated with jetstreaks, changes in flow curvature, and latent heat release in the storm clouds exceeds the __________ at the surface due to friction.
(a) divergence; divergence
(b) divergence; convergence
(c) convergence; divergence
(d) convergence; convergence

A

b. divergence; convergence

84
Q

Gulf Coast cyclones that follow the Mississippi-Ohio River storm track, on average, have ________ compared to Gulf Coast cyclones that track along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard.
(a) deeper low-pressure centers and weaker winds
(b) deeper low-pressure centers and stronger winds
(c) less intense low-pressure centers and weaker winds
(d) less intense low-pressure centers and stronger winds
(e) essentially the same central pressures and about the same wind intensity

A

c. less intense low-pressure centers and weaker winds

85
Q

In Gulf Coast cyclones, the heaviest snowfall is associated with what feature?
(a) trowal
(b) cold front
(c) warm front
(d) surface low-pressure center

A

a. trowal

86
Q

Which of the following is not a factor in influencing the distribution of snowfall in coastal cyclones?
(a) track of the cyclone
(b) speed at which the cyclone moves
(c) the topography of the local area
(d) ocean temperatures off the coast
(e) All of the above are factors that influence snowfall distribution.

A

e. All of the above are factors that influence snowfall distribution.

87
Q

Which of the following are not impacted by the hazardous conditions produced by coastal cyclones?
(a) airlines
(b) school districts
(c) public safety departments
(d) city transportation departments
(e) All of the above are impacted by the weather created by coastal cyclones

A

e. All of the above are impacted by the weather created by coastal cyclones

88
Q

Which of the following is the most difficult problem in forecasting snowfall amounts in East Coast cities during coastal cyclones?
(a) estimating the lowest central pressure that a cyclone will develop
(b) determining the position of the rain-snow line relative to coastal cities
(c) estimating the maximum amount of snow that will fall in any given storm
(d) determining snow density, since the density determines the difficulty city plows will have when removing the snow
(e) estimating the timing of the storm, since the jetstream circulations that produce them are not well observed

A

b. determining the position of the rain-snow line relative to coastal cities

89
Q

Which statement about freezing precipitation is not true?
(a) Severe ice accumulation can halt air and ground transportation
(b) Freezing precipitation impacts public safety and many industries.
(c) Minor glaze accumulation often leads to traffic and pedestrian accidents.
(d) Considerable property damage can result from freezing precipitation events.
(e) During the period since 1990, freezing precipitation has caused more than $60 billion in property losses in the United States.

A

e. During the period since 1990, freezing precipitation has caused more than $60 billion in property losses in the United States.

90
Q

What are the National Weather Service criteria for an ice storm?
(a) structural damage must occur
(b) ice accumulations must be at least 0.25 in
(c) at least ten million dollars worth of damage must occur
(d) either (a) or (b) or both, but not (c)
(e) (a), (b) and (c) are all criteria.

A

d. either a or b or both, but not c

91
Q

Supercooled droplets:
(a) are called sleet.
(b) have temperatures below 0C but are still liquid.
(c) have temperatures above 0C but are entirely ice.
(d) never exist naturally in the atmosphere because water freezes at 0C.
(e) (a) and (c) are both correct.

A

b. have temperatures below 0C but are still liquid

92
Q

Which of the following best defines “supercooled water?”
(a) Ice at a temperature below 0C.
(b) Ice at a temperature above 0C.
(c) Liquid water at a temperature below 0C.
(d) Liquid water at a temperature above 0C.
(e) Water vapor with a temperature below 40C.

A

c. liquid water at a temperature below 0C

93
Q

How long do ice storms typically last?
(a) A few minutes
(b) A few hours
(c) A few days
(d) A few weeks

A

b. a few hours

94
Q

Sleet:
(a) consists of frozen raindrops.
(b) typically occurs on the cold side of zones of freezing rain.
(c) is a term used by meteorologists to describe freezing rain.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.

A

d. Both a and b are correct

95
Q

In the phrase “supercooled warm rain process,” what does the term “warm rain” mean?
(a) The rain was heated by solar radiation.
(b) The rain was very warm, similar to tropical rains.
(c) The rain is too warm to cause glaze to develop on a surface.
(d) Snow was not involved in the formation of the precipitation.
(e) The rain was warmer than freezing when it reached the ground.

A

d. Snow was not involved in the formation of the precipitation

96
Q

Clouds that produce freezing drizzle:
(a) are often found over arctic fronts.
(b) are often dangerous to aircraft because of aircraft icing.
(c) typically have cloud top temperatures warmer than about 10C.
(d) are most commonly found over the High Plains region of the United States.
(e) All of the above are correct statements.

A

a. are often found over arctic fronts

97
Q

What temperature structure would be seen on a sounding taken in a location where freezing rain is occurring?
(a) below freezing temperature at the surface, with temperature increasing with altitude to tropopause
(b) below freezing temperature at the surface, with temperature continually decreasing with height to the tropopause
(c) below freezing temperature at the surface, with temperature increasing with altitude to above freezing, and then decreasing with altitude to very cold temperatures near the tropopause
(d) above freezing temperature at the surface, with temperature continually decreasing with height to the tropopause
(e) above freezing temperatures at the surface, with temperature increasing with altitude to above freezing, and then decreasing with altitude to very cold temperatures near the tropopause.

A

c. below freezing temperature at the surface, with temperature increasing with altitude to above freezing, and then decreasing with altitude to very cold temperatures near the tropopause

98
Q

How wide is a typical band of freezing rain?
(a) less than 100 miles wide
(b) 100 to 300 miles wide
(c) 300 to 500 miles wide
(d) 500 to 1000 miles wide

A

a. less than 100 miles wide

99
Q

Which statement best describes the melting process of freezing precipitation formation?
(a) Frozen precipitation falls through a warm (> 0C) layer in the troposphere, melts, and refreezes on contact with the surface.
(b) Liquid precipitation freezes through a layer of subfreezing air above the surface, and melts on contact with the surface.
(c) Frozen precipitation falls through a warm layer in the lower troposphere and melts on contact with the surface.
(d) Sleet falls through an inversion layer in the lower troposphere and melts on
contact with the surface.

A

a. Frozen precipitation falls through a warm (> 0C) layer in the troposphere, melts, and refreezes on contact with the surface

100
Q

Which statement best describes the supercooled warm rain process of freezing precipitation formation?
(a) Frozen precipitation falls through an inversion layer, melts, and refreezes on contact with the surface.
(b) Liquid precipitation falls through subfreezing air and freezes on contact with the surface.
(c) Frozen precipitation falls through a warm layer in the lower troposphere and melts on contact with the surface.
(d) Sleet falls through an inversion layer in the lower troposphere and melts on contact with the surface.

A

b. Liquid precipitation falls through subfreezing air and freezes on contact with the surface

101
Q

During an ice storm, _______ winds will worsen the situation by ________.
(a) strong; causing ice burdened structures to fail
(b) strong; blowing the glaze accumulation to other nearby areas
(c) weak; concentrating the ice accumulation in a localized area
(d) None of the above are correct. Wind cannot impact the destruction of an ice storm.

A

a. strong; causing ice burdened structures to fail

102
Q

What is the difference between freezing rain and freezing drizzle?
(a) Freezing drizzle drops are smaller (in diameter) than freezing raindrops.
(b) Freezing drizzle primarily forms via the melting process while freezing rain forms via the supercooled warm rain process.
(c) Freezing drizzle only develops in weather patterns associated with high- pressure systems whereas freezing rain develops in association with both high- and low-pressure systems.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are correct.

A

a. Freezing drizzle drops are smaller (in diameter) than freezing raindrops

103
Q

The two fronts that produce most of the freezing precipitation on the plains between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains are:
(a) occluded fronts and dry lines.
(b) arctic fronts and warm fronts.
(c) upper level fronts and dry lines.
(d) upper level fronts and cold fronts.
(e) back door cold fronts and coastal fronts.

A

b. arctic fronts and warm fronts

104
Q

Cold air trapping often leads to freezing rain in which geographic region(s)?
(a) The Great Basin
(b) Appalachian mountain valleys
(c) The Colorado River valley
(d) The Columbia River valley
(e) Both (b) and (d) are correct.

A

e. Both b and d are correct

105
Q

Cold air damming is frequently associated with freezing precipitation in which geographic region of the United States?
(a) the southern Rocky Mountains
(b) the Central Valley of California
(c) the east slope of the Rocky Mountains
(d) the plains just west of the Appalachian Mountains
(e) the Atlantic coastal plain east of the Appalachian Mountains

A

e. the Atlantic coastal plain east of the Appalachian Mountains

106
Q

Where would be the best location to spend winter if you wanted to experience freezing rain?
(a) Topeka, Kansas
(b) Montreal, Quebec
(c) Seattle, Washington
(d) Minneapolis, Minnesota
(e) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A

b. Montreal, Quebec

107
Q

Where would be the best location to spend winter if you wanted to experience freezing drizzle?
(a) Portland, Maine
(b) Wichita, Kansas
(c) Seattle, Washington
(d) Indianapolis, Indiana
(e) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A

b. Wichita, Kansas

108
Q

Which statement about freezing precipitation is false?
(a) Freezing precipitation events can last several hours.
(b) Freezing precipitation events can be more costly than some tornadoes and hurricanes.
(c) Freezing precipitation events can develop with either high- or low-pressure systems.
(d) Freezing precipitation events can occur with or without a temperature inversion in the lower troposphere.
(e) Freezing precipitation events have occurred everywhere in the continental United States.

A

e. Freezing precipitation events have occurred everywhere in the continental United States

109
Q

What type of precipitation is most hazardous to aircraft while flying?
(a) rain
(b) sleet
(c) snow
(d) freezing rain
(e) freezing drizzle

A

e. freezing drizzle

110
Q

Aircraft icing is a significant hazard for aircraft. What is (are) the primary effects of icing?
(a) It increases the weight of the aircraft.
(b) It changes the airflow characteristics over the wings.
(c) It accumulates on windshields reducing pilot visibility.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct, (c) is incorrect.
(e) (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.

A

a. It increases the weight of the aircraft

Weather Analysis (3 decks)

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