Question Set 13

Question 1

Wind flow patterns near the ground (i.e., below one to two kilometers altitude)

a) contain more closed centers of pressure (i.e., highs and lows).
b) have winds that to some degree blow across the isobars towards lower pressure.
c) are generally the result of an interaction between the pressure gradient force, the Coriolis force, and friction.
d) All of the above.

Answer 1

d) All of the above.

Question 2

In the northern hemisphere, air flows _________ around a surface high pressure center (anticyclone) with the air ________the high.

a) counter-clockwise; converging somewhat into
b) counter-clockwise, diverging somewhat out of
c) clockwise; diverging somewhat out of
d) clockwise; converging somewhat into

Answer 2

c) clockwise; diverging somewhat out of

Question 3

If the isobars on a weather map are packed close together, the pressure gradient force is ________ and the winds should be ________.

a) weaker, slower
b) stronger, slower
c) stronger, faster
d) weaker, faster

Answer 3

c) stronger, faster

Question 4

The pressure gradient force is acting (i.e., pointing) towards the north. The geostrophic wind would, therefore, be blowing from the

a) north.
b) south.
c) east.
d) west.

Answer 4

d) west.

Question 4

The pressure gradient force is acting (i.e., pointing) towards the north. If the wind is in geostrophic balance, the Coriolis force is acting (i.e., pointing) towards the

a) north.
b) south.
c) east.
d) west.

Answer 4

b) south.

Question 5

A wind flow pattern that is wave-like with trough and ridge features that are clearly present would be called

a) zonal flow.
b) meridional flow.
c) hydrostatic flow.
d) None of the above.

Answer 5

b) meridional flow.

Question 6

A wind blowing parallel to curved isobars with the pressure gradient force not balancing the Coriolis force could be called a _________ wind

a) gradient
b) geostrophic
c) hydrostatic
d) None of the above.

Answer 6

a) gradient

Question 7

The layer of the atmosphere that “feels” the effect of the Earth’s surface (for example, frictional drag) is called the

a) gradient layer.
b) friction or planetary boundary layer.
c) Coriolis layer.
d) hydrostatic layer.

Answer 7

b) friction or planetary boundary layer.

Question 8

Rising air occurs with low pressure regions because there is ______ occurring at the ground and ______ occurring higher up in the atmosphere.

a) convergence, convergence
b) divergence, divergence
c) convergence, divergence
d) divergence, convergence

Answer 8

c) convergence, divergence

Question 9

An upward acting pressure gradient force being balance by gravity is called

a) geostrophic balance.
b) gradient balance.
c) hydrostatic balance.
d) zonal balance.

Answer 9

c) hydrostatic balance.