USCG Meterology Flashcards by Ben White

1 The direction of the surface wind is __________.

A. directly from high pressure toward low pressure
B. directly from low pressure toward high pressure
C. from high pressure toward low pressure deflected by the earth’s rotation
D. from low pressure toward high pressure deflected by the earth’s rotation

C. from high pressure toward low pressure deflected by the earth’s rotation

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2 Wind direction may be determined by observing all of the following EXCEPT __________.

A. low clouds
B. waves
C. whitecaps
D. swells

D. swells

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3 What will a veering wind do?

A. Change direction in a clockwise manner in the Northern Hemisphere
B. Circulate about a low pressure center in a counterclockwise manner in the Northern Hemisphere
C. Vary in strength constantly and unpredictably
D. Circulate about a high pressure center in a clockwise manner in the Southern Hemisphere

A. Change direction in a clockwise manner in the Northern Hemisphere

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#4 A local wind which occurs during the daytime and is caused by the different rates of warming of land
and water is a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. foehn
B. chinook
C. land breeze
D. sea breeze

D. sea breeze

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5 A katabatic wind blows __________.

A. up an incline due to surface heating
B. in a circular pattern
C. down an incline due to cooling of the air
D. horizontally between a high and a low pressure area

C. down an incline due to cooling of the air

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6 Which Beaufort force indicates a wind speed of 65 knots?

A. Beaufort force 0
B. Beaufort force 6.5
C. Beaufort force 12
D. Beaufort force 15

C. Beaufort force 12

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#7 On the pole side of the high pressure belt in each hemisphere, the pressure diminishes. The winds
along these gradients are diverted by the Earth's rotation toward the east and are known as the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. geostrophic winds
B. doldrums
C. horse latitudes
D. prevailing westerlies

D. prevailing westerlies

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8 In the doldrums you will NOT have __________.

A. high relative humidity
B. frequent showers and thunderstorms
C. steep pressure gradients
D. frequent calms

C. steep pressure gradients

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9 The area of strong westerly winds occurring between 40° S and 60° S latitude is called the ________.

A. polar easterlies
B. prevailing westerlies
C. roaring forties
D. jet streams

C. roaring forties

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#10 The belt of light and variable winds between the westerly wind belt and the northeast trade winds is
called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. subtropical high pressure belt
B. intertropical convergence zone
C. doldrum belt
D. polar frontal zone

A. subtropical high pressure belt

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11 The region of high pressure extending around the Earth at about 35° N latitude is called the _______.

A. prevailing westerlies
B. horse latitudes
C. troposphere
D. doldrums

B. horse latitudes

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#12 According to Buys Ballot's law, when an observer in the Northern Hemisphere experiences a
northwest wind, the center of low pressure is located to the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. northeast
B. west-southwest
C. northwest
D. south-southeast

A. northeast

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13 Your position X is at LAT 35° S. Which winds are you experiencing? See Diagram: D009NG

A. Northeasterly
B. Northwesterly
C. Southeasterly
D. Southwesterly

A. Northeasterly

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#14 Your vessel is on course 180° T speed 22 knots. The apparent wind is from 70° off the port bow,
speed 20 knots. The true direction and speed of the wind are \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. 45° T, 21.0 knots
B. 51° T, 24.0 knots
C. 58° T, 21.2 knots
D. 64° T, 26.0 knots

B. 51° T, 24.0 knots

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15 In most cases, the direction of the apparent wind lies between the bow and __________.

A. the direction of the true wind
B. true north
C. the beam on the windward side
D. the beam on the lee side

A. the direction of the true wind

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16 The wind speed and direction observed from a moving vessel is known as __________.

A. coordinate wind
B. true wind
C. apparent wind
D. anemometer wind

C. apparent wind

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17 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 13 knots. The eye of a hurricane

bears 120° T, 100 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 265° T at 25 knots. What
course should you steer at 13 knots to have the maximum CPA?

A. 324° T
B. 306° T
C. 299° T
D. 276° T

A. 324° T

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#18 The usual sequence of directions in which a tropical cyclone moves in the Southern Hemisphere is
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. northwest, west, and south
B. southwest, south, and southeast
C. north, northwest, and east
D. west, northwest, and north

B. southwest, south, and southeast

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19 Which condition exists in the eye of a hurricane?

A. Wind rapidly changing direction
B. A temperature much lower than that outside the eye
C. Towering cumulonimbus clouds
D. An extremely low barometric pressure

D. An extremely low barometric pressure

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20 Tropical cyclones normally form within which of the following belts of latitude?

A. 5° to 15°
B. 15° to 30°
C. 30° to 45°
D. 45° to 60°

A. 5° to 15°

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#21 A hurricane moving northeast out of the Gulf passes west of your position. You could expect all of the
following EXCEPT\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. higher than normal swells
B. high winds
C. winds veering from south, through west, to northwest
D. gradual pressure gradient

D. gradual pressure gradient

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#22 You are enroute from Puerto Rico to New York. A hurricane makes up and is approaching. If the wind
veers steadily, this indicates that your vessel is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

A. in the dangerous semicircle
B. in the navigable semicircle
C. directly in the path of the storm
D. in the storm center

A. in the dangerous semicircle

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23 Low pressure disturbances, which travel along the intertropical convergence zone, are called _____.

A. permanent waves
B. tidal waves
C. tropical waves
D. tropical storms

C. tropical waves

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#24 The approximate distance to a storm center can be determined by noting the hourly rate of fall of the
barometer. If the rate of fall is 0.08-0.12 inches, what is the approximate distance to the storm center?

A. 50 to 80 miles
B. 80 to 100 miles
C. 100 to 150 miles
D. 150 to 250 miles

B. 80 to 100 miles

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#25 What kind of weather would you expect to accompany the passage of a tropical wave? A. Heavy rain and cloudiness B. Good weather C. A tropical storm D. Dense fog

A. Heavy rain and cloudiness

#26 Tropical cyclones are classified by form and intensity. Which system does not have closed isobars? A. Hurricane B. Tropical disturbance C. Tropical depression D. Cyclone

B. Tropical disturbance

#27 A tropical wave is usually preceded by __________. A. tropical storms B. good weather C. heavy rain and cloudiness D. heavy seas

B. good weather

#28 Ocean swells originating from a typhoon can move ahead of it at speeds near __________. A. 10 knots B. 20 knots C. 30 knots D. 50 knots

D. 50 knots

``` #29 The highest frequency of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic Ocean occurs during __________. A. January, February and March B. April, May and June C. August, September and October D. July, November and December ```

C. August, September and October

#30 Recurvature of a hurricane's track usually results in the forward speed __________. A. increasing B. decreasing C. remaining the same D. varying during the day

A. increasing

``` #31 You have determined that you are in the right semicircle of a tropical cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere. What action should you take to avoid the storm? ``` A. Place the wind on the starboard quarter and hold that course. B. Place the wind on the port quarter and hold that course. C. Place the wind on the port bow and hold that course. D. Place the wind on the starboard bow and hold that course.

D. Place the wind on the starboard bow and hold that course.

#32 The pressure gradient between the horse latitudes and doldrums runs __________. A. east to west B. north to south C. northeast to southwest D. northwest to southeast

B. north to south

#33 The diurnal pressure variation is most noticeable in the __________. A. polar regions B. horse latitudes C. roaring forties D. doldrums

D. doldrums

``` #34 A line on a weather chart connecting places which have the same barometric pressure is called an __________. ``` A. isotherm B. isallobar C. isobar D. isotope

C. isobar

#35 Little or no change in the barometric reading over a twelve hour period indicates __________. A. stormy weather is imminent B. that present weather conditions will continue C. a defect in the barometer D. increasing wind strength

B. that present weather conditions will continue

#36 The daily recurring pattern of pressure changes most noticeable in low latitudes is the __________. A. daily lapse reading B. diurnal variation of pressure C. pressure tendency D. synoptic pressure

B. diurnal variation of pressure

``` #37 It is desirable that a vessel encountering hurricane or typhoon conditions sends weather reports to the closest meteorological service at least every __________. ``` A. hour B. 3 hours C. 6 hours D. 8 hours

B. 3 hours

#38 At 1800 ZT on 31 October, your position is LAT 24° 50' N, LONG 92° 37' W. You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. How should you encode the first three groups after the call sign if you estimate the wind? See Diagram: D041NG A. 31123, 99929, 70249 B. 31183, 99249, 79237 C. 31243, 99249, 70926 D. 01003, 99248, 70926

D. 01003, 99248, 70926

``` #39 While taking weather observations, you determine that the wind is coming from the west. In the weather log, you would record the wind direction as __________. ``` A. 000° B. 090° C. 180° D. 270°

D. 270°

#40 What weather conditions would you expect to find at position A? See Diagram: D049NG A. Winds NW-W at 15 knots, partly cloudy, and slight seas B. winds SW-S at 20 knots, heavy rain, and rough seas C. Winds calm, light rain, and calm seas D. Winds NE-E at 20 knots, heavy rain, and rough seas

A. Winds NW-W at 15 knots, partly cloudy, and slight seas

``` #41 While taking weather observations, you determine that the wind is blowing from the northeast. You would record the wind direction in the weather log as __________. ``` A. 045° B. 090° C. 135° D. 225°

A. 045°

#42 When reporting wind direction, you should give the direction in __________. A. true degrees B. magnetic compass degrees C. relative degrees D. isobaric degrees

A. true degrees

#43 When drawing a weather map and an isobar crosses a front, the isobar is drawn __________. A. perpendicular to the front B. kinked and pointing away from the low C. kinked and pointing towards the low D. kinked and pointing towards the high for a warm front only

B. kinked and pointing away from the low

#44 Cyclones tend to move __________. A. perpendicular to the isobars in their warm sectors B. parallel to the isobars in their warm sectors C. parallel to the line of the cold front D. perpendicular to the line of the cold front

B. parallel to the isobars in their warm sectors

#45 Temperature and moisture characteristics are modified in a warm or cold air mass due to _________. A. pressure changes in the air mass B. movement of the air mass C. the heterogeneous nature of the air mass D. upper level atmospheric changes

B. movement of the air mass

#46 The flow of air around an anticyclone in the Southern Hemisphere is __________. A. clockwise and outward B. counterclockwise and outward C. clockwise and inward D. counterclockwise and inward

B. counterclockwise and outward

#47 A cyclone in its final stage of development is called a(n) __________. A. tornado B. anticyclone C. occluded cyclone or occluded front D. polar cyclone

C. occluded cyclone or occluded front

#48 A warm air mass is characterized by __________. A. stability B. instability C. gusty winds D. good visibility

A. stability

#49 You are located within a stationary high pressure area. Your aneroid barometer is falling very slowly. This indicates a(n)________. A. wind shift of 180° B. large increase in wind velocity C. decrease in the pressure of the system D. increase in the intensity of the system

C. decrease in the pressure of the system

#50 A frontal thunderstorm is caused by __________. A. pronounced local heating B. wind being pushed up a mountain C. a warm air mass rising over a cold air mass D. an increased lapse rate caused by advection of warm surface air

C. a warm air mass rising over a cold air mass

#51 The steepness of a cold front depends on __________. A. the direction of wind around the front B. its velocity C. the temperature of the air behind the front D. the precipitation generated by the front

B. its velocity

#52 When crossing a front isobars tend to __________. A. change from smooth curves within the air mass to sharp bends at the front B. change from sharp bends within the air mass to smooth curves at the front C. pass smoothly across the front with no change D. become closer together at the front and pass through in straight lines

A. change from smooth curves within the air mass to sharp bends at the front

#53 With the passage of an occluded front the temperature __________. A. rises rapidly B. remains about the same C. drops rapidly D. depends on whether warm type or cold type occlusion

D. depends on whether warm type or cold type occlusion

#54 When a cold air mass and a warm air mass meet, and there is no horizontal motion of either air mass, it is called a(n)________. A. cold front B. occluded front C. stationary front D. warm front

C. stationary front

#55 When a warm air mass is adjacent to a cold air mass, the separation line between the two is called a(n) __________. A. front B. isobar C. isotherm D. equipotential line

A. front

#56 When cold air displaces warm air you have a(n) __________. A. cold front B. occluded front C. stationary front D. warm front

A. cold front

#57 The fog most commonly encountered at sea is called __________. A. conduction fog B. radiation fog C. frontal fog D. advection fog

D. advection fog

#58 What will act to dissipate fog? A. Upwelling cold water B. Advection of warm air over a colder surface C. Rain that is warmer than air D. Downslope motion of an air mass along a coast

D. Downslope motion of an air mass along a coast

#59 Radiation fog __________. A. always forms over water B. is formed by a temperature inversion C. is thinnest at the surface D. dissipates during the evening

B. is formed by a temperature inversion

#60 Fog is most commonly associated with a(n) __________. A. warm front at night B. low pressure area C. anticyclone D. cold front in the spring

A. warm front at night

#61 Fog forms when the air __________. A. is 50% water saturated B. is 90% water saturated C. temperature is greater than the dew point temperature D. temperature is equal to, or below the dew point temperature

D. temperature is equal to, or below the dew point temperature

#62 The appearance of nimbostratus clouds in the immediate vicinity of a ship at sea would be accompanied by which of the following conditions? A. Rain and poor visibility B. Dropping barometric pressure and backing wind in the Northern Hemisphere C. High winds and rising sea D. Severe thunderstorms

A. Rain and poor visibility

#63 Uniform, grayish-white cloud sheets that cover large portions of the sky, and are responsible for a large percentage of the precipitation in the temperate latitudes, are called __________. A. altostratus B. altocumulus C. cirrostratus D. cirrocumulus

A. altostratus

#64 Which cloud type is normally associated with thunderstorms? A. Cirrus B. Stratus C. Cumulus D. Cumulonimbus

D. Cumulonimbus

#65 If the sky was clear, with the exception of a few cumulus clouds, it would indicate __________. A. rain B. hurricane weather C. fair weather D. fog setting in

C. fair weather

``` #66 The form of cloud often known as "mackerel sky" which is generally associated with fair weather is ______. A. nimbostratus B. stratus C. cirrocumulus D. cumulonimbus ```

C. cirrocumulus

#67 A thin, whitish, high cloud popularly known as "mares' tails" is __________. A. altostratus B. stratus C. cumulus D. cirrus

D. cirrus

#68 The bases of middle clouds are located at altitudes of between __________. A. 3,000 to 6,500 feet (914 to 1981 meters) B. 6,500 to 20,000 feet (1981 to 6096 meters) C. 10,000 to 35,000 feet (3048 to 10,668 meters) D. 20,000 to 60,000 feet (6096 to 18,288 meters)

B. 6,500 to 20,000 feet (1981 to 6096 meters)

#69 Which list of clouds is in sequence, from highest to lowest in the sky? A. Altostratus, cirrostratus, stratus B. Cirrostratus, altostratus, stratus C. Stratus, cirrostratus, altostratus D. Altostratus, stratus, cirrostratus

B. Cirrostratus, altostratus, stratus

#70 A low, uniform layer of cloud resembling fog, but not resting on the ground, is called __________. A. cumulus B. nimbus C. stratus D. cirrus

C. stratus

#71 Which type of cloud is among the most dependable for giving an indication of an approaching weather system? A. Cumulus B. Altostratus C. Cumulostratus D. Nimbus

B. Altostratus

#72 Clouds are classified according to their __________. A. size B. moisture content C. altitude and how they were formed D. location in a front

C. altitude and how they were formed

#73 Cloud formations are minimal when the __________. A. surface temperature and temperature aloft are equal B. surface temperature and temperature aloft differ greatly C. barometric pressure is very low D. relative humidity is very high

A. surface temperature and temperature aloft are equal

#74 Relative humidity is the percentage of water vapor that is in the air as compared to the maximum amount it can hold at __________. A. a specific barometric pressure B. a specific temperature C. a specific wind speed D. any time

B. a specific temperature

#75 The dew point is reached when the __________. A. temperature of the air equals the temperature of the seawater B. atmospheric pressure is 14.7 lbs. per square inch C. relative humidity reaches 50% D. air becomes saturated with water vapor

D. air becomes saturated with water vapor

``` #76 The dry-bulb temperature is 78° F and the wet-bulb temperature is 62° F. What is the relative humidity? A. 16% B. 24% C. 39% D. 79% ```

C. 39%

#77 The dew point temperature is __________. A. always higher than the air temperature B. always lower than the air temperature C. equal to the difference between the wet and dry bulb temperatures D. the temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor

D. the temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor

#78 As the temperature for a given mass of air increases, the __________. A. dew point increases B. dew point decreases C. relative humidity increases D. relative humidity decreases

D. relative humidity decreases

#79 Relative humidity is defined as __________. A. the maximum vapor content the air is capable of holding B. the minimum vapor content the air is capable of holding C. the ratio of the actual vapor content at the current temperature to the air's vapor holding capability D. the relation of the moisture content of the air to barometric pressure

C. the ratio of the actual vapor content at the current temperature to the air's vapor holding capability

#80 The ocean bottom that extends from the shoreline out to an area where there is a marked change in slope to a greater depth is the __________. A. abyssal plain B. continental shelf C. borderland D. offshore terrace

B. continental shelf

#81 You are anchored in the Aleutian Island chain and receive word that a tsunami is expected to strike the islands in six hours. What is the safest action? A. Get underway and be in deep, open-ocean water when the tsunami arrives. B. Increase the scope of the anchor cable and drop the second anchor underfoot at short stay. C. Get underway and be close inshore on the side of the island away from the tsunami. D. Plant both anchors with about a 60° angle between them, and let out a long scope to each anchor.

A. Get underway and be in deep, open-ocean water when the tsunami arrives.

#82 The rise and fall of the ocean's surface due to a distant storm is known as __________. A. sea B. waves C. fetch D. swell

D. swell

#83 The speed at which an ocean wave system advances is called __________. A. wave length B. ripple length C. group velocity D. wave velocity

C. group velocity

#84 The largest waves (heaviest chop) will usually develop where the wind blows __________. A. at right angles to the flow of the current B. against the flow of the current C. in the same direction as the flow of the current D. over slack water

B. against the flow of the current

#85 In shallow water, waves that are too steep to be stable, causing the crests to move forward faster than the rest of the wave, are called __________. A. rollers B. breakers C. white caps D. surfers

B. breakers

#86 Three or four feet of the total height of a storm surge in a hurricane can be attributed to __________. A. an increase in temperature B. an increase in the wave period C. the wind velocity D. the decrease in atmospheric pressure

D. the decrease in atmospheric pressure

#87 On mid-ocean waters, the height of a wind-generated wave is not affected by the __________. A. water depth exceeding 100 feet B. fetch C. wind's velocity D. duration of the wind

A. water depth exceeding 100 feet

#88 The height of a wave is the vertical distance __________. A. from the still water plane to the crest B. from the still water plane to the trough C. from crest to trough D. between water levels at one-quarter of the wave's length

C. from crest to trough

#89 A light, feathery deposit of ice caused by the sublimation of water vapor directly into the crystalline form, on objects whose temperatures are below freezing, is called __________. A. dew B. frost C. glaze D. snow

B. frost

#90 Which condition(s) is(are) necessary for the formation of dew? A. Clear skies B. Calm air C. Earth's surface cooler than the dew point of the air D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#91 Mechanical lifting of air by the upslope slant of the terrain is called __________. A. vertical lifting B. convective lifting C. advective lifting D. topographic lifting

D. topographic lifting

#92 The region containing 3/4 of the mass of the atmosphere and the region to which are confined such phenomena as clouds, storms, precipitation and changing weather conditions is called __________. A. stratosphere B. troposphere C. stratopause D. tropopause

B. troposphere

#93 The Earth's irregular heating is caused by __________. A. the time of day B. the seasons C. geography D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#94 You are on a voyage from New Orleans to Boston. When navigating off the Florida coast, you will get the greatest benefit from the Gulf Stream if you navigate __________. A. about 45 miles east of Cape Canaveral B. about 25 miles east of Daytona Beach C. along the 50-fathom curve D. close inshore between Fowey Rocks and Jupiter Inlet

A. about 45 miles east of Cape Canaveral

#95 Which current would you encounter on a direct passage from London, England, to Cape Town, South Africa? A. Falkland Current B. Brazil Current C. Norway Current D. Benguela Current

D. Benguela Current

#96 The Brazil Current flows in which general direction? A. Northwesterly B. Southwesterly C. Southeasterly D. Northerly

B. Southwesterly

#97 On a voyage from Halifax, N.S., to Dakar, West Africa, the Canary Current will __________. A. set the vessel to the left B. set the vessel to the right C. offer resistance in the form of a head current D. furnish additional thrust in the form of a fair or following current

B. set the vessel to the right

#98 The current that, in many respects, is similar to the Gulf Stream is the __________. A. Kuroshio Current B. California Current C. Oyashio Current D. Benguela Current

A. Kuroshio Current

#99 Which ocean current is "warm" based on the latitude in which it originates and on the effect it has on climate? A. Kuroshio Current B. Benguela Current C. Peru Current D. California Current

A. Kuroshio Current

#100 Cold water flowing southward through the western part of the Bering Strait between Alaska and Siberia is joined by water circulating counterclockwise in the Bering Sea to form the __________. A. Alaska Current B. Subarctic Current C. Kuroshio Current D. Oyashio Current

D. Oyashio Current

``` #101 - USCG 887 Which current would you encounter on a direct passage from southern Africa to Argentina, South America? ``` A. South Atlantic B. South Equatorial C. Agulhas D. Guinea

A. South Atlantic

``` #102 - USCG 897 What current flows southward along the west coast of the United States and causes extensive fog in that area? ``` A. Davidson Current B. North Pacific Current C. Alaska Current D. California Current

D. California Current

#103 In which month will the equatorial counter current be strongest? A. January B. April C. August D. October

C. August

#104 As the South Equatorial Current approaches the east coast of Africa, it divides with the main part flowing south to form the warm __________. A. Agulhas Current B. Canary Current C. Benguela Current D. Madagascar Current

A. Agulhas Current

#105 The set of the equatorial countercurrent is generally to the __________. A. north B. east C. southwest D. northwest

B. east

#106 The cold ocean current which meets the warm Gulf Stream between latitudes 40° and 43° N to form the "cold wall" is called the __________.. A. North Cape Current B. Labrador Current C. Greenland Current D. North Atlantic Current

B. Labrador Current

#107 The Humboldt Current flows in which direction? A. North B. South C. East D. West

A. North

#108 On an Atlantic Ocean voyage from New York to Durban, South Africa, you should expect the Agulhas Current to present a strong __________. A. offshore set B. onshore set C. head current D. fair or following current

C. head current

#109 In the Sargasso Sea there are large quantities of seaweed and no well defined currents. This area is located in the __________. A. Central North Atlantic Ocean B. Caribbean Sea C. Western North Pacific Ocean D. area off the west coast of South America

A. Central North Atlantic Ocean

#110 Which current is responsible for the movement of icebergs into the North Atlantic shipping lanes? A. Iceland Current B. Baltic Current C. Labrador Current D. Baffin Current

C. Labrador Current

#111 A coastal current __________. A. is generated by waves striking the beach B. flows outside the surf zone C. flows in a circular pattern D. is also known as a longshore current

B. flows outside the surf zone

#112 When a current flows in the opposite direction to the waves, the wave __________. A. length is increased B. height is increased C. velocity increases D. length is unchanged

B. height is increased

#113 Which statement(s) concerning the effect of Coriolis force on ocean currents is(are) correct? A. The deflection of the current is to the left in the Northern Hemisphere. B. The Coriolis force is greater in the lower latitudes. C. The Coriolis force is more effective in deep water. D. All of the above

C. The Coriolis force is more effective in deep water.

#114 Generally speaking, a ship steaming across the North Pacific from Japan to Seattle is likely to experience __________. A. adverse currents for practically the entire crossing B. favorable currents for practically the entire crossing C. favorable currents in the summer months and adverse currents in the winter months D. variable currents having no significant effect on the total steaming time

B. favorable currents for practically the entire crossing

#115 The speed of an ocean current is dependent on __________. A. the density of the water B. the air temperature C. the presence of a high pressure area near it D. underwater soil conditions

A. the density of the water

#116 How long would a steady wind need to blow in order to create a wind driven current? A. 2 hours B. 6 hours C. 12 hours D. 18 hours

C. 12 hours

#117 Hurricanes may move in any direction. However, it is rare and generally of short duration when a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere moves toward the __________. A. west or northwest B. northeast C. southeast D. north

C. southeast

#118 How can you estimate the position of a tropical storm's center? A. With a radio weather bulletin or weather fax B. using shipboard radar C. observe the wind direction and apply Buys Ballot's law D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#119 If a hurricane several hundred miles away is moving in your general direction your barometer would A. start to rise rapidly B. start to fall gradually C. rise slowly, begin "pumping" and then start a slow, steady fall D. remain steady

B. start to fall gradually

#120 A easterly wave is located 200 miles due west of your position, which is north of the equator. Where will the wave be in 24 hours? A. Farther away to the west B. Farther away to the east C. In the same place D. Closer and to the west

A. Farther away to the west

#121 What wind reverses directions seasonally? A. Monsoon winds B. Hooked trades C. Jet stream D. Secondary winds

A. Monsoon winds

#122 In the Northern Hemisphere, a wind that shifts counterclockwise is a __________. A. veering wind B. backing wind C. reverse wind D. chinook wind

B. backing wind

#123 Which wind results from a land mass cooling more quickly at night than an adjacent water area? A. Coastal breeze B. Sea breeze C. Land breeze D. Mistral

C. Land breeze

#124 In reading a weather map, closely spaced pressure gradient lines would indicate __________. A. high winds B. high overcast clouds C. calm or light winds D. fog or steady rain

A. high winds

#125 The direction of prevailing winds in the Northern hemisphere is caused by the __________. A. magnetic field at the North Pole B. Gulf Stream C. Earth's rotation D. Arctic cold fronts

C. Earth's rotation

#126 The best estimate of the wind direction at sea level can be obtained from observing the direction of the __________. A. cloud movement B. vessel heading C. waves D. swells

C. waves

#127 Which wind pattern has the most influence over the movement of frontal weather systems over the North American continent? A. Subpolar easterlies B. Northeast trades C. Prevailing westerlies D. Dominant southwesterly flow

C. Prevailing westerlies

#128 The prevailing winds in the band of latitude from approximately 5° N to 30° N are the __________. A. prevailing westerlies B. northeast trade winds C. southeast trade winds D. doldrums

B. northeast trade winds

#129 The horse latitudes are characterized by __________. A. weak pressure gradients and light, variable winds B. the formation of typhoons or hurricanes in certain seasons C. steady winds in one direction for six months followed by wind reversal for the next six months D. steady winds generally from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere

A. weak pressure gradients and light, variable winds

#130 On the pole side of the trade wind belt, there is an area of high pressure with weak pressure gradients and light, variable winds. This area is called the __________. A. prevailing westerlies B. geostrophic winds C. doldrums D. horse latitudes

D. horse latitudes

#131 The winds of the "roaring forties" are strongest near __________. A. 40° N B. 50° N C. 40° S D. 50° S

D. 50° S

#132 You are steaming west in the North Atlantic in an extratropical cyclonic storm, and the wind is dead ahead. According to the law of Buys Ballot, the center of low pressure lies to the __________. A. north B. south C. east D. west

A. north

#133 Your vessel is on course 150° T, speed 17 knots. The apparent wind is from 40° off the starboard bow, speed 15 knots. What is the speed of the true wind? A. 9.0 knots B. 10.2 knots C. 11.0 knots D. 12.0 knots

C. 11.0 knots

#134 A wind vane on a moving vessel shows __________. A. dead reckoning wind direction B. true wind direction C. apparent wind direction D. estimated wind direction

C. apparent wind direction

#135 In the relatively calm area near the hurricane center, the seas are __________. A. moderate but easily navigated B. calm C. mountainous and confused D. mountainous but fairly regular as far as direction is concerned

C. mountainous and confused

#136 Tropical cyclones do not form within 5° of the Equator because __________. A. there are no fronts in that area B. it is too hot C. it is too humid D. of negligible Coriolis force

D. of negligible Coriolis force

#137 When a hurricane passes over colder water or land and loses its tropical characteristics, the storm becomes a(n) __________. A. high pressure area B. extratropical low-pressure system C. tropical storm D. easterly wave

B. extratropical low-pressure system

#138 If it is impossible to avoid a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere, the most favorable place to be when the storm passes is in __________. A. the dangerous semicircle B. the eye (center) of the storm C. that half of the storm lying to the right of the storm's path D. that half of the storm lying to the left of the storm's path

D. that half of the storm lying to the left of the storm's path

#139 Which condition would NOT indicate the approach of a tropical storm? A. Long, high swells B. Cirrus clouds C. Halos about the Sun or Moon D. Decrease in wind velocity

D. Decrease in wind velocity

#140 In the Northern Hemisphere, what type of cloud formations would you expect to see to the west of an approaching tropical wave? A. Cumulus clouds lined up in rows extending in a northeast to southwest direction B. High altostratus clouds in the morning hours C. Cirrostratus clouds lined up in rows extending in a northeast to southwest direction D. Cirrostratus clouds lined up in rows extending in a north to south direction

A. Cumulus clouds lined up in rows extending in a northeast to southwest direction

#141 What classification of tropical cyclone would have closed isobars, counter clockwise rotary circulation, and sustained winds between 34 and 63 knots? A. A tropical disturbance B. A tropical depression C. A tropical storm D. A hurricane

C. A tropical storm

#142 The wind velocity is higher in the dangerous semicircle of a tropical cyclone because of the _____. A. wind circulation and forward motion of the storm B. extension of the low pressure ridge C. recurvature effect D. direction of circulation and pressure gradient

A. wind circulation and forward motion of the storm

#143 When is the peak of the hurricane season in the western North Pacific? A. January through March B. April through June C. July through October D. November through December

C. July through October

#144 What is the average speed of movement of a hurricane prior to recurvature? A. 4 to 6 knots B. 6 to 8 knots C. 10 to 12 knots D. 15 to 20 knots

C. 10 to 12 knots

#145 What kind of pressure systems travel in tropical waves? A. Subsurface pressure B. Terrastatic pressure C. High pressure D. Low pressure

D. Low pressure

#146 You are in the Northern Hemisphere and a tropical wave is located 200 miles due west of your position. Where will the wave be located 24 hours later? A. In the same place B. Closer and to the west C. Closer and to the east D. Farther away to the west

D. Farther away to the west

#147 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 10 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 100° T, 90 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 285° T at 19 knots. If you maneuver at 10 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA? A. 39 miles B. 45 miles C. 53 miles D. 59 miles

C. 53 miles

#148 Atmospheric pressure at sea level is equal to __________. A. 14.7 pounds per square inch B. 29.92 inches of mercury C. 1013.25 millibars D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#149 Lines drawn through points on the Earth having the same atmospheric pressure are known as____. A. isothermal B. millibars C. isobars D. seismics

C. isobars

#150 Pressure gradient is a measure of __________. A. a high-pressure area B. pressure difference over horizontal distance C. pressure difference over time D. vertical pressure variation

B. pressure difference over horizontal distance

#151 In low latitudes the range of the diurnal variation of pressure is up to __________. A. 0.5 millibar B. 3.0 millibars C. 6.0 millibars D. 10.0 millibars

B. 3.0 millibars

#152 The Illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "Q" represents a __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. convergence zone B. squall line C. convergence line D. weather boundary

C. convergence line

#153 At 0600 ZT on 31 January, your position is LAT 00° 49' S, LONG 84° 27' E. You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. How should you encode the first three groups after the call sign if you estimate the wind? See Diagram: D041NG A. 30243, 90008, 30848 B. 31003, 99049, 38427 C. 31003, 99008, 30844 D. 31063, 99049, 58427

C. 31003, 99008, 30844

#154 When recording the wind direction in the weather log, you would report the __________. A. direction the wind is blowing toward B. direction the wind is blowing from C. duration of the maximum gust of wind D. wind chill factor

B. direction the wind is blowing from

#155 An occluded front on a weather map is colored __________. A. blue line B. purple line C. dashed blue line D. alternate red and blue line

B. purple line

#156 When within 300 miles of a named tropical storm or hurricane, it is standard practice to send weather reports every __________. A. 8 hours B. 6 hours C. 3 hours D. hour

C. 3 hours

#157 Anticyclones are usually characterized by __________. A. dry, fair weather B. high winds and cloudiness C. gustiness and continuous precipitation D. overcast skies

A. dry, fair weather

#158 The wind circulation around a high pressure center in the Northern Hemisphere is __________. A. counterclockwise and moving towards the high B. counterclockwise and moving outward from the high C. clockwise and moving towards the high D. clockwise and moving outward from the high

D. clockwise and moving outward from the high

#159 Warm air masses will generally have __________. A. turbulence within the mass B. stratiform clouds C. heavy precipitation D. good visibility

B. stratiform clouds

#160 The probability of a sudden wind may be foretold by __________. A. a partly cloudy sky B. an overcast sky C. a fast approaching line of dark clouds D. the formation of cumulus clouds in the sky

C. a fast approaching line of dark clouds

#161 The slope of a warm front is about __________. A. 1 mile vertically to 10 miles horizontally B. 1 mile vertically to 50 miles horizontally C. 1 mile vertically to 150 miles horizontally D. 1 mile vertically to 500 miles horizontally

C. 1 mile vertically to 150 miles horizontally

#162 When a warm air mass overtakes and replaces a cold air mass, the contact surface is called a(n) __________. A. warm front B. cold front C. line squall D. occluded front

A. warm front

#163 What type of clouds are associated with a cold front? A. Altostratus and fracto-cumulus B. Altostratus and cirrus C. Cirrus and cirrostratus D. Cumulus and cumulonimbus

D. Cumulus and cumulonimbus

#164 A cloud sequence of cirrus, cirrostratus, and altostratus clouds followed by rain usually signifies the approach of a(n) __________. A. occluded front B. stationary front C. warm front D. cold front

C. warm front

#165 When compared to air temperature, which factor is most useful in predicting fog? A. Vapor pressure B. Dew point C. Barometric pressure D. Absolute humidity

B. Dew point

#166 The fog produced by warm moist air passing over a cold surface is called __________. A. conduction fog B. radiation fog C. frontal fog D. advection fog

D. advection fog

#167 While on watch, you notice that the air temperature is dropping and is approaching the dew point. Which type of weather should be forecasted? A. Hail B. Heavy rain C. Sleet D. Fog

D. Fog

#168 In many areas "atoll" clouds (clouds of vertical development) are produced over small islands. These are the result of __________. A. rising air currents produced by the warm islands B. warm air from the sea rising over higher land areas C. cool land air mixing with warm sea air D. descending air over the islands

A. rising air currents produced by the warm islands

#169 Altocumulus clouds are defined as __________. A. high clouds B. middle clouds C. low clouds D. vertical development clouds

B. middle clouds

#170 On a clear, warm day, you notice the approach of a tall cumulus cloud. The cloud top has hard well defined edges and rain is falling from the dark lower edge. Should this cloud pass directly overhead ____. A. it will be preceded by a sudden increase in wind speed B. it will be preceded by a sudden decrease in wind speed C. the wind speed will not change as it passes D. the wind will back rapidly to left in a counterclockwise direction as it passes

A. it will be preceded by a sudden increase in wind speed

#171 Which type of weather could you expect soon after seeing "hook" or "comma" shaped cirrus clouds? A. Rain with the approach of a warm front B. Clearing with the approach of a cold front C. Continuing fog and rain D. The formation of a tropical depression

A. Rain with the approach of a warm front

#172 The expression "the air is saturated" means __________. A. the relative humidity is 100% B. the vapor pressure is at its minimum for the prevailing temperature C. precipitation has commenced D. cloud cover is 100%

A. the relative humidity is 100%

#173 The dry-bulb temperature is 78° F (26° C) and the wet-bulb temperature is 68° F (20° C). What is the relative humidity? A. 10% B. 24% C. 56% D. 60%

D. 60%

#174 As the temperature of an air mass decreases, the __________. A. absolute humidity decreases B. relative humidity increases C. specific humidity decreases D. dew point rises

B. relative humidity increases

#175 You are enroute to Jacksonville, FL, from San Juan, P.R. There is a fresh N'ly wind blowing. As you cross the axis of the Gulf Stream you would expect to encounter __________. A. smoother seas and warmer water B. steeper waves, closer together C. long swells D. cirrus clouds

B. steeper waves, closer together

#176 The chart of a beach area shows a very flat slope to the underwater beach bottom. What type of breakers can be expected when trying to land a boat on this beach? A. Surging B. Spilling C. Plunging D. Converging

B. Spilling

#177 What should you expect when you encounter a tsunami in the open ocean? A. Violent seas from mixed directions B. No noticeable change from the existing sea state C. Winds increasing to gale force from the northwest in the Northern Hemisphere D. A major wave of extreme height and length

B. No noticeable change from the existing sea state

#178 The chart of a beach area shows a very steep slope to the underwater beach bottom. Which type of breakers can be expected when trying to land a boat on this beach? A. Surging B. Converging C. Spilling D. Plunging

A. Surging

#179 Swell is the rise and fall of the ocean's surface due to __________. A. fetch B. distant winds C. local storms D. the pull of the moon

B. distant winds

#180 Freezing salt water spray should be anticipated when the air temperature drops below what temperature? A. 32° F (0.0° C) B. 28° F (-2.2° C) C. 0° F (-17.8° C) D. -40° F (-28.9° C)

B. 28° F (-2.2° C)

#181 The time interval between successive wave crests is called the __________. A. trough B. period C. frequency D. epoch

B. period

#182 Above-normal tides near the center of a hurricane may be caused by the __________. A. high barometric pressure B. jet stream C. storm surge D. torrential rains

C. storm surge

#183 The length of a wave is the length __________. A. of the wave's crest B. of the wave's trough C. measured from crest to trough D. measured from crest to crest

D. measured from crest to crest

#184 Fetch is the __________. A. distance a wave travels between formation and decay B. stretch of water over which a wave-forming wind blows C. time in seconds required for two crests to pass a given point D. measurement of a wave's steepness

B. stretch of water over which a wave-forming wind blows

#185 Which type of precipitation is a product of the violent convection found in thunderstorms? A. Snow B. Freezing Rain C. Hail D. Sleet

C. Hail

#186 Which statement is TRUE concerning the current of the Gulf Stream? A. It reaches its daily maximum speed a few hours before the transit of the Moon. B. It is slower at the time of neap tides than at spring tides. C. When the Moon is at its maximum declination the stream is narrower than when the Moon is on the equator. D. Variations in the trade winds affect the current.

D. Variations in the trade winds affect the current.

#187 The Benguela Current flows in a __________. A. SW'ly direction along the NW coast of Africa B. S'ly direction off the East Coast of Australia C. NW'ly direction along the SW coast of Africa D. SW'ly direction along the SE coast of Greenland

C. NW'ly direction along the SW coast of Africa

#188 The north equatorial current flows to the __________. A. east B. northeast C. southwest D. west

D. west

#189 In the Northern Hemisphere the major ocean currents tend to flow __________. A. clockwise around the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans B. clockwise or counterclockwise depending on whether it is warm or cold current C. counterclockwise except in the Gulf Stream D. counterclockwise around the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans

A. clockwise around the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans

#190 Weather information provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) advisories should be used along with __________. A. the Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables B. the local Notice to Mariners C. weather maps and local knowledge D. any U.S. Coast Pilot

C. weather maps and local knowledge

#191 You should log all barometer readings taken at sea __________. A. regularly B. at least once during each watch C. more often under changeable weather conditions D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#192 Weather observations provided by each weather station include all of the following except ______. A. temperature B. visibility C. predicted weather for the next twelve hours D. barometric pressure and change in the last three hours

C. predicted weather for the next twelve hours

#193 What benefit is a weather bulletin to a mariner? A. It provides a legal reason to cancel a projected voyage. B. It allows the mariner to make long term weather forecasts. C. It is of little benefit since the weather changes frequently and rapidly. D. It gives the mariner time to prepare for weather changes.

D. It gives the mariner time to prepare for weather changes.

#194 When navigating coastwise and hurricane warnings are received, you should __________. A. call the Coast Guard to request further information B. call the NWS for further information C. just begin to react and make plans D. have battened down and be heading for the nearest port of refuge

D. have battened down and be heading for the nearest port of refuge

#195 A slow rise in the barometric pressure forecasts __________. A. rainy weather for the next 48 hours B. high seas C. improving weather conditions D. deteriorating weather conditions

C. improving weather conditions

#196 Generally speaking, in the Northern Hemisphere, when winds are blowing from between SE and SW the barometric reading __________. A. makes no change at all B. is somewhat lower than it would be for winds from a northern quadrant C. is uncertain and may fluctuate by increasing and decreasing D. is somewhat higher than it would be for winds from the northern quadrant

B. is somewhat lower than it would be for winds from a northern quadrant

#197 Air temperature varies with __________. A. the altitude above sea level B. the season of the year C. the latitude or distance from the equator D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#198 An isotherm is __________. A. a line on a weather map connecting equal points of both temperature and pressure B. an instrument that measures the climatological effects of temperature C. a line connecting points of equal barometric pressure on a weather map D. a line connecting points of equal temperature on a weather map

D. a line connecting points of equal temperature on a weather map

#199 Clouds form __________. A. as a mass of warm, humid air rises into the atmosphere and cools, condensing moisture into small droplets B. as winds blow across bodies of water, the sun causes the moisture to be absorbed and move upward forming clouds C. dry air compresses moisture from the atmosphere into clouds D. when the relative humidity of the atmosphere is low

A. as a mass of warm, humid air rises into the atmosphere and cools, condensing moisture into small droplets

#200 The low, dark, sheet-like cloud which is associated with continuous precipitation for many hours is a __________. A. cirrus cloud B. cumulus cloud C. cumulonimbus cloud D. nimbostratus cloud

D. nimbostratus cloud

#201 In a weather report, the term "visibility" expresses __________. A. how far you can see with the "naked eye" B. how far you can see with a telescope or binoculars C. how well you can identify an object at night D. the distance in miles at which prominent objects are identifiable

D. the distance in miles at which prominent objects are identifiable

#202 The type of fog that occurs on clear nights with very light breezes and forms when the earth cools rapidly by radiation is known as __________. A. radiation fog B. frontal fog C. convection fog D. advection fog

A. radiation fog

#203 What is the primary source of the earth's weather? A. The oceans B. The moon C. The sun D. The solar system

C. The sun

#204 Ascending and descending air masses with different temperatures is part of an important heat transmitting process in our atmosphere called __________. A. conduction B. radiation C. convection D. barometric inversion

C. convection

#205 A weather front exists when __________. A. air masses of the same temperature meet B. air masses of different temperatures meet C. many clouds create a differential in air density D. two lows are separated by a ridge of higher pressure

B. air masses of different temperatures meet

#206 Which of the following statements concerning frontal movements is TRUE? A. The temperature rises after a cold front passes. B. The barometric pressure rises when a warm front passes. C. A cold front generally passes faster than a warm front. D. A warm front usually has more violent weather associated with it than a cold front.

C. A cold front generally passes faster than a warm front.

#207 In regions near the poles, the winds are generally described as __________. A. westerlies B. easterlies C. northerlies D. southerlies

B. easterlies

#208 Two well-developed high pressure areas may be separated by a __________. A. hill of low pressure B. trough of low pressure C. valley of low pressure D. ridge of low pressure

B. trough of low pressure

#209 "Surface circulation" is another term for __________. A. cyclones B. air in motion at all levels of the atmosphere C. wind in the lower troposphere D. ocean currents

C. wind in the lower troposphere

#210 The Beaufort scale is used to estimate the __________. A. wind direction B. percentage of cloud cover C. wind speed D. barometric pressure

C. wind speed

#211 Which statement concerning storm surges on the Great Lakes is FALSE? A. They are common along the deeper areas of the lakes. B. They cause rapid differences in levels between one end of the lake and the other. C. The greatest water level difference occurs when the wind is blowing along the longitudinal axis of the lake. D. If the wind subsides rapidly, a seiche effect will most likely occur.

A. They are common along the deeper areas of the lakes.

#212 A storm's track is characterized by all of the following except __________. A. the direction the storm has come from B. the direction in which the storm is moving C. the speed at which the storm is moving D. the path taken by the storm

C. the speed at which the storm is moving

#213 The intensity of a hurricane as it reaches higher latitudes and cooler waters __________. A. Increases B. remains the same C. decreases D. None of the above

C. decreases

#214 What is the first visible indication of the presence of a tropical cyclone or hurricane? A. Stratocumulus clouds or strange birds B. Rain and increasing winds C. An exceptionally long swell D. Dark clouds and the "bar" of the storm

C. An exceptionally long swell

#215 The first cloud formations you can use to indicate the bearing of the center of a hurricane or tropical storm are __________. A. the point of convergence of the cirrus clouds B. the direction of movement of thunderstorms on radar C. the darkest point of the clouds in the "bar" of the storm D. the point of origin of the altostratus clouds

A. the point of convergence of the cirrus clouds

#216 As a licensed Merchant Marine Officer you are expected to __________. A. obtain a weather forecast before setting out from port B. listen to weather forecasts on the radio while enroute C. understand all broadcast weather warning information D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#217 NOAA VHF weather reports are continuously broadcast on VHF channels WX-1, WX-2 and WX-3 on a frequency of __________. A. 156.8, 157.1, 162.55 MHz B. 162.55, 162.00, 171.5 KHz C. 162.55, 162.40, 162.475 MHz D. 2182, 2638, 2670 KHz

C. 162.55, 162.40, 162.475 MHz

#218 Despite weather predictions for continued good weather, a prudent mariner should be alert for all of the following, EXCEPT a sudden __________. A. drop in barometric pressure B. drop in temperature C. wind shift D. squall line

B. drop in temperature

#219 What are the doldrums characterized by? A. steady, light to moderate winds B. frequent calms C. clear skies D. low humidity

B. frequent calms

#220 A strong, often violent, northerly wind occurring on the Pacific coast of Mexico, particularly during the colder months, is called __________. A. Tehuantepecer B. Papagayo C. Norther D. Pampero

A. Tehuantepecer

#221 A weather forecast states that the wind will commence backing. In the Northern Hemisphere, this would indicate that it will __________. A. shift in a clockwise manner B. shift in a counterclockwise manner C. continue blowing from the same direction D. decrease in velocity

B. shift in a counterclockwise manner

#222 A sea breeze is a wind __________. A. that blows towards the sea at night B. that blows towards an island during the day C. caused by cold air descending a coastal incline D. caused by the distant approach of a hurricane

B. that blows towards an island during the day

#223 Isobars on a weather map are useful in predicting __________. A. temperature B. dew point C. wind velocity D. relative humidity

C. wind velocity

#224 The wind flow from the horse latitudes to the doldrums is deflected due to __________. A. Coriolis force B. the mid-latitude, semi-permanent high C. differing atmospheric pressures D. the prevailing westerlies

A. Coriolis force

#225 Prevailing winds between 30° N and 60° N latitude are from the __________. A. north B. south C. east D. west

D. west

#226 The prevailing westerlies of the Southern Hemisphere blow 18-30 knots __________. A. all year long B. during the summer months only C. during the winter only D. during spring only

A. all year long

#227 In the doldrums you can expect __________. A. steady, constant winds B. frequent rain showers and thunderstorms C. steep pressure gradients D. low relative humidity

B. frequent rain showers and thunderstorms

#228 You are steaming eastward in the North Atlantic in an extratropical cyclonic storm and the wind is dead ahead. According to the law of Buys Ballot, the center of the low pressure lies __________. A. ahead of you B. astern of you C. to the north D. to the south

D. to the south

#229 The apparent wind's speed can be zero, but only when two conditions are present. One condition is that the true __________. A. wind must be on the beam B. wind's speed must be zero C. wind must be from dead ahead D. wind's speed equals the ship's speed

D. wind's speed equals the ship's speed

#230 Severe tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons) occur in all warm-water oceans except the _____. A. Indian Ocean B. North Pacific Ocean C. South Pacific Ocean D. South Atlantic Ocean

D. South Atlantic Ocean

#231 In a tropical cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere, a vessel hove to with the wind shifting counterclockwise would be __________. A. in the navigable semicircle B. in the dangerous semicircle C. directly in the path of the center D. ahead of the storm

A. in the navigable semicircle

#232 Early indications of the approach of a hurricane may be all of the following EXCEPT __________. A. short confused swells B. gradually increasing white clouds (mare's tails) C. pumping barometer D. continuous fine mist-like rain

A. short confused swells

#233 What level of development of a tropical cyclone has a hundred mile radius of circulation, gale force winds, less than 990 millibars of pressure and vertically formed cumulonimbus clouds? A. A tropical disturbance B. A tropical depression C. A tropical storm D. A typhoon

C. A tropical storm

#234 Tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to form in the Southern hemisphere during _______. A. January through March B. April through May C. June through August D. September through November

A. January through March

#235 What is the average speed of the movement of a hurricane following the recurvature of its track? A. 5 to 10 knots B. 20 to 30 knots C. 40 to 50 knots D. Over 60 knots

B. 20 to 30 knots

#236 You are in the Northern Hemisphere and a tropical wave is located 200 miles due east of your position. Where will the wave be located 12 hours later? A. Farther away to the east B. In the same position C. Nearby to the east D. Farther away to the west

C. Nearby to the east

``` #237 The dense black cumulonimbus clouds surrounding the eye of a hurricane are called __________. A. spiral rainbands B. cloud walls C. funnel clouds D. cyclonic spirals ```

B. cloud walls

#238 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 10 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 100° T, 90 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 285° T at 19 knots. Which course should you steer at 10 knots to have the maximum CPA? A. 221° B. 226° C. 233° D. 238°

B. 226°

#239 In the Northern Hemisphere, your vessel is believed to be in the direct path of a hurricane, and plenty of sea room is available. The best course of action is to bring the wind on the __________. A. starboard bow, note the course, and head in that direction B. starboard quarter, note the course, and head in that direction C. port quarter, note the course, and head in that direction D. port bow, note the course, and head in that direction

B. starboard quarter, note the course, and head in that direction

#240 What do the numbers on isobars indicate? A. barometric pressure B. temperature C. rain in inches D. wind speed

A. barometric pressure

#241 In low latitudes, the high(s) of the diurnal variation of pressure occur(s) at __________. A. noon B. noon and midnight C. 1000 and 2200 D. 1600

C. 1000 and 2200

#242 The standard atmospheric pressure in millibars is __________. A. 760 B. 938.9 C. 1000 D. 1013.2

D. 1013.2

#243 What change in the wind direction could be expected at position "D" if the low were moving northeasterly? See Diagram: D049NG A. Veering to the west B. Backing to the north C. Veering to the north D. Backing to the east

A. Veering to the west

#244 The illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "L" represents a __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. convergence line B. maritime air mass C. warm front D. convergence zone

D. convergence zone

#245 Which of the symbols shown represents a warm front? See Diagram: D018NG A. A B. B C. C D. D

C. C

#246 At 1200 ZT, on 31 July, your position is LAT 24° 33' N, LONG 173° 05' W. You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form, B-80. How should you encode the first three groups after the call sign if you estimate the wind? See Diagram: D041NG A. 01003, 99245, 71731 B. 01243, 92433, 71731 C. 31243, 99245, 71731 D. 31003, 92433, 71730

A. 01003, 99245, 71731

#247 In North America the majority of the weather systems move from __________. A. north to south B. south to north C. east to west D. west to east

D. west to east

#248 A generally circular low pressure area is called a(n) __________. A. cyclone B. anticyclone C. cold front D. occluded front

A. cyclone

#249 Good weather is usually associated with a region of __________. A. low barometric pressure B. high barometric pressure C. falling barometric pressure D. pumping barometric pressure

B. high barometric pressure

#250 An air mass is termed "warm" if __________. A. it is above 70° F B. the ground over which it moves is cooler than the air C. it originated in a high pressure area D. it originated in a low pressure area

B. the ground over which it moves is cooler than the air

#251 What is true about a front? A. A front is a boundary between two air masses. B. There are abrupt temperature differences on opposite sides of a front. C. The pressure tendencies are different on opposite sides of a front. D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#252 A series of brief showers accompanied by strong, shifting winds may occur along or some distance ahead of a(n) __________. A. upper front aloft B. cyclone C. occluded front D. cold front

D. cold front

#253 On the approach of a warm front, barometric pressure usually __________. A. falls B. is steady C. is uncertain D. rises

A. falls

#254 An occluded front is caused by a(n) __________. A. low pressure area B. high pressure area C. area of calm air D. cold front overtaking a warm front

D. cold front overtaking a warm front

#255 Advection fog is most commonly caused by __________. A. air being warmed above the dew point B. saturation of cold air by rain C. a rapid cooling of the air near the surface of the Earth at night D. warm moist air being blown over a colder surface

D. warm moist air being blown over a colder surface

#256 Fog is likely to occur when there is little difference between the dew point and the __________. A. relative humidity B. air temperature C. barometric pressure D. absolute humidity

B. air temperature

#257 A cloud of marked vertical development (often anvil-shaped) would be classified as __________. A. cirrus B. cirrocumulus C. altocumulus D. cumulonimbus

D. cumulonimbus

#258 All of the following are associated with cumulonimbus clouds EXCEPT __________. A. steady rainfall B. hail storms C. thunderstorms D. tornadoes or waterspouts

A. steady rainfall

#259 High clouds, composed of small white flakes or scaly globular masses, and often banded together to form a "mackerel sky", would be classified as __________. A. cirrus B. cirrocumulus C. altostratus D. cumulonimbus

B. cirrocumulus

#260 Which cloud commonly produces a halo about the Sun or Moon? A. Cirrostratus B. Cirrocumulus C. Altostratus D. Altocumulus

A. Cirrostratus

``` #261 What occurs when rising air cools to the dew point? A. Advection fog forms B. Humidity decreases C. Winds increase D. Clouds form ```

D. Clouds form

#262 The temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor and below which condensation of water vapor will occur is referred to as the __________. A. precipitation point B. vapor point C. dew point D. absolute humidity

C. dew point

#263 In mid-ocean, the characteristics of a wave are determined by three factors. What is NOT one of these factors? A. Effect of the moon's gravity B. Fetch C. Wind velocity D. Length of time a wind has been blowing

A. Effect of the moon's gravity

#264 What is the distance from the bottom of a wave trough to the top of a wave crest? A. Wave length B. Wave height C. Wave breadth D. Wave depth

B. Wave height

#265 You are steaming in the open ocean of the North Pacific between the Aleutian Chain and Hawaii. A warning broadcast indicates that an earthquake has occurred in the Aleutians and has generated a tsunami that is predicted to hit Hawaii. What action is necessary for the ship's safety? A. Calculate the tsunami's ETA at your position and turn to a course that will head into the Tsunami. B. Securely stow all loose gear, check deck lashings, and prepare for extreme rolls. C. No special action as tsunamis are inconspicuous in the open ocean D. Prepare for sudden, high-velocity wind gusts from rapidly changing directions.

C. No special action as tsunamis are inconspicuous in the open ocean

#266 The velocity of the wind, its steady direction, and the amount of time it has blown determines a wind driven current's__________. A. temperature B. density C. deflection D. speed

D. speed

#267 The approximate mean position of the axis of the Gulf Stream east of Palm Beach, FL, is ________. A. 35 nautical miles B. 25 nautical miles C. 15 nautical miles D. 5 nautical miles

C. 15 nautical miles

#268 The two most effective generating forces of surface ocean currents are __________. A. temperature and salinity differences in the water B. wind and density differences in the water C. water depth and underwater topography D. rotation of the Earth and continental interference

B. wind and density differences in the water

#269 On a voyage from Cape Town to London, the favorable ocean current off the coast of Africa is the________. A. Canary Current B. Benguela Current C. Agulhas Current D. South Atlantic Current

B. Benguela Current

#270 Weather forecast messages are usually __________. A. given only to TV stations B. transmitted only by commercial broadcast stations C. broadcast in plain language D. broadcast immediately on VHF Channel 16 and 2182 kHz

C. broadcast in plain language

#271 Weather information is available from __________. A. commercial radio broadcasts B. the Coast Guard on scheduled marine information broadcasts C. VHF-FM continuous marine weather broadcasts provided by the National Weather Service D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#272 The safest and most prudent procedure to follow while navigating in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone is to __________. A. take positive steps to avoid it if possible B. batten down and prepare to ride out the storm C. continue to navigate farther from the coast D. always navigate towards the coast by the most direct route

A. take positive steps to avoid it if possible

#273 A decrease in barometric pressure is associated with all of the following except __________. A. rising warm air B. proximity to a low pressure area C. inward spiraling circulation D. clear dry weather

D. clear dry weather

#274 As the temperature of the air reaches the dew point, __________. A. rain must develop B. fog may form C. it begins to snow D. water freezes

B. fog may form

#275 Which of the following is NOT a form of precipitation? A. rain B. frost C. sleet D. snow

B. frost

#276 Clouds with the prefix "nimbo" in their name __________. A. are sheet or layer clouds B. have undergone great vertical development C. are middle or high altitude clouds D. are rain clouds

D. are rain clouds

#277 Fog is formed when __________. A. the moisture in the air is condensed into small droplets B. air is cooled to its dew point C. the base of a cloud is on the ground D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#278 Air circulation is caused or affected by __________. A. the rotation of the earth on its axis B. convection currents caused by differences in radiant heating between equatorial and polar regions C. mountain ranges D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#279 The process by which the temperature and/or moisture characteristics of an air mass changes is called __________. A. sublimation or condensation B. modification C. consolidation D. association

B. modification

#280 You can expect frontal activity when two air masses collide and __________. A. their barometric pressures and temperatures are the same B. there are differences in how they track along the jet stream C. there are no significant differences between their temperatures and moisture content D. there are significant differences between the temperature of each air mass

D. there are significant differences between the temperature of each air mass

#281 Squall lines with an almost unbroken line of threatening dark clouds and sharp changes in wind direction, generally precede a(n) __________. A. slow-moving warm front B. fast-moving cold front C. stationary front D. occluded front

B. fast-moving cold front

#282 Which statement is TRUE when comparing cold and warm fronts? A. Cold fronts are more violent and of shorter duration. B. Cold fronts are milder and last longer. C. They are very similar with the exception of wind direction. D. Warm fronts are more violent and of longer duration.

A. Cold fronts are more violent and of shorter duration.

#283 The "horse latitudes" are regions of __________. A. brisk prevailing winds B. light airs and calms C. abundant blue sea grass vegetation D. None of the above

B. light airs and calms

#284 Which of the following is associated with consistently high barometric pressure? A. The horse latitudes B. The doldrums C. The prevailing westerlies D. The trade winds

A. The horse latitudes

#285 When a high pressure system is centered north of your vessel in the Northern Hemisphere ______. A. you should experience hot, moist, clear weather B. the wind direction is generally easterly C. the winds should be from the southwest at your location D. the winds should be brisk

B. the wind direction is generally easterly

#286 Generally speaking, you should expect to find low atmospheric pressure prevailing in the earth's __________. A. equatorial area B. polar regions C. mid-latitudes D. All of the above

A. equatorial area

#287 In a cyclone the lowest pressure is found in the __________. A. center B. outer edge C. warm front D. cold front

A. center

#288 A gale is characterized by a wind speed of __________. A. 10 to 20 knots B. 34 to 47 knots C. 48 to 63 knots D. 64 to 83 knots

B. 34 to 47 knots

#289 Your present weather is sunny with a steady barometer. A low swell approaches your vessel from the south with crests passing at relatively long periods of about four per minute. This usually indicates __________. A. a warm front from the south B. a tropical cyclone south of your vessel C. a hurricane about 100 miles south of your vessel and heading in your direction D. an extra-tropical cyclone

B. a tropical cyclone south of your vessel

#290 A weather forecast states that the wind will commence veering. In the Northern Hemisphere this indicates that the wind will __________. A. shift in a clockwise manner B. shift in a counterclockwise manner C. continue blowing from the same direction D. increase in velocity

A. shift in a clockwise manner

#291 Monsoons are characterized by __________. A. light, variable winds with little or no humidity B. strong, gusty winds that blow from the same general direction all year C. steady winds that reverse direction semiannually D. strong, cyclonic winds that change direction to conform to the passage of an extreme low pressure system

C. steady winds that reverse direction semiannually

#292 The winds with the greatest effect on the set, drift, and depth of the equatorial currents are the ___. A. doldrums B. horse latitudes C. trade winds D. prevailing westerlies

C. trade winds

#293 Weather conditions in the middle latitudes generally move __________. A. eastward B. westward C. northward D. southward

A. eastward

#294 Where are the prevailing westerlies of the Southern Hemisphere located? A. Between the Equator and 10° latitude B. Between 10° and 20° latitude C. Between 30° and 60° latitude D. Between 60° and 90° latitude

C. Between 30° and 60° latitude

#295 Considering the general circulation of the atmosphere, the wind system between latitudes 30° N and 60° N is commonly called the __________. A. prevailing westerlies B. horse latitudes C. trade winds D. subpolar low pressure belts

A. prevailing westerlies

#296 If your weather bulletin shows the center of a low pressure area to be 100 miles due east of your position, what winds can you expect in the Northern Hemisphere? A. East to northeast B. East to southeast C. North to northwest D. South to southeast

C. North to northwest

#297 The apparent wind is zero when the true wind is __________. A. zero B. from ahead and equal to the ship's speed C. from astern and equal to the ship's speed D. from astern and is twice the ship's speed

C. from astern and equal to the ship's speed

#298 The velocity of the apparent wind can be less than the true wind and from the same direction, if certain conditions are present. One condition is that the __________. A. ship's speed is more than the true wind velocity B. true wind is from dead astern C. true wind is on the beam D. true wind is from dead ahead

B. true wind is from dead astern

#299 A ship is on course 195° at a speed of 15 knots. The apparent wind is from 40° on the port bow, speed 30 knots. The direction and speed of the true wind are __________. A. 068° T, 30 knots B. 127° T, 21 knots C. 263° T, 42 knots D. 292° T, 42 knots

B. 127° T, 21 knots

#300 You are attempting to locate your position relative to a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere. If the wind direction remains steady, but with diminishing velocity, you are most likely __________. A. in the right semicircle B. in the left semicircle C. on the storm track ahead of the center D. on the storm track behind the center

D. on the storm track behind the center

#301 The strongest winds and heaviest rains in a hurricane are found in the __________. A. outer bands B. eye C. cloud walls D. spiral rainbands

C. cloud walls

#302 You are underway on course 120° T and can make 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 150° T at 120 miles. The hurricane is on course 295° at 20 knots. What course should you steer at 12 knots to have the maximum CPA? A. 312° B. 330° C. 348° D. 001°

C. 348°

#303 If you are caught in the left semicircle of a tropical storm, in the Southern Hemisphere, you should bring the wind __________. A. on the starboard quarter, hold course and make as much way as possible B. 2 points on the port quarter, and make as much way as possible C. on the port bow, and make as much way as possible D. dead ahead and heave to

C. on the port bow, and make as much way as possible

#304 A steep barometric gradient indicates __________. A. calms B. light winds C. strong winds D. precipitation

C. strong winds

#305 At what angle to the isobars do surface winds blow over the open sea? A. About 90° B. About 50° C. About 25° D. About 15°

D. About 15°

#306 The standard atmospheric pressure measured in inches of mercury is __________. A. 29.92 B. 500 C. 760 D. 1013.2

A. 29.92

#307 In low latitudes, the low(s) of the diurnal variation of pressure occur(s) at __________. A. noon B. noon and midnight C. 1000 and 2200 D. 0400 and 1600

D. 0400 and 1600

#308 At 1200 ZT, on 31 August, your position is LAT 43° 14' S, LONG 175° 44' E. You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. How should you encode the first three groups after the call sign if you estimate the wind? See Diagram: D041NG A. 01003, 94314, 51757 B. 31003, 99432, 31757 C. 31123, 99432, 31754 D. 31243, 94314, 31757

B. 31003, 99432, 31757

#309 Weather systems in the middle latitudes generally travel from __________. A. east to west B. north to south C. west to east D. None of the above

C. west to east

#310 Most high pressure areas in the United States are accompanied by __________. A. precipitation B. clear, cool weather C. humid, sticky weather D. cool fogs

B. clear, cool weather

#311 A source of an air mass labeled mTw is __________. A. the equator B. the Gulf of Mexico C. Alaska D. Canada

B. the Gulf of Mexico

#312 After a cold front passes, the barometric pressure __________. A. drops, and the temperature drops B. drops, and the temperature rises C. rises, and the temperature drops D. rises, and the temperature rises

C. rises, and the temperature drops

#313 A boundary between two air masses is a(n) __________. A. lapse rate B. isobar C. front D. continent

C. front

#314 When warm moist air blows over a colder surface and is cooled below its dew point, the result is __________. A. radiation fog B. ice fog C. advection fog D. frost smoke

C. advection fog

#315 The presence of stratus clouds and a dying wind will usually result in __________. A. heavy rain B. heavy snow C. thick fog D. clearing skies

C. thick fog

#316 Cumulonimbus clouds can produce __________. A. dense fog and high humidity B. gusty winds, thunder, rain or hail, and lightning C. clear skies with the approach of a cold front D. a rapid drop in barometric pressure followed by darkness

B. gusty winds, thunder, rain or hail, and lightning

#317 Cirrus clouds are indicated by which number? See Diagram: D039NG A. 1 B. 4 C. 5 D. 7

A. 1

#318 In order to get the maximum benefit from the Gulf Stream, on a voyage between Houston and Philadelphia, you should navigate __________. A. about 75 miles east of Ormond Beach, FL B. close inshore between Jupiter Inlet and Fowey Rocks, FL C. along the 50-fathom curve while off the east coast of Florida D. about 10 miles east of Cape Canaveral, FL

A. about 75 miles east of Ormond Beach, FL

#319 If you observe a rapid fall of barometric pressure you should __________. A. call the Coast Guard to verify the change B. know the barometer is not working properly C. contact the NWS or a local radio station D. prepare for the onset of stormy weather with strong winds

D. prepare for the onset of stormy weather with strong winds

#320 Static on your AM radio may be __________. A. an indication of nearby thunderstorm activity B. an indication of "clearing" weather C. of no meteorological significance D. a sign of strong winds

A. an indication of nearby thunderstorm activity

#321 A slow, gradual fall of the barometer indicates approaching __________. A. gale force winds within 12 hours B. blizzard conditions C. deteriorating or unsettled weather D. heavy, wind driven rain

C. deteriorating or unsettled weather

#322 Fog forms when the air temperature is at or below __________. A. 32° F B. the wet bulb temperature C. the dew point D. the dry bulb temperature

C. the dew point

#323 Fog generally clears when the __________. A. wind speed increases B. wind direction changes C. temperature increases D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#324 Air masses near the earth's surface __________. A. move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure B. are deflected by the earth's rotation in both hemispheres C. are deflected by the "Coriolis effect" D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#325 Which type of frontal passage is associated with a relatively narrow band of precipitation? A. A cold front B. A warm front C. A stationary front D. None of the above

A. A cold front

#326 Which type of front forms when a cold front overtakes and forces a warm front upwards? A. A cold front B. An occluded front C. A warm front D. A stationary front

B. An occluded front

#327 In the Northern Hemisphere, when the center of a high pressure system is due east of your position, you can expect winds from the __________. A. south to west B. south to east C. north to west D. north to east

B. south to east

#328 Which general weather conditions should you expect to find in a low pressure system? A. Fair weather B. Precipitation and cloudiness C. Scattered clouds at high elevations D. Gradual clearing and cooler temperatures

B. Precipitation and cloudiness

#329 What generally occurs when the land is cooler than the nearby water? A. A land breeze B. A sea breeze C. A norther D. A prevailing westerly

A. A land breeze

#330 When a tornado moves over the water from land it is called a __________. A. tornado B. waterspout C. hurricane D. cyclone

B. waterspout

#331 A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that generates winds of __________. A. between 20 and 33 knots B. between 34 and 63 knots C. over 63 knots D. None of the above

B. between 34 and 63 knots

#332 When your vessel is on the storm track but behind the storm's center the __________. A. wind direction remains steady B. wind speed decreases C. barometer rises D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#333 Swells that have outrun the storm are produced in the __________. A. left front quadrant B. right front quadrant C. rear D. directly ahead on the storms projected track

B. right front quadrant

#334 A tsunami is caused by a(n) __________. A. tidal wave B. storm surge caused by a hurricane or tropical storm C. earthquake on the ocean's floor D. tornado

C. earthquake on the ocean's floor

#335 You can follow the approach of a dangerous cyclonic storm by inspecting __________. A. a newspaper, a weather map, a weather fax, or a weather forecast B. the National Weather Service Observing Handbook No.1, Marine Surface Observations C. the Coast Pilot or Sailing Directions D. the sky overhead

A. a newspaper, a weather map, a weather fax, or a weather forecast

#336 Which position shown would likely have stratus or stratocumulus clouds, occasional light drizzle, steady southerlies around 10 knots, and steady temperatures? See Diagram: D049NG A. B B. C C. D D. E

D. E

#337 Wind velocity varies __________. A. directly with the temperature of the air mass B. directly with the pressure gradient C. inversely with the barometric pressure D. inversely with the absolute humidity

B. directly with the pressure gradient

#338 A very light breeze that causes ripples on a small area of still water is a __________. A. cat's paw B. hog's breath C. williwaw D. chinook

A. cat's paw

#339 The consistent winds blowing from the horse latitudes to the doldrums are called the __________. A. prevailing westerlies B. polar easterlies C. trade winds D. roaring forties

C. trade winds

#340 The direction of the southeast trade winds is a result of the __________. A. equatorial current B. humidity C. rotation of the earth D. change of seasons

C. rotation of the earth

#341 The velocity of the apparent wind can be more than the true wind, and come from the same direction, if certain conditions are present. One condition is that the __________. A. ship's speed must be less than the true wind velocity B. true wind must be from dead astern C. true wind velocity must be faster than the ship's speed D. true wind must be from dead ahead

D. true wind must be from dead ahead

#342 Your vessel is on course 270° T, speed 10 knots. The apparent wind is from 10° off the port bow, speed 30 knots. From which direction is the true wind? A. 345° T B. 255° T C. 165° T D. 075° T

B. 255° T

#343 What indicates the arrival of a hurricane within 24 to 36 hours? A. The normal swell becoming lower and from a steady direction B. Long bands of nimbostratus clouds radiating from a point over the horizon C. The barometer drops 2 millibars between 1000 and 1600 D. Unusually good weather with above average pressures followed by a slow fall of 4 millibars in six hours

D. Unusually good weather with above average pressures followed by a slow fall of 4 millibars in six hours

#344 You are underway on course 120° T and your maximum speed is 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 150° T, 120 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 295° T at 20 knots. If you maneuver at 12 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA? A. 89 miles B. 96 miles C. 105 miles D. 117 miles

D. 117 miles

#345 In the Northern Hemisphere you are caught in the dangerous semicircle of a storm with plenty of sea room available. The best course of action is to bring the wind on the __________. A. port quarter and make as much headway as possible B. starboard quarter and make as much headway as possible C. starboard bow and make as much headway as possible D. port bow and make as much headway as possible

C. starboard bow and make as much headway as possible

#346 What is a common unit of measure for atmospheric pressure? A. centimeters B. Inches C. Degrees D. Feet

C. Degrees

#347 The diurnal variation of pressure is most noticeable __________. A. above the polar circles B. in a low pressure area C. during periods of low temperatures D. in the doldrums

D. in the doldrums

#348 The Illustration shows the symbols used by radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "F" represents a__________. See Diagram: D042NG A. maritime air mass B. weather boundary C. convergence zone D. squall line

B. weather boundary

#349 Which of the symbols shown represents an occluded front? See Diagram: D018NG A. A B. B C. C D. D

D. D

#350 Referring to the illustration, which wind speed is reported in position C? See Diagram: D049NG A. 3 knots B. 10 knots C. 20 knots D. 30 knots

D. 30 knots

#351 The wind direction around a low pressure area in the Northern Hemisphere is __________. A. clockwise and inward B. clockwise and outward C. counterclockwise and inward D. counterclockwise and outward

C. counterclockwise and inward

#352 The atmosphere in the vicinity of a high pressure area is called a(n) __________. A. anticyclone B. cold front C. occluded front D. cyclone

A. anticyclone

#353 An air mass that has moved down from Canada would most likely have the symbols __________. A. mPk B. cPk C. cTk D. cTw

B. cPk

#354 As a cold front passes an observer, pressure __________. A. drops and winds become variable B. rises and winds become gusty C. drops and winds become gusty D. rises and winds become variable

B. rises and winds become gusty

#355 When a warm air mass overtakes a cold air mass, the contact surface is called a __________. A. line squall B. water spout C. cold front D. warm front

D. warm front

#356 The first indications a mariner will have of the approach of a warm front will be __________. A. large cumulonimbus (thunderclouds) building up B. high cirrus clouds gradually changing to cirrostratus and then to altostratus C. fog caused by the warm air passing over the cooler water D. low dark clouds accompanied by intermittent rain

B. high cirrus clouds gradually changing to cirrostratus and then to altostratus

#357 Which condition would most likely result in fog? A. Warm moist air blowing over cold water B. Airborne dust particles C. Warm moist air blowing over warm water D. Dew point falling below the air temperature

A. Warm moist air blowing over cold water

#358 What type of cloud is indicated by the number 5 in illustration D039NG? See Diagram: D039NG A. Cirrostratus B. Cirrocumulus C. Altocumulus D. Nimbostratus

C. Altocumulus

#359 Which type of cloud is the classic "thunderhead"? A. Cumulonimbus B. Stratus C. Cirrus D. Altostratus

A. Cumulonimbus

#360 The West Wind Drift is located __________. A. near 60° S B. on each side of the Equatorial Current C. in the North Atlantic between Greenland and Europe D. in the South Pacific near 5° S

A. near 60° S

#361 Widely spaced isobars on a weather map indicate __________. A. high winds B. gentle breezes C. ice, snow or frozen rain D. probability of tornados

B. gentle breezes

#362 As a high pressure system approaches, the barometer reading __________. A. stays the same B. falls C. rises D. falls rapidly

C. rises

#363 When your barometer reading changes from 30.25 to 30.05 in a 12-hour period it indicates ______. A. rapidly changing weather B. improving weather C. high winds within the next six hours D. little or no immediate change

D. little or no immediate change

#364 The force resulting from the earth's rotation that causes winds to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere is called __________. A. pressure gradient B. Coriolis effect C. aurora borealis D. ballistic deflection

B. Coriolis effect

#365 Two well-developed low pressure areas may be separated by a __________. A. trough of higher pressure B. hill of higher pressure C. ridge of higher pressure D. valley of higher pressure

C. ridge of higher pressure

#366 In the Northern Hemisphere a wind is said to veer when the wind __________. A. changes direction clockwise, as from north to east, etc. B. changes direction violently and erratically C. remains constant in direction and speed D. changes direction counterclockwise, as from south to east, etc.

A. changes direction clockwise, as from north to east, etc.

#367 The hurricane season in the North Atlantic Ocean reaches its peak during the month of _______. A. June B. September C. November D. July

B. September

#368 A hurricane is characterized by winds of __________. A. up to 33 knots B. 34 to 47 knots C. 48 to 63 knots D. 64 knots or greater

D. 64 knots or greater

#369 A vessel operating on the Great Lakes, and whose position is southeast of an eastward-moving storm center, would NOT experience __________. A. a falling barometer B. lowering clouds and drizzle C. a northeast wind D. rain or snow

C. a northeast wind

#370 During the winter months, the southeast trade winds are __________. A. stronger than during the summer months B. weaker than during the summer months C. drier than during the summer months D. wetter than during the summer months

A. stronger than during the summer months

#371 If an observer in the Northern Hemisphere faces the surface wind, the center of low pressure is to his __________. A. left, slightly behind him B. right, slightly behind him C. left, slightly in front of him D. right, slightly in front of him

B. right, slightly behind him

#372 What is the FIRST sign of the existence of a well developed tropical cyclone? A. Gale force winds from the north B. An unusually long ocean swell C. Steep, short-period waves and light wind D. Thunderstorms and higher than usual humidity

B. An unusually long ocean swell

#373 Which kind of conditions would you observe as the eye of a storm passes over your vessel's position? A. Huge waves approaching from all directions, clearing skies, light winds, and an extremely low barometer B. Flat calm seas, heavy rain, light winds, and an extremely low barometer C. Flat calm seas, heavy rain, light winds, and high pressure D. Huge waves approaching from all directions, clearing skies, light winds, and high pressure

A. Huge waves approaching from all directions, clearing skies, light winds, and an extremely low barometer

#374 In a tropical cyclone, in the Northern Hemisphere, a vessel hove to with the wind shifting counterclockwise is __________. A. ahead of the storm center B. in the dangerous semicircle C. in the navigable semicircle D. directly in the approach path of the storm

C. in the navigable semicircle

#375 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 11 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 070° T, 80 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 270° T at 19 knots. What course should you steer at 11 knots to have the maximum CPA? A. 250° B. 234° C. 227° D. 215°

D. 215°

#376 The edge of a hurricane has overtaken your vessel in the Gulf of Mexico, and the northwest wind of a few hours ago has shifted to the west. This is an indication that you are located in the __________. A. navigable semicircle B. dangerous semicircle C. low pressure area D. eye of the storm

A. navigable semicircle

#377 A millibar is a unit of __________. A. humidity B. precipitation C. pressure D. temperature

C. pressure

#378 The diurnal variation of pressure is not visible in the middle latitudes in winter because __________. A. it is masked by the pressure changes of moving weather systems B. the decreased gravitational effect from the sun causes the variation to fade C. the decreased average temperature is less than the critical temperature D. the increased Coriolis force disperses the pressure variation

A. it is masked by the pressure changes of moving weather systems

#379 As shown in the illustration, which wind speeds are reported at position A? See Diagram: D049NG A. 10 knots B. 15 knots C. 20 knots D. 25 knots

B. 15 knots

#380 In the Northern Hemisphere, an area of counterclockwise wind circulation surrounded by higher pressure is a __________. A. low B. high C. warm front D. cold front

A. low

#381 In the Northern Hemisphere, gusty winds shifting clockwise, a rapid drop in temperature, thunderstorms or rain squalls in summer (frequent rain/snow squalls in winter) then a rise in pressure followed by clearing skies, indicate the passage of a(n) __________. A. warm front B. tropical cyclone C. anticyclone D. cold front

D. cold front

#382 Steam smoke will occur when __________. A. extremely cold air from shore passes over warmer water B. warm dry air from shore passes over cooler water C. cold ocean water evaporates into warm air D. cool rain passes through a warm air mass

A. extremely cold air from shore passes over warmer water

#383 Which type of cloud is indicated by the number 4? See Diagram: D039NG A. Altocumulus B. Cirrostratus C. Cumulus D. Altostratus

D. Altostratus

#384 The steady current circling the globe at about 60° S is the __________. A. Prevailing Westerly B. Sub-Polar Flow C. West Wind Drift D. Humboldt Current

C. West Wind Drift

#385 Ocean currents are well defined and __________. A. create large waves in the direction of the current B. change direction 360° during a 24 hour period C. remain fairly constant in direction and velocity throughout the year D. are characterized by a light green color

C. remain fairly constant in direction and velocity throughout the year

#386 Which of the following is the most useful factor for predicting weather? A. The present reading of the barometer B. The previous reading of the barometer C. The difference in the barometric readings within the past 24 hours D. The rate and direction of change of barometric readings

D. The rate and direction of change of barometric readings

#387 When observing a rapid rise in barometric pressure, you may expect __________. A. clear weather with no wind, but the possibility of rain or snow within 24 hours B. deteriorating weather with rain or snow C. heavy rain or severe thundershowers D. clearing weather, possibly accompanied by high winds

D. clearing weather, possibly accompanied by high winds

#388 A rapid rise or fall of the barometer indicates __________. A. heavy rain within six hours B. a decrease in wind velocity C. a change in the present weather conditions D. that fog will soon set in

C. a change in the present weather conditions

#389 Hot air can hold __________. A. less moisture than cold air B. more moisture than cold air C. the same amount of moisture as cold air D. moisture independent of air temperature

B. more moisture than cold air

#390 Which type of cloud formation should be of immediate concern to small craft operators? A. cirrus B. altostratus C. nimbostratus D. cumulonimbus

D. cumulonimbus

#391 Which scale is used to estimate wind speed by observing sea conditions __________. A. Metric scale B. Wind scale C. Coriolis scale D. Beaufort scale

D. Beaufort scale

#392 A sign of thunderstorm development is a cumulus cloud __________. A. darkening, growing in size and forming an anvil top B. that shows extensive vertical development C. creating cold downdrafts that are felt on the ground D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#393 As it approaches, a typical warm front will bring __________. A. rising temperatures and falling barometric pressure B. falling temperature and pressure C. falling temperatures and rising pressure D. rising barometric pressure and temperatures

A. rising temperatures and falling barometric pressure

#394 A phenomenon where the atmospheric pressure is higher than that of other surrounding regions is called __________. A. the "trade winds" B. a low front or an occluded front C. a high pressure area; an anticyclone; or a "high" D. the "doldrums"

C. a high pressure area; an anticyclone; or a "high"

#395 The southeast trade winds actually blow toward the __________. A. southeast B. south C. east D. northwest

D. northwest

#396 According to Buys Ballot's law, when an observer in the Northern Hemisphere experiences a northeast wind the center of low pressure is located to the __________. A. northeast B. west-southwest C. northwest D. south-southeast

D. south-southeast

#397 Which change in the condition of the seas could indicate the formation of a tropical storm or hurricane several hundred miles from your location? A. A long swell from an unusual direction B. A lengthy lull in the wind and seas C. Large seas coming from different directions D. A brisk chop from the southeast

A. A long swell from an unusual direction

#398 That half of the hurricane to the right hand side of its track (as you face the same direction that the storm is moving) in the Northern Hemisphere is called the __________. A. windward side B. leeward side C. safe semicircle D. dangerous semicircle

D. dangerous semicircle

#399 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 11 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 070° T, 80 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 270° T at 19 knots. If you maneuver at 11 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA? A. 84 miles B. 79 miles C. 74 miles D. 66 miles

D. 66 miles

#400 The illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "N" represents __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. hail B. freezing rain C. rain D. snow

C. rain

#401 You are preparing a weather report form. Twenty-five percent of the sky is covered with clouds, and the anemometer indicates that the apparent wind is from 062° relative at 13 knots. You are on course 238° T at 22 knots. How should you encode group Nddff? See Diagram: D041NG A. 20220 B. 20613 C. 30219 D. 32413

A. 20220

#402 Brief, violent showers frequently accompanied by thunder and lightning are usually associated with. A. passage of a warm front B. passage of a cold front C. winds shifting counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere D. stationary high pressure systems

B. passage of a cold front

#403 What is typical of warm front weather conditions? A. An increase in pressure B. A wind shift from southwest to northwest C. Scattered cumulus clouds D. Steady precipitation

D. Steady precipitation

``` #404 You are on a voyage from New Orleans to Boston and navigating off the Florida coast. You will get the greatest benefit from the Gulf Stream if you navigate __________. A. about 5 miles east of Cape Canaveral B. about 15 miles east of Daytona C. along the 50-fathom curve D. about 20 miles east of Jupiter Inlet ```

D. about 20 miles east of Jupiter Inlet

#405 A type of precipitation that occurs only in thunderstorms with strong convection currents that convey raindrops above and below the freezing level is known as __________. A. sleet B. hail C. freezing rain D. rime

B. hail

#406 Cumulus clouds that have undergone vertical development and have become cumulonimbus in form, indicate __________. A. clearing weather B. that a warm front has passed C. probable thunderstorm activity D. an approaching hurricane or typhoon

C. probable thunderstorm activity

#407 Which of the listed properties does warm air possess? A. It rises above cooler air and cools as it rises. B. Atmospheric pressure drops as warm air rises. C. Moisture in warm air condenses as the air is cooled. D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#408 In the Southern Hemisphere the wind circulation in a high pressure system rotates __________. A. clockwise and inward B. clockwise and outward C. counterclockwise and outward D. counterclockwise and inward

C. counterclockwise and outward

#409 When your vessel is on or near the path of an approaching tropical storm the __________. A. wind direction remains steady B. wind speed increases C. barometer falls D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#410 The eye of a hurricane is surrounded by dense black cumulonimbus clouds which are called the __________. A. wall cloud B. nimbostratus cloud C. bar D. funnel

A. wall cloud

#411 Weather patterns in the Gulf Coast area of the United States are __________. A. those of a transition zone between tropical and a temperate area B. those of a tropical region C. extremely hot in summer D. tropical over Florida and subtropical over the rest of the Gulf Coast area

A. those of a transition zone between tropical and a temperate area

#412 While in port, you can follow the approach of a dangerous cyclonic storm by inspecting _________. A. the sky overhead B. the National Weather Service Observing Handbook No.1, Marine Surface Observations C. the Coast Pilot or Sailing Directions D. a weather map

D. a weather map

#413 If a weather bulletin shows the center of a low pressure system to be 100 miles due east of you, what winds can you expect in the Southern Hemisphere? A. South-southwesterly B. North-northwesterly C. South-southeasterly D. North-northeasterly

A. South-southwesterly

#414 Your ship is proceeding on course 320° T at a speed of 25 knots. The apparent wind is from 30° off the starboard bow, speed 32 knots. What is the relative direction, true direction and speed of the true wind? A. Relative 80°, true 040° T, 16.2 knots B. Relative 40°, true 080° T, 16.4 knots C. Relative 80°, true 060° T, 15.2 knots D. Relative 60°, true 040° T, 18.6 knots

A. Relative 80°, true 040° T, 16.2 knots

#415 In the Northern Hemisphere, the largest waves or swells created by a typhoon or hurricane will be located __________. A. in the southeast quadrant of the storm B. directly behind the storm center C. forward and to the right of its course D. behind and to the left of its course

C. forward and to the right of its course

#416 Where is the dangerous semicircle located on a hurricane in the Southern Hemisphere? A. To the left of the storm's track B. To the right of the storm's track C. In the high pressure area D. On the south side

A. To the left of the storm's track

#417 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 120° T, 110 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 285° T at 25 knots. What course should you steer at 12 knots to have the maximum CPA? A. 332° B. 339° C. 346° D. 357°

C. 346°

#418 On a working copy of a weather map, a cold front is represented by what color line? A. Red B. Blue C. Alternating red and blue D. Purple

B. Blue

#419 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. The sky is overcast, and the anemometer indicates that the apparent wind is from 144° relative at 8 knots. You are on course 162° T at 15 knots. How should you encode group Nddff? See Diagram: D041NG A. 91521 B. 83322 C. 81408 D. 1615

B. 83322

#420 When a low pressure area is approaching, the weather generally __________. A. improves B. worsens C. remains the same D. is unpredictable

B. worsens

#421 In the Northern Hemisphere, winds veering sharply to the west or northwest with increasing speed are indications that a__________. A. cold front has passed B. low pressure center is approaching C. stationary front exists D. high pressure center has passed

A. cold front has passed

#422 The FIRST indications a mariner will have of the approach of a warm front will be __________. A. large cumulonimbus clouds building up B. low dark clouds with intermittent rain C. fog caused by the warm air passing over the cooler water D. high clouds gradually followed by lower thicker clouds

D. high clouds gradually followed by lower thicker clouds

#423 If you count 20 seconds between seeing lightning and hearing the thunder, how far is the storm away from you? A. 2 miles B. 4 miles C. 6 miles D. 8 miles

B. 4 miles

#424 Compared to a low pressure system, generally the air in a high is __________. A. warmer, less dense, and less stable B. cool, more dense, and drier C. muggy and cloudy D. extremely moist with high relative humidity

B. cool, more dense, and drier

#425 Which statement is FALSE concerning the dangerous semicircle of a hurricane? A. The actual wind speed is increased by the forward movement of the storm along its track B. the direction of the wind and the sea might carry a vessel directly into the storm's path C. The seas are higher D. The rain is heavier

D. The rain is heavier

#426 What natural feature is responsible for the rather even climate found on the Florida peninsula throughout the year? A. Strong masses of continental air B. The Gulf Stream C. The Bermuda high D. The cool waters of the Sargasso sea

B. The Gulf Stream

#427 You can follow the approach of a dangerous cyclonic storm by inspecting __________. A. the National Weather Service Observing Handbook No.1, Marine Surface Observations B. a weather fax C. the Coast Pilot or Sailing Directions D. the sky overhead

B. a weather fax

#428 According to Buys Ballot's Law, when an observer in the Southern Hemisphere experiences a northwest wind, the center of the low pressure is located to the __________. A. east-northeast B. south-southwest C. east-southeast D. west-southwest

B. south-southwest

#429 The navigable semicircle of a tropical storm in the South Indian Ocean is located on which side of the storm's track? A. Rear B. Front C. Left D. Right

D. Right

#430 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 120° T, 110 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 285° T at 25 knots. If you maneuver at 12 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA? A. 77 miles B. 82 miles C. 87 miles D. 93 miles

A. 77 miles

#431 The Illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "M" represents __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. rain B. snow C. hail D. ice

B. snow

#432 On a working copy of a weather map, a stationary front is represented by which color line? A. Red B. Blue C. Alternating red and blue D. Purple

C. Alternating red and blue

#433 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. One-half of the sky is covered with clouds, and the anemometer indicates that the apparent wind is from 340° relative at 14 knots. You are on course 307° T at 12.6 knots. How should you encode group Nddff? See Diagram: D041NG A. 53414 B. 54013 C. 42205 D. 43013

C. 42205

#434 A barometer showing falling pressure indicates the approach of a __________. A. high pressure system B. low pressure system C. high dew point D. low dew point

B. low pressure system

#435 Cumulonimbus clouds are most likely to accompany a(n) __________. A. high pressure system B. cold front C. warm front D. occluded front

B. cold front

#436 Which type of cloud is indicated by the number 1? See Diagram: D039NG A. Cirrus B. Altostratus C. Altocumulus D. Nimbostratus

A. Cirrus

#437 You are enroute to Savannah, GA, from Recife, Brazil. There is a strong N'ly wind blowing. As you cross the axis of the Gulf Stream you would expect to encounter __________. A. cirrus clouds B. long swells C. smoother seas and warmer water D. steeper waves, closer together

D. steeper waves, closer together

#438 Cumulonimbus clouds are formed by __________. A. vertical air movements B. heavy rainstorms C. horizontal air movements D. any movement of moist air

A. vertical air movements

#439 From which type of cloud can a tornado or waterspout develop? A. Nimbostratus B. Altostratus C. Cumulonimbus D. Cirrus

C. Cumulonimbus

#440 You can determine if your vessel's position is in the dangerous or navigable semicircle of a hurricane by __________. A. observing whether the wind is veering or backing B. plotting two or more recent storm positions from weather bulletins C. Both A and B D. Neither A nor B

C. Both A and B

#441 Which weather system produces strong cold winds called "Northers" during the winter months in the Gulf of Mexico? A. An anticyclone B. A high pressure system C. A cyclone D. Both A and B

D. Both A and B

#442 Which meteorological feature controls the climate of the Gulf and the Gulf Coast area during late spring and summer? A. The Bermuda High B. The doldrums C. The horse latitudes D. Tropical cyclones

A. The Bermuda High

#443 What indicates that a tropical cyclone may be within 500 to 1,000 miles of your position? A. A pumping of the barometer up and down a few millibars B. A sudden wind shift from southwest to northwest followed by steadily increasing winds C. The normal swell pattern becoming confused, with the length of the swell increasing D. An overcast sky with steadily increasing rain from nimbostratus clouds

A. A pumping of the barometer up and down a few millibars

#444 You are steaming west in the South Atlantic in an extratropical cyclonic storm, and the wind is dead ahead. According to the law of Buys Ballot, the center of low pressure lies __________. A. to the north of you B. to the south of you C. dead ahead of you D. dead astern of you

B. to the south of you

#445 The navigable semicircle of a typhoon in the Southern Hemisphere is the area __________. A. behind the typhoon, measured from 90° to 180° From each side of the storm's track B. to the right of the storm's track C. ahead of the typhoon, measured from the storm's track to 90° on each side D. measured from due south, counterclockwise 180°

B. to the right of the storm's track

#446 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 080° T, 100 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 265° T at 22 knots. If you maneuver at 12 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA? A. 76 miles B. 69 miles C. 63 miles D. 56 miles

C. 63 miles

#447 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. Three-quarters of the sky is covered with clouds, and the anemometer indicates that the apparent wind is from 226° relative at 17.7 knots. You are on course 020° T at 8 knots. How should you encode group Nddff? See Diagram: D041NG A. 80208 B. 72218 C. 72318 D. 62324

D. 62324

#448 On a working copy of a weather map, a warm front is represented by what color line? A. Red B. Blue C. Alternating red and blue D. Purple

A. Red

#449 Stormy weather is usually associated with regions of __________. A. high barometric pressure B. low barometric pressure C. steady barometric pressure D. changing barometric pressure

B. low barometric pressure

#450 Steady precipitation is typical of __________. A. coming cold weather conditions B. a warm front weather condition C. high pressure conditions D. scattered cumulus clouds

B. a warm front weather condition

#451 After the passage of a cold front the visibility __________. A. does not change B. improves rapidly C. improves only slightly D. becomes poor

B. improves rapidly

#452 Which type of cloud is composed entirely of ice crystals and is found at very high altitudes? A. Cumulus B. Cirrus C. Stratus D. Nimbostratus

B. Cirrus

#453 Small, visible mound-like protuberances on the bottom of cumulonimbus clouds, that are potential breeding grounds for waterspouts and tornadoes, are called __________. A. thunderheads B. mamma C. rime D. ice prisms

B. mamma

#454 A vessel entering the eye of a hurricane should expect __________. A. moderating winds and heavy confused seas to strike his vessel from all directions B. the winds to increase to hurricane force and strike from a different direction as the eye passes C. the barometer to reach the lowest point D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#455 In the Northern Hemisphere, the right half of the storm is known as the dangerous semicircle because __________. A. The wind speed is greater here since the wind is traveling in the same general direction as the storm's track B. the direction of the wind and seas might carry a vessel into the path of the storm C. the seas are higher because of greater wind speed D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#456 Which statement describes the prevailing wind direction in mid-winter in the Gulf Coast area? A. 30% to 40% of mid-winter winds are from a northern quadrant. B. 40% to 50% of mid-winter winds are from a southern quadrant. C. the winds are variable in speed, but strongest in March. D. None of the above

A. 30% to 40% of mid-winter winds are from a northern quadrant.

#457 If the current and wind are in the same direction, the sea surface represents a wind speed _______. A. lower than actually exists B. higher than actually exists C. that actually exists D. that has no proportional relationship

A. lower than actually exists

#458 The dangerous semicircle of a typhoon in the Southern Hemisphere is that area __________. A. measured from due south clockwise 180° B. measured from due south counterclockwise 180° C. to the left of the storm's track D. ahead of the typhoon measured from the storm's track to 90° on each side

C. to the left of the storm's track

#459 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 080° T, 100 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 265° T at 22 knots. What course should you steer at 12 knots to have the maximum CPA? A. 219° B. 208° C. 199° D. 190°

B. 208°

#460 The Illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "P" represents __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. snow B. hail C. freezing rain D. sleet

C. freezing rain

#461 What weather change accompanies the passage of a cold front in the Northern Hemisphere? A. Wind shift from northeast clockwise to southwest B. Steady dropping of barometric pressure C. Steady precipitation, gradually increasing in intensity D. A line of cumulonimbus clouds

D. A line of cumulonimbus clouds

#462 Which is a characteristic of the weather preceding an approaching warm front? A. Gusty winds B. Steadily falling barometric pressure C. Decreasing relative humidity D. Clearing skies

B. Steadily falling barometric pressure

#463 Cirrus clouds are composed primarily of __________. A. ice crystals B. water droplets C. snow crystals D. nitrogen

A. ice crystals

#464 Which weather element cannot be measured accurately while on board a moving vessel? A. Visibility B. Temperature C. Wind direction D. Atmospheric pressure

A. Visibility

#465 Which condition indicates that you are in a hurricane's dangerous semicircle in the Northern hemisphere? A. A backing wind B. A veering wind C. A norther D. A strong, gusty wind

B. A veering wind

#466 If the current and wind are in opposite directions, the sea surface represents __________. A. a greatly reduced wind speed B. a higher wind speed than what really exists C. a lower wind speed than what really exists D. more turbulent winds

B. a higher wind speed than what really exists

#467 A "Norther" in the Gulf of Mexico is __________. A. a wind shift to the north accompanied by a drop in temperature B. a forcible northerly wind of at least 20 knots C. a strong northerly wind that generally occurs between November and March D. All of the above

D. All of the above

#468 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. The dry bulb thermometer reads 34° F, and the wet bulb thermometer reads 31° F. Using the ships code card, how would you encode the air temperature groups in the report? See Diagram: D041NG A. 10340, 2127/ B. 10111, 2104/ C. 10011, 2104/ D. 10340, 2031/

C. 10011, 2104/

#469 The dangerous semicircle of a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere is that area of the storm __________. A. to the right of the storm's track B. measured from true north clockwise to 180° T C. measured from true north counterclockwise to 180° T D. between the ship's heading and the bearing to the eye

A. to the right of the storm's track

#470 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 13 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 100° T, 120 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 275° T at 25 knots. If you maneuver at 13 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA? A. 72 miles B. 78 miles C. 83 miles D. 89 miles

A. 72 miles

#471 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. The dry bulb thermometer reads 30° F (-1° C), and the wet bulb thermometer reads 28° F (-2° C). Using the Ships Code Card, how would you encode the air temperature groups in the report? See Diagram: D041NG A. 10011, 2003/ B. 11300, 2124/ C. 11011, 2124/ D. 11011, 2104/

D. 11011, 2104/

#472 Shown are the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "I" represents __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. rain showers B. thunderstorms C. snow storms D. sand storms

B. thunderstorms

#473 A cold front moving in from the northwest can produce __________. A. thunderstorms, hail, and then rapid clearing B. increasing cloud cover lasting for several days C. lengthy wet weather D. low ceilings with thick cirrus clouds

A. thunderstorms, hail, and then rapid clearing

#474 The climate of the northern Gulf coast __________. A. is humid and subtropical throughout the year B. has an east coast marine type of climate C. is a warm marine type of climate D. varies from warm to subtropical

C. is a warm marine type of climate

#475 The navigable semicircle of a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere is that area of the storm measured __________. A. from true north clockwise to 180° T B. from true north counterclockwise to 180° T C. from the bow counterclockwise to 180° relative D. from the direction of the storm's movement counterclockwise 180°

D. from the direction of the storm's movement counterclockwise 180°

#476 You are underway on course 050° T and your maximum speed is 13 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 100° T, 120 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 275° T at 25 knots. What course should you steer at 13 knots to have the maximum CPA? A. 339° B. 333° C. 326° D. 320°

B. 333°

#477 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. The dry bulb thermometer reads 78° F, and the wet bulb thermometer reads 75° F. How would you encode the air temperature groups in the report? See Diagram: D041NG A. 10256, 2023/ B. 10780, 2074/ C. 00256, 0023/ D. 10256, 2074/

A. 10256, 2023/

#478 A line of clouds, sharp changes in wind direction, and squalls are most frequently associated with a(n) __________. A. occluded front B. warm front C. cold front D. warm sector

C. cold front

#479 What is the direction of rotation of tropical cyclones, tropical storms and hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere? A. Clockwise and outward B. Counterclockwise and inward C. Counterclockwise and outward D. Clockwise and inward

B. Counterclockwise and inward

#480 What enables you to estimate the bearing of a storm's center? A. Buys Ballot's Law B. An educated guess C. Pascal's Law D. The left-hand rule

A. Buys Ballot's Law

#481 The left half of the storm is called the navigable semicircle because __________. A. the wind speed is decreased by the storm's forward motion B. the wind tends to blow vessels away from the storms track C. Both A and B D. Neither A nor B

C. Both A and B

#482 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. The dry bulb thermometer reads 54° F, and the wet bulb thermometer reads 50° F. How would you encode the air temperature groups in the report? See Diagram: D041NG A. 1054/, 2050/ B. 10122, 2008/ C. 1054/, 2047/ D. 054//, 047//

B. 10122, 2008/

#483 The Illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "K" represents a __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. hurricane B. thunderstorm C. convergence zone D. convergence line

A. hurricane

#484 Which weather change accompanies the passage of a cold front in the Northern Hemisphere? A. Wind shift from northeast, clockwise to southwest B. Steady dropping of barometric pressure C. Steady precipitation, gradually increasing in intensity D. A line of cumulonimbus clouds

D. A line of cumulonimbus clouds

#485 In the Southern Hemisphere winds in a low pressure system rotate in a __________. A. clockwise direction B. northeasterly direction C. northerly direction D. counterclockwise direction

A. clockwise direction

#486 In the Northern hemisphere which semicircle of a hurricane is the navigable semicircle? A. Left B. Right C. Front D. Back

A. Left

#487 Which weather element cannot be measured accurately while on board a moving vessel? A. Relative humidity B. Atmospheric pressure C. Temperature D. Wave period

D. Wave period

#488 You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. Your position is LAT 64° 42' N, LONG 02° 28' W. How would this be encoded? See Diagram: D041NG A. 90647, 90024 B. 0647N, 00025 C. 99647, 70025 D. 9064N, 9025W

C. 99647, 70025

#489 Which condition will occur after a cold front passes? A. Temperature rises B. Stratus clouds form C. Pressure decreases D. Humidity decreases

D. Humidity decreases

#490 In the Northern Hemisphere, if your vessel is in a hurricane's navigable semicircle it should be positioned with the wind on the __________. A. starboard quarter, hold course and make as much speed as possible B. port bow, hold course and make as much speed as possible until the hurricane has passed C. port quarter, maintain course and make as much speed as possible D. starboard bow and heave to until the hurricane has passed

A. starboard quarter, hold course and make as much speed as possible

#491 The symbols shown are used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "G" represents a __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. weather boundary B. thunderstorm C. wide spread sandstorm D. severe, line squall

D. severe, line squall

#492 After a cold front passes the barometric pressure usually __________. A. fluctuates B. remains the same C. remains the same, with clouds forming rapidly D. rises, often quite rapidly, with clearing skies

D. rises, often quite rapidly, with clearing skies

#493 Which condition suggests that your present position lies in the navigable semicircle of a tropical storm? A. A backing wind B. A veering wind C. Sustained gale force winds D. A strong wind that maintains a constant speed and direction

A. A backing wind

#494 In the Northern Hemisphere, an observer at point II in the weather system should experience a wind shift from the __________. See Diagram: D014NG A. southwest, clockwise to northwest B. northeast, clockwise to west-southwest C. northeast, counterclockwise to northwest D. east, counterclockwise to south-southwest

A. southwest, clockwise to northwest

#495 The Illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "H" represents __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. ice B. snow C. rain D. hail

D. hail

#496 Your vessel is enroute from Japan to Seattle and is located at position I on the weather map. You should experience which weather condition? See Diagram: D013NG A. Clear skies with warm temperatures B. Steady precipitation C. Overcast skies with rising temperature D. Thundershowers

D. Thundershowers

#497 You are hove to in a hurricane on a heading of 328° T. The wind is from 030° true at 119 knots. How should this be encoded on the weather report form under Nddff? See Diagram: D041NG A. 80312 B. 83011 C. 83099 D. 80399

D. 80399

#498 Your facsimile prognostic chart indicates that you will cross the cold front of a low pressure system in about 24 hours. You should __________. A. expect to see cirrus clouds followed by altostratus and nimbostratus clouds B. alter course to remain in the navigable semicircle C. prepare for gusty winds, thunderstorms, and a sudden wind shift D. expect clear weather, with steady winds and pressure, until the front passes

C. prepare for gusty winds, thunderstorms, and a sudden wind shift

#499 The symbols shown are used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "O" represents __________. See Diagram: D042NG A. sandstorms B. thunderstorms C. snow D. rain showers

A. sandstorms

#500 On a weather map, a large letter "H" means __________. A. a high pressure area with cool, dry air, and fair weather B. a high pressure area with warm, moist air, and inclement weather C. horse latitudes, with rough seas and strong winds D. a heavy squall line near the "H"

A. a high pressure area with cool, dry air, and fair weather

#501 The greater the pressure difference between a high and a low pressure center, the __________. A. dryer the air mass will be B. cooler the temperature will be C. greater the force of the wind will be D. warmer the temperature will be

C. greater the force of the wind will be