Weather Theory Quiz

Question 1

Every physical process of weather is accompanied by, or is the result of, a

Answer 1

Heat Exchange

Question 2

What causes variations in altimeter settings between weather reporting points?

Answer 2

Unequal heating of the earths surface.

Question 3

A temperature inversion would most likely result in which weather condition?

Answer 3

An increase in temperature as altitude is increased.

Question 4

One in-flight condition necessary for structural icing to form is

Answer 4

Visible Moisture

Question 5

Why is frost considered hazardous to flight?

Answer 5

Frost spoils the smooth flow of air over the wings, decreasing lifting capabilities.

Question 6

In what layer of the atmosphere does the majority of the weather occur?

Answer 6

Troposphere

Question 7

All weather is caused by?

Answer 7

Unequal heating of the earth’s surface causing differences in pressure.

Question 8

What are some causes of uneven heating of the Earth’s surface?

Answer 8

Tilted Earth, Pressure difference

Question 9

How does air flow around high and low pressure in the northern hemisphere?

Answer 9

High - clockwise down and out
Low - counterclockwise, up and in

Question 10

What effect causes the rotation of air around the high and low pressures?

Answer 10

Coriolis Force

Question 11

What are isobars and what can they tell us about wind speed and velocity?

Answer 11

Line of constant pressure on a surface analysis chart, close lines = strong winds

Question 12

What happens to air density as humidity increases?

Answer 12

Decreases

Question 13

What is humidity?

Answer 13

Water vapor content in air.

Question 14

What is a dew point?

Answer 14

The temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated by water vapor already present in the air.

Question 15

Define atmospheric stability.

Answer 15

The tendency of the atmosphere to resist upward movement

Question 16

What is lapse rate?

Answer 16

Lapse rate is the decrease in temperature for the increase in altitude

Question 17

What is the standard pressure and temperature for sea level?

Answer 17

29.92” HG, 15C

Question 18

Would a 4° per thousand-foot lapse rate be considered stable or unstable air?

Answer 18

Unstable

Question 19

Would warming from below increase or decrease stability?

Answer 19

Decrease

Question 20

What are the characteristics of stable air?

Answer 20

Smooth, poor stability, continuous precipitation (if any), stratus clouds.

Question 21

What are the characteristics of unstable air?

Answer 21

Turbulence, good visibility, showery precipitation (if any), cumulous clouds.

Question 22

What would a cloud be called if it has extensive vertical development and precipitation?

Answer 22

Towering Cumulonimbus

Question 23

What is an air mass?

Answer 23

Large area of air that is formed over a specific Earth region.

Question 24

Would a warm front or a cold front be more stable and why?

Answer 24

A warm front would be more stable. This is because warmer air is less dense, making it rise above the cold air.

Question 25

What is an occluded front?

Answer 25

When a cold front catches up to a warm front.

Question 26

What is a stationary front.

Answer 26

When neither air mass is replacing the other.

Question 27

What are the ingredients necessary for a thunderstorm to develop?

Answer 27

Moisture, Lifting force, unstable atmosphere.

Question 28

What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?

Answer 28

Cumulous, mature, dissipating

Question 29

What causes fog to form?

Answer 29

Fog forms when the temperature of the air near the ground is cooled to the air’s dew point.

Question 30

What causes frost to form and why is it hazardous to aircraft?

Answer 30

When the dew point is reached, and the surface is below freezing, Frost spoils the smooth flow of air over the wings, thereby decreasing lifting capabilities.