Test Bank for Extreme Weather and Climate 2nd Edition by Ahrens
ISBN: 9780357976876
Extreme Weather and Climate (2nd)
ISBN 9780357976876 | Chapter 1: Turbulent Atmosphere
Total Questions: 80
Pool 1
Multiple Choice (20)
Q1. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
What maintains the average temperature of Earth at its surface?
a) Human activities
b) Greenhouse gases
c) Oceans' heat absorption
d) Solar energy ✓ correct
Q2. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
In a volume of air near Earth's surface, which gases cover 78 percent and nearly 21 percent, respectively?
a) Nitrogen, oxygen ✓ correct
b) Hydrogen, oxygen
c) Oxygen, hydrogen
d) Nitrogen, water vapor
Q3. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
The gas that shows the most variation from place to place and from time to time in the lower atmosphere is:
a) Ozone (O3)
b) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
c) Water vapor (H2O) ✓ correct
d) Methane (CH4)
Q4. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
The only substance near Earth's surface that is found naturally in the atmosphere as a solid, liquid, and gas is:
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Water ✓ correct
c) Molecular oxygen
d) Ozone
Q5. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
What is the primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) that enters the atmosphere?
a) Volcanic eruptions
b) Burning of fossil fuels
c) Animal exhalations
d) Decay of vegetation ✓ correct
Q6. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember What causes the increase in air density at Earth's surface?
a) The decrease in gravitational force
b) The expansion of air molecules due to heat
c) The compression of air molecules due to gravity ✓ correct
d) The decrease in the number of air molecules
Q7. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember What atmospheric condition is characterized by an increase in air temperature with height?
a) Temperature lapse rate
b) Humidity surge
c) Temperature inversion ✓ correct
d) Atmospheric convection
Q8. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Which of the following weather elements always decrease as we climb upward?
a) Wind
b) Temperature
c) Air pressure ✓ correct
d) Moisture
Q9. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers based on the vertical profile of:
a) Air pressure
b) Air temperature ✓ correct
c) Air density
d) Air velocity
Q10. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Which atmospheric layer is the primary site for almost all of Earth's weather?
a) Exosphere
b) Stratosphere
c) Mesosphere
d) Troposphere ✓ correct
Q11. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember In which atmospheric layer do we live?
a) Troposphere ✓ correct
b) Stratosphere
c) Thermosphere
d) Ionosphere
Q12. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember The gas that absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere is:
a) Water vapor (H2O)
b) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
c) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
d) Ozone (O3) ✓ correct
Q13. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember The word “weather” is defined as:
a) The average of the weather elements
b) The climate of a region
c) The condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place ✓ correct
d) Any type of falling precipitation
Q14. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand
What is the primary purpose of measuring relative humidity in weather studies?
a) To determine the absolute amount of water vapor in the air
b) To understand the effects of extreme weather on society
c) To assess how close the air is to being saturated ✓ correct
d) To compare temperature scales
Q15. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
Where cold surface air replaces warm air, the boundary separating the different bodies of air is termed a:
a) Parallel of latitude
b) Tornado
c) Cold front ✓ correct
d) Warm front
Q16. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
Which of the following is most likely associated with fair weather?
a) High-pressure area ✓ correct
b) Low-pressure area
c) Cold front
d) Warm front
Q17. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Condensation is more likely to occur:
a) When the air cools ✓ correct
b) When the wind is calm
c) When winds blow from the ocean over land
d) When it is nighttime
Q18. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Apply.
Which of the following statements relates to weather rather than climate?
a) The average temperature for the month of January is 28oF
b) The lowest temperature ever recorded in Frozenlake, Minnesota, is -57oF
c) The foggiest month of the year is December
d) Outside it is cloudy and snowing ✓ correct
Q19. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand
At the 500 mb level, the amount of oxygen inhaled in a single breath is:
a) Nearly the same
b) Nearly one-quarter
c) Nearly one-half ✓ correct
d) Nearly three-quarters
Q20. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember What is the initial stage of Earth's hydrologic cycle?
a) Evaporation ✓ correct
b) Condensation
c) Precipitation
d) Transpiration
True/False (10)
Q21. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Stratospheric ozone is a health hazard for people with respiratory illnesses.
a) true
b) false ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q22. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember The ozone hole is an actual hole in the atmosphere, a region of complete vacuum.
a) true
b) false ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q23. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember The burning of sulfur-containing fuels (such as coal and oil) releases the colorless gas sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the air.
a) true ✓ correct
b) false
Correct answer: True
Q24. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Each degree on the Kelvin scale is exactly the same size as a degree in Celsius, and a temperature of 0K is equal to 273°C.
a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q25. [True/False] · Bloom's: Understand Heat waves are typically perceived as mere inconveniences and are not commonly associated with significant loss of life.
a) true
b) false ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q26. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Turbulent wind shear zones and downbursts are hazards caused by thunderstorms.
a) true ✓ correct
b) false
Correct answer: True
Q27. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Plants give up moisture by a process called transpiration.
a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q28. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Hurricanes inflict most of their damage after crossing from the ocean onto the land.
a) true ✓ correct
b) false
Correct answer: True
Q29. [True/False] · Bloom's: Understand
The number 0 (zero) on the Celsius scale is assigned to the temperature at which pure water freezes,and the number 100 to the temperature at which pure water boils at sea level.
a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q30. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember
Water vapor shows more variation from place to place and time to time than any other atmospheric gas. a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Essay (10)
Q31. [Essay] · Bloom's: Understand
Under what circumstances might a person breathe stratospheric air? How often is it likely to happen in a student’s lifetime?
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q32. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Explain the process by which air density and air pressure are determined and illustrate how these parameters change as one ascends through Earth's atmosphere.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q33. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Explain the characteristics of the mesosphere.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q34. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Describe the relationship between gravity and weight.
Suggested answer: Gravity and weight are interconnected; weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. Weight is directly proportional to gravity, meaning it increases with higher gravitational force. On Earth, weight is the mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), forming this fundamental relationship.
Q35. [Essay] · Bloom's: Understand
What is the Kelvin scale, and why is it considered convenient for scientific calculations?
Suggested answer: The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting from absolute zero. It's favored for scientific calculations because it lacks negative values and aligns with thermodynamic principles. This eliminates complications in calculations, ensuring consistency and precision in scientific endeavors, especially in fields like physics and chemistry.
Q36. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Only a tiny fraction of the atmosphere is carbon dioxide. Why is it so important?
Suggested answer: While carbon dioxide constitutes a small fraction of the atmosphere, its significance lies in its role as a greenhouse gas. Despite its low concentration, it efficiently traps heat, contributing to Earth's temperature regulation. Elevated CO2levels, primarily from human activities, intensify the greenhouse effect, driving climate change and global warming.
Q37. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Imagine you are a meteorologist tasked with explaining the impact of temperature inversions on air quality. Describe how temperature inversions occur within specific atmospheric layers, detailing their altitudes, temperatures, compositions, and the resulting consequences for air quality in a given region.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q38. [Essay] · Bloom's: Understand
Explain the processes and instruments used to determine air density and air pressure.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q39. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
How does the interplay between air density and air pressure contribute to the movement of air molecules, influencing the phenomenon of wind? Provide a concise explanation, highlighting the key factors that drive the dynamic motion of air within the atmosphere.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q40. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Describe the major types of extreme and severe weather events commonly experienced on Earth and explain how understanding them is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Pool 2
Multiple Choice (20)
Q41. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
What maintains the average temperature of Earth at its surface?
a) Human activities
b) Greenhouse gases
c) Oceans' heat absorption
d) Solar energy ✓ correct
Q42. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
In a volume of air near Earth's surface, which gases cover 78 percent and nearly 21 percent, respectively?
a) Nitrogen, oxygen ✓ correct
b) Hydrogen, oxygen
c) Oxygen, hydrogen
d) Nitrogen, water vapor
Q43. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
The gas that shows the most variation from place to place and from time to time in the lower atmosphere is:
a) Ozone (O3)
b) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
c) Water vapor (H2O) ✓ correct
d) Methane (CH4)
Q44. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
The only substance near Earth's surface that is found naturally in the atmosphere as a solid, liquid, and gas is:
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Water ✓ correct
c) Molecular oxygen
d) Ozone
Q45. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember What is the primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) that enters the atmosphere?
a) Volcanic eruptions
b) Burning of fossil fuels
c) Animal exhalations
d) Decay of vegetation ✓ correct
Q46. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember What causes the increase in air density at Earth's surface?
a) The decrease in gravitational force
b) The expansion of air molecules due to heat
c) The compression of air molecules due to gravity ✓ correct
d) The decrease in the number of air molecules
Q47. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember What atmospheric condition is characterized by an increase in air temperature with height?
a) Temperature lapse rate
b) Humidity surge
c) Temperature inversion ✓ correct
d) Atmospheric convection
Q48. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Which of the following weather elements always decrease as we climb upward?
a) Wind
b) Temperature
c) Air pressure ✓ correct
d) Moisture
Q49. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers based on the vertical profile of:
a) Air pressure
b) Air temperature ✓ correct
c) Air density
d) Air velocity
Q50. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Which atmospheric layer is the primary site for almost all of Earth's weather?
a) Exosphere
b) Stratosphere
c) Mesosphere
d) Troposphere ✓ correct
Q51. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember In which atmospheric layer do we live?
a) Troposphere ✓ correct
b) Stratosphere
c) Thermosphere
d) Ionosphere
Q52. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
The gas that absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere is:
a) Water vapor (H2O)
b) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
c) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
d) Ozone (O3) ✓ correct
Q53. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
The word “weather” is defined as:
a) The average of the weather elements
b) The climate of a region
c) The condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place ✓ correct
d) Any type of falling precipitation
Q54. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand
What is the primary purpose of measuring relative humidity in weather studies?
a) To determine the absolute amount of water vapor in the air
b) To understand the effects of extreme weather on society
c) To assess how close the air is to being saturated ✓ correct
d) To compare temperature scales
Q55. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
Where cold surface air replaces warm air, the boundary separating the different bodies of air is termed a:
a) Parallel of latitude
b) Tornado
c) Cold front ✓ correct
d) Warm front
Q56. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
Which of the following is most likely associated with fair weather?
a) High-pressure area ✓ correct
b) Low-pressure area
c) Cold front
d) Warm front
Q57. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand Condensation is more likely to occur:
a) When the air cools ✓ correct
b) When the wind is calm
c) When winds blow from the ocean over land
d) When it is nighttime
Q58. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Apply. Which of the following statements relates to weather rather than climate?
a) The average temperature for the month of January is 28oF
b) The lowest temperature ever recorded in Frozenlake, Minnesota, is -57oF
c) The foggiest month of the year is December
d) Outside it is cloudy and snowing ✓ correct
Q59. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Understand
At the 500 mb level, the amount of oxygen inhaled in a single breath is:
a) Nearly the same
b) Nearly one-quarter
c) Nearly one-half ✓ correct
d) Nearly three-quarters
Q60. [Multiple Choice] · Bloom's: Remember
What is the initial stage of Earth's hydrologic cycle?
a) Evaporation ✓ correct
b) Condensation
c) Precipitation
d) Transpiration
True/False (10)
Q61. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Stratospheric ozone is a health hazard for people with respiratory illnesses.
a) true
b) false ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q62. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember
The ozone hole is an actual hole in the atmosphere, a region of complete vacuum.
a) true
b) false ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q63. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember
The burning of sulfur-containing fuels (such as coal and oil) releases the colorless gas sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the air.
a) true ✓ correct
b) false
Correct answer: True
Q64. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember
Each degree on the Kelvin scale is exactly the same size as a degree in Celsius, and a temperature of 0K is equal to 273°C.
a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q65. [True/False] · Bloom's: Understand Heat waves are typically perceived as mere inconveniences and are not commonly associated with significant loss of life.
a) true
b) false ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q66. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Turbulent wind shear zones and downbursts are hazards caused by thunderstorms. a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q67. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Plants give up moisture by a process called transpiration. a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q68. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Hurricanes inflict most of their damage after crossing from the ocean onto the land. a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q69. [True/False] · Bloom's: Understand The number 0 (zero) on the Celsius scale is assigned to the temperature at which pure water freezes,and the number 100 to the temperature at which pure water boils at sea level. a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Q70. [True/False] · Bloom's: Remember Water vapor shows more variation from place to place and time to time than any other atmospheric gas. a) true ✓ correct b) false
Correct answer: True
Essay (10)
Q71. [Essay] · Bloom's: Understand Under what circumstances might a person breathe stratospheric air? How often is it likely to happen in a student’s lifetime?
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q72. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Explain the process by which air density and air pressure are determined and illustrate how these parameters change as one ascends through Earth's atmosphere.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q73. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Explain the characteristics of the mesosphere.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q74. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Describe the relationship between gravity and weight.
Suggested answer: Gravity and weight are interconnected; weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. Weight is directly proportional to gravity, meaning it increases with higher gravitational force. On Earth, weight is the mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), forming this fundamental relationship.
Q75. [Essay] · Bloom's: Understand
What is the Kelvin scale, and why is it considered convenient for scientific calculations?
Suggested answer: The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting from absolute zero. It's favored for scientific calculations because it lacks negative values and aligns with thermodynamic principles. This eliminates complications in calculations, ensuring consistency and precision in scientific endeavors, especially in fields like physics and chemistry.
Q76. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Only a tiny fraction of the atmosphere is carbon dioxide. Why is it so important?
Suggested answer: While carbon dioxide constitutes a small fraction of the atmosphere, its significance lies in its role as a greenhouse gas. Despite its low concentration, it efficiently traps heat, contributing to Earth's temperature regulation. Elevated CO2levels, primarily from human activities, intensify the greenhouse effect, driving climate change and global warming.
Q77. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Imagine you are a meteorologist tasked with explaining the impact of temperature inversions on air quality. Describe how temperature inversions occur within specific atmospheric layers, detailing their altitudes, temperatures, compositions, and the resulting consequences for air quality in a given region.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q78. [Essay] · Bloom's: Understand
Explain the processes and instruments used to determine air density and air pressure.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q79. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
How does the interplay between air density and air pressure contribute to the movement of air molecules, influencing the phenomenon of wind? Provide a concise explanation, highlighting the key factors that drive the dynamic motion of air within the atmosphere.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Q80. [Essay] · Bloom's: Apply
Describe the major types of extreme and severe weather events commonly experienced on Earth and explain how understanding them is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Suggested answer: Answers will vary.
Instructor Manual
PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER
This chapter’s purpose is to explore the multifaceted impacts of weather on society, emphasizing extreme conditions. It delves into the distinction between weather and climate, elucidates the critical roles of various gases and pollutants in Earth’s atmosphere, and compares temperature scales. Additionally, the chapter comprehensively describes atmospheric layers, detailing their altitudes, temperatures, compositions, and functions. It examines how air density, pressure, and wind patterns fluctuate with altitude and influence atmospheric dynamics. The chapter analyzes Earth’s hydrologic cycle, encompassing evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. Lastly, it details major types of extreme weather, fostering a holistic understanding of atmospheric phenomena.
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
The following objectives are addressed in this chapter:
1. List the effects that weather, particularly extreme weather, has on society.
2. Differentiate between weather and climate.
3. Explain the role of gases (including water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and other greenhouse gases) and pollutants in Earth’s atmosphere.
4. Compare and contrast the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin temperature scales.
5. Describe the layers of the atmosphere, including their altitudes, temperatures, compositions, and functions.
6. Describe how air density and air pressure are determined and how they vary as you move upward through Earth’s atmosphere.
7. Explain wind and the role of air density and air pressure in driving the movement of air molecules in the atmosphere.
8. Analyze Earth’s hydrologic cycle, including the functions of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration.
9. List the major types of extreme and severe weather that are experienced on Earth.
[return to top]
Instructor Manual: Ahrens, Extreme Weather and Climate, 2e, 2025, 9780357976876; Chapter 1: Turbulent Atmosphere
WHAT’S NEW IN THIS CHAPTER
The following elements are improvements from the previous edition:
• Updated content incorporating recent examples, such as the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave, and exploring their comparative risks with other life hazards.
• Expanded insights into trends in greenhouse gas concentrations and Earth’s increasing global average surface temperature.
• New Focus section: “Volcanoes’ Importance in Shaping Earth’s Atmosphere and Climate.”
[return to top]
CHAPTER OUTLINE
The following outline organizes activities (including any existing discussion questions in PowerPoints or other supplements) and assessments by chapter (and therefore by topic), so that you can see how all the content relates to the topics covered in the text.
I. Threats from the Sky (01.01)
II. Reasons for Concern (01.02)
III. Earth’s Atmosphere (01.03–01.08)
IV. Properties of the Atmosphere (01.04–01.08)
a. Air Temperature
b. Additional Layers of the Atmosphere
c. Air Pressure
d. Wind
e. Moisture
V. Extremes of Weather and Climate (01.09)
VI. Summary [return to top]