Key Concepts in Climate, Weather, and Earth Systems

Which factor is primarily responsible for the reflection of solar energy during an ice age: discussed in the video: Ice Ages and Earth's Climate Change? The albedo effect from ice and snow. What caused Lake Bonneville to form? less evaporation and more precipitation How do the shapes and orientations of the orbits of the Moon and the Earth affect the tides? They determine the timing of the spring and neap tides Which of the following areas of the ocean experiences a decrease in salinity due to consistent rain? Near the equator Which of the following factors can influence where humans choose to live? Both climate and weather Which air mass is responsible for bringing some of the coldest winter weather to the UK? Polar continental air What does the experiment primarily demonstrate regarding temperature? Warm air rises above cold air What is one of the main characteristics of ice ages discussed in the video: Ice Ages and Earth's Climate Change? They involve alternating periods of warmer and colder temperatures. Why is the lunar or tidal day longer than the solar day? The moonÕs orbit around the Earth takes it to a farther east point on the Earth over the lunar day What is the Carmen line used to reference? The boundary between the atmosphere and outer space How deep do passing waves cause water motions in the water, i.e. what is called wave base? 1/2 wavelength What does it mean when a glacier advances? The terminus of the glacier is shifting forward; the glacier is growing longer. In the experiment, what happens when warm water is placed on top of cold water? There is little to no mixing of colors How do meteorologists improve weather forecasting? By employing powerful computers and new technologies The Antarctic ice sheet is up to ________ feet thick! 5,000 Which of the following instruments is NOT mentioned as a tool used by meteorologists? Radar Which layer contains the ionosphere and is involved in aurora formation? Thermosphere What is the temperature range in the bathypelagic zone? Constant near freezing The Antarctic ice sheet has been there for several million years. What has happened to the Antarctic continent as a result? Parts of the continent have been isostatically depressed below sea level. What is the main characteristic of the troposphere? Temperature decreases with altitude In this image, what are features D? Terminal Moraine Why is the Moon's tidal pull on the Earth greater than the Sun's, even though the Sun's gravitational pull is stronger? The Moon is much closer to the Earth than the Sun What was the longest tornado path recorded? 300 miles What is the average time difference between high and low tides in a typical semi-diurnal tide? 6 hours How long does it take for solar energy to reach the Earth? Just over 8 minutes In this image, what feature is A? Hanging Valley What is the ultimate reason for the world's surface ocean currents? Sun How are enormous waves caused, as explained in the text? By the combination of different swells reinforcing each other In a cross-sectional view of a glacier, where does the ice undergo ductile deformation (i.e. flow internally)? The lower part of the glacier where stress exceeds 100 kilopascals What is the depth range of the epipelagic zone? 0-200 meters What is the primary function of the Earth's atmosphere? To regulate the temperature on Earth What human activity contributes to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? Burning fossil fuels Which of the following is necessary for ice crystals to form snowflakes? A condensation nucleus What is one factor that determines how heavy rainfall will be? The height of the clouds What is the reason behind the expansion and decrease in density of water below 32°F (0°C)? The molecules begin to bond to each other Which of these features is found on emergent coastlines, with a falling sea level relative to land? Marine terrace A(n) _______ is confined to a long, narrow valley located in mountainous areas especially closer to the poles. alpine glacier In a glacier, crevasses extend from the surface down to: near the base of the brittle zone How is sea water salinity expressed? In grams per liter What factors determine how big wind waves get? Wind strength, wind duration, and fetch Which of the following will not promote glaciers to advance? Global warming What is the primary reason for the varying difference in sea-level height between high and low tides at various times of the month? Local influences and the position of the Moon What type of rain is formed when warm moist air glides up and over colder air? Frontal rain What type of precipitation is classified as solid and occurs in minute ice crystals? Snow What is the initial atmospheric disturbance that often leads to the formation of hurricanes? An easterly wave What causes waves and tsunamis to ÒbreakÓ as they approach the shore? Shallow water and friction with the seafloor causes waves to slow down and rise up What is the process involved in the formation of the summer and winter berms? Higher storm energy in the winter moves sand off the beach and stores it in the nearshore. What important function do surface currents provide to the land? Climate regulation Under current conditions of climate change, glaciers are retreating at what rates? Years and decades What happens at the base of a glacier? The ice slides over bedrock on a thin film of meltwater. What type of weather is typically associated with cold fronts? Heavy rain in narrow bands Where were tiny single-celled organisms called foraminifera discovered in 2005? Mariana Trench What is the primary difference between climate and weather? Climate refers to long-term averages, while weather refers to daily conditions. What is a supercell? A massive thunderstorm with a strong rotating updraft Which gas is notable for absorbing ultraviolet radiation? Ozone What happens to atmospheric pressure as altitude increases? It decreases at a higher rate What are the characteristics of rogue waves as described in the text? They look like walls of water and are unpredictable What symbol is used to represent a warm front on weather maps? Red semicircles Why is the mesopelagic zone sometimes called the twilight zone? Because of the faint sunlight at this depth Which of the following is an example of a warm current? Gulf Stream Which of the following are formed by waveÊerosion? Stacks & marine terraces What percentage of incoming solar energy is reflected back into space? 30% The equilibrium line divides the _________________ from the __________________. Zone of Accumulation; Zone of Ablation According to the video, what percentage of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen? 78%