Weather Test - Science Grade 8

science test study set for mrs. sane's class

A cold can of juice is removed from the refrigerator and is placed outdoors on a warm day. After several minutes, moisture appears on the outside of the cold can. Which of the following statements best explains why the moisture appears?

Water vapor in the air condenses into a liquid on the cold can.

The diagram shows a model of the water cycle. Four steps of the water cycle are labeled W, X, Y, and Z.  Which change would most likely increase the movement of water during step W?

an increase in solar radiation

Evaporation of water

energy from the sun

surface runoff

force of gravity

melting of ice and snow

energy from the sun

precipitation

force of gravity

Which of the following diagrams correctly shows how water can move through the water cycle from an ocean to a lake?

The model shows water cycling through Earth’s systems. The water cycle is affected by energy from the Sun and by the force of gravity.  Which of the following best shows the ways that energy from the Sun and the force of gravity affect the cycling of water?

The diagram below shows the direction of wind as it travels from the ocean over a mountain range. Which best explains why the ocean-facing side of the mountain range receives more precipitation than the opposing side of the mountain range?

As warm, moist air rises its reaches lower temperatures causing the water vapor within it to condense and form clouds. These clouds later produce heavy precipitation on the ocean-facing side of the mountain range.

Why do areas in the middle of a large continent generally have more extreme differences in temperature than areas near ocean coasts?

Oceans change temperature slowly and moderate the temperature of nearby land.

The map below shows the locations of two cities. City Y is near the coast, and city Z is near the middle of a continent. The cities have the same elevation. Based on the map, which of the following statements describes how the climates of the two cities are most likely different?

City Y has cooler summers than city Z

If global temperatures rise, the ice sheets in polar regions and glaciers in mountains will begin melting. This meltwater will eventually enter the ocean, causing...

ocean levels to increase.

The map below shows the partial storm track of a hurricane and the hurricane watch area where it is predicted to reach land. Numbers 1 through 4 on the map show positions of the hurricane on four consecutive days at 12 noon. Why was a hurricane watch posted for the coastal area shown?

to warn people of life-threatening conditions

Hurricanes and similar storm systems begin over warm oceans. The map below shows average surface temperatures of the oceans in the summer. Based on the map, which area probably produced the most violent storm systems?

Area 3

Thunderstorms are more common in certain areas than others. The map shows average number of thunderstorms per year in different parts of United States. Why are there significantly  more thunderstorms in Florida than in California?

Ocean currents near Florida are warmer than ocean currents near California

Carbon dioxide is a naturally occuring gas that can be produced by the respiration of living things and by volcanic activity, but human activity can also produce large amounts of it. Which human activity is most responsible for producing Carbon dioxide?

the burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and coal

Which atmospheric gas has the greatest effect on the weather conditions when an air mass comes to an area?

Water Vapor

What type is air mass 1?

Continental polar

1

mp

2

ca (arctic)

3

cp

4

mp

5

mt

6

ct

7

mt

What is the relative temperature and moisture content of air mass 1

cold, dry

What is the relative temperature and moisture content of air mass 2?

warm, moist

When this type of front is around the weather is not nice, and the cold and warm air masses are stuck in place.

Stationary Front

Air mass X is a cold air mass. Air mass Y is a warm air mass. When the air masses meet, winter storms may be produced. Which of the following most likely contributes to the formation of these storms?

Warm air mass Y moves over cold air mass X, and condensation occurs

The boundary that forms between 2 air masses when they meet is called a..

front

When this type of front moves in it brings colder air, and storms

Cold Front

When this type of front is around it brings warmer temperatures and some wet weather.

Warm Front

Which air masses typically bring dry air to the United States?

2 and 5

The maps below show a front as it moves east across the United States. Which of these describes the weather change that can be expected for Amarillo, Texas?

The cold front will bring cooler temperatures and thunderstorms and rain

In a nor'easter, cold continental polar air pours down from Canada. The counterclockwise circulation pulls that cold air around so that it hits New England coming from the Northeast. What type of air mass would come from the Northeast in this case? (Think: Form Northeast means ----from North will be cold, and east of New England is Ocean so it will be moist)

mP

The circle on the map below represents the area where an air mass formed over Canada. Which characteristics best describe this air mass?

cold and dry

An air mass that forms over the ocean near the equator will most likely be  

warm and humid

The terms "climate" and "weather" have different meanings. Climate is defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as "the long-term pattern of temperature and precipitation averages and extremes at a location" while it defines weather as "the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place". Which below provides a description of a location's weather?

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's current temperature is 38°F with a 0% chance of precipitation.

What effect does the Gulf stream have on the climates of nearby land?

warming

The weather map shows the weather conditions for one day across the United States. Based on the weather map, which city will most likely experience decreasing temperatures during the next 24 hours?

Minneapolis, because a cold front is approaching

The weather map below shows a low-pressure system over the eastern United States. Points A, B, C, and D represent locations on Earth’s surface. Which location is most likely experiencing rainy, unstable weather conditions?

D