Final Exam Sample Questions

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4

1. Which of the following characteristics differs between mid-latitude cyclones and tropical cyclones?
a) The direction of circulation around the cyclone.
b) The existence of fronts.
c) The existence of surface convergence.
d) The type of precipitation development process.
e) The existence of a low pressure center.
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2. Ordinary thunderstorms only last about one hour and begin to grow when
a) vertical wind shear in wind speed causes mixing in the cloud.
b) when all the precipitation particles in the cloud turn to ice.
c) when the updraft forms the initial cumulus cloud.
d) when solar heating at the ground begins to decrease.
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3. Supercell thunderstorm formation favors a region with
a) no vertical wind shear
b) vertical wind shear resulting from changes in wind speed with height only.
c) vertical wind shear resulting from changes in wind direction with height only.
d) vertical wind shear resulting from changes in both wind speed and direction with height.
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4. Research has found the most recent warming trend experienced over the Northern Hemisphere to "very likely" be the result of
a) increasing volcanic eruptions.
b) "light" colored particles in the stratosphere.
c) increasing levels of greenhouse gases.
d) a decrease in the energy emitted by the sun.
e) an observed decrease in snow cover.
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