Question 1

The North Atlantic Oscillation is associated with strengthening of the pressure differences between the Icelandic Low and Azores high.

Accepted Answer

The North Atlantic Oscillation is defined as the variation of atmospheric pressure between the Icelandic Low and Azores high, and is measured as the difference in sea-level pressure between these two regions. When the NAO is in a positive phase, there is a stronger gradient between the low and high pressure systems, leading to stronger westerly winds and storm tracks. Conversely, when the NAO is in a negative phase, the pressure gradient weakens and the westerlies are weaker. Therefore, the statement is true that the NAO is associated with strengthening of the pressure differences between the Icelandic Low and Azores high.

Question 2

Examine the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo with a focus on its atmospheric impacts and the dispersal of its emissions by winds.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Describe the formation of ridges and troughs in the upper atmosphere and how they are connected with weather patterns.

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Question 4

Discuss the formation of the ITCZ and the typical weather patterns found within it.

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Question 5

Describe the formation and characteristics of both surface ocean currents and deep ocean currents.

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Question 6

Examine in detail the various ways in which wind speed and direction are determined by the pressure gradient force, the Coriolis force, and friction.

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Question 7

Explain the occurrence of land and sea breezes and mountain and valley breezes.

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Question 8

Discuss how and why Torricelli developed the mercury barometer, along with an explanation of the barometer itself and the physical processes behind its function. Also discuss how an aneroid barometer works.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Describe the characteristics of Northern Hemisphere jet streams.

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Question 10

Compare and contrast the economic and ecological costs of wind and fossil fuel power. Include wind-generating capacity in the United States and Europe.

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Question 11

Using an example explain the Coriolis force. Examine and explain the effect of the Coriolis force on wind speed and direction.

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Question 12

Discuss the formation of Rossby waves.

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Question 13

Sketch out a general model of the Earth's circulation patterns. Include the intertropical convergence zone, subtropical highs, subpolar lows, polar highs, the trade winds, the westerlies, the polar easterlies, and Hadley cells.

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Question 14

Melting sea ice may weaken the jet stream and result in colder conditions in Europe and the United States.

Accepted Answer

The melting of Arctic sea ice can weaken the jet stream, causing it to become more wavy and extending cold air further south, leading to colder conditions in Europe and the United States.

Question 15

Describe and explain the formation and effects of the monsoon winds of southern Asia.

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Question 16

List and briefly describe the four forces that shape the speed and direction of winds.

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Question 17

Describe the four main pressure areas of the Northern Hemisphere and discuss their effects on major wind patterns.

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Question 18

During an ENSO event, a low pressure system develops over Tahiti, while a high pressure system develops over Darwin, Australia.

Accepted Answer

This is known as the Southern Oscillation and is a defining characteristic of ENSO.

Question 19

Asian air pollution has been attributed to higher monsoonal wind flow and increased rainfall.

Accepted Answer

Asian air pollution is generally attributed to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other human activities, rather than natural phenomena like monsoonal wind flow and rainfall.

Question 20

Unusually strong monsoonal flow has been linked to La Niña.

Accepted Answer

La Niña is characterized by colder than average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can lead to stronger monsoon seasons in certain regions. Thus, unusually strong monsoonal flow can be linked to La Niña.

Quiz 6: Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations