Chapter 5

McKnight's Physical Geography, 12e (Hess)

Chapter 5 Atmospheric Pressure and Wind

1) A(n) ________ is an elongated zone of lower pressure between two areas of high pressure.
A) storm
B) anticyclone
C) trough
D) cyclone
E) ridge
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Topic/Section: 5.1 The Nature of Atmospheric Pressure
Learning Outcome: 5.5 Define atmospheric pressure.
Natl. Geog Stds: GS7
Global Sci Stds: G2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Remembering/Understanding

2) The pressure of a gas is proportional to its temperature and ________.

A) turbidity
B) volume of water vapor
C) density
D) atomic number
E) atomic weight
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.2 Identify the factors that influence atmospheric pressure.
Global Sci Stds: G2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Applying/Analyzing
3) Gas molecules in the lower atmosphere ________.

A) are strongly bound to each other
B) infrequently collide with each other
C) tend to explode when they collide with each other
D) tend to stay at rest
E) are readily compressed and heated
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
1
Copyright © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.
4) Out of the weather elements below, which one are we usually the LEAST aware of without the
use of weather instruments?
A) Temperature
B) Pressure
C) Wind speed
D) Moisture
E) Wind direction
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
5) A dynamic high-pressure area at the surface is closely associated with strong ________.
A) ascent of air
B) descent of air
C) winds
D) storms
E) tornadic spin
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.6 Explain the development of high pressure cells near Earth's surface.
Global Sci Stds: G2
6) A thermal low is closely associated with ________.

A) ascent of air
B) descent of air
C) very warm surface conditions
D) storms
E) very cold surface conditions
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.7 Explain the development of low pressure cells near Earth's surface.
Global Sci Stds: G2
2
7)
The labeled lines of pressure shown on this map are ________.

A) isohyets
B) height contours
C) isotachs
D) isogonic lines
E) isobars
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.4 Define isobars.
Global Sci Stds: G2
8) The density of air is measured in ________.

A) kilograms
B) cubic meters
C) micrometers
D) kilograms per cubic meter
E) joules
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
3
9) The denser packing of molecules at the bottom of the atmosphere than at the top of the
atmosphere is a result of ________.
A) the Coriolis effect
B) friction
C) gravity
D) the sorting caused by the varying weights of the gases
E) very good planning at the time of Earth's beginnings
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
10) At Earth's surface, warm temperatures are associated with ________.

A) low pressure
B) anticyclones
C) cyclones
D) high pressure
E) adiabatic cooling
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
11) When air is heated it expands and ________.

A) explodes
B) contracts
C) sinks
D) lowers its pressure
E) burns
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
4
12) A "dynamic low" is produced by ________.
A) very warm surface conditions
B) very cold surface conditions
C) the strong rise of air
D) the strong descent of air
E) many kilometers of smooth Earth surface
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
5
13)
This figure shows the spacing of air molecules with altitude. Which of the following
relationships would be TRUE?
A) Lower pressure, higher density
B) Higher density, lower pressure
C) Higher density, higher pressure
D) Pressure and density are unrelated
E) Pressure and density seem to be uniform throughout the atmosphere
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
6
14) At sea level, the atmosphere exerts a force closest to ________ Newton(s) per square
centimeter.
A) 1
B) 10
C) 100
D) 1,000
E) 10,000
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
15) Atmospheric pressure is measured with a device called a ________.

A) inclinometer
B) theodolite
C) anemometer
D) thermometer
E) barometer
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.3 Describe the millibar.
Global Sci Stds: G2
16) The basic unit of pressure mapped on weather maps is ________.

A) pounds per square inch
B) knots
C) miles per hour
D) millibars
E) micrometers
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
7
17) Which factor is corrected for on most maps of atmospheric pressure?
A) Wind
B) Latitude
C) Longitude
D) Altitude
E) Coriolis effect
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.4 Define isobars.
Global Sci Stds: G2
18) An Earth surface pressure of 1,005 millibars is associated with ________.

A) a ridge
B) a trough
C) a low
D) a high
E) lows or highs depending on surrounding pressure
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.5 Define highs and lows of atmospheric pressure.
Global Sci Stds: G2
8
19)
The table showing the relationship of pressure with altitude ________.

A) shows a decrease in pressure at a constant rate
B) shows a decrease in pressure with an increasing rate
C) shows a decrease in pressure with a decreasing rate
D) cannot be calculated as a rate
E) is a null relationship
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Global Sci Stds: G4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Evaluating/Creating
9
20) Flowing air responding to the difference between higher and lower pressure is responding to
the ________.
A) pressure gradient
B) Coriolis effect
C) anticyclone
D) intertropical convergence
E) trade winds
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Topic/Section: 5.2 The Nature of Wind
Learning Outcome: 5.9 Identify the forces that act on near-surface winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
21) Wind speed may be roughly indicated by ________.

A) the spacing of isobars on a weather map
B) reading a barometer
C) reading the cardinal direction on a weather map
D) checking the thermometer
E) reading the hygrometer
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.13 Explain how wind speed is described.
Global Sci Stds: G2
22) City A has an air pressure of 1,000 millibars. City B has an air pressure of 1,004 millibars.
The distance between the two cities is 100 kilometers. The difference of 4 millibars over 100
kilometers is known as ________.
A) wind
B) force
C) the pressure gradient
D) velocity
E) the Coriolis effect
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.11 Explain the differences in the forces acting on winds near the surface
and winds in the upper atmosphere.
Global Sci Stds: G2
10
23) The angle of the wind flow across the isobars ________.
A) is uniform with height
B) becomes larger with height
C) becomes smaller with height
D) is more affected by friction with height
E) is less affected by Coriolis effect with height
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.12 Explain the differences in wind direction between winds near the
surface and winds in the upper atmosphere.
Global Sci Stds: G2
24) The Coriolis effect exists because ________.

A) the Earth rotates
B) gravity exists
C) friction and pressure gradient are balanced
D) geostrophic force and gravity are balanced
E) the Earth is an oblate spheroid
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.10 Describe the significant aspects of the Coriolis effect as it acts on
winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
25) Which of the following is the force that initially causes the wind to blow?
A) Coriolis effect
B) Geostrophic
C) Gravity
D) Pressure gradient
E) Friction
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
11
26) The reason winds exist is ________.
A) the unequal heating of the Earth system
B) the Coriolis effect
C) because air is a mixture of gases
D) friction
E) altitude differences
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.8 Identify the forces that act on upper-atmosphere winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
27) As a general rule, friction is greatest ________.

A) near the Earth's surface
B) at jet stream altitudes
C) near the poles
D) near the equator
E) at the middle latitudes
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
28) Above the influence of friction, most winds follow a(n) ________ path.
A) geostrophic
B) anticyclonic
C) prevailing
D) clockwise
E) chaotic and turbulent
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
12
29) Which of the following refers only to the horizontal motion of air?
A) General circulation
B) Subsidence
C) Updraft
D) A balance of atmospheric forces
E) Wind
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
30)
Relative to the center of the high pressure, where is the wind the fastest?
A) The top
B) The bottom
C) The left
D) The right
E) In the center
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
13
31)
What is this figure illustrating?

A) Pressure gradient
B) Friction
C) Hydrostatic equilibrium
D) Coriolis effect
E) Geostrophic flow
Answer: D
Diff: 1
winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
14
32) On the average, the "friction layer" extends to approximately ________ meters above the
ground.
A) 1
B) 10
C) 100
D) 1,000
E) 10,000
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
33) Which of the following does NOT act upon winds that blow far above the surface of the
Earth?
A) Coriolis effect
B) Geostrophic
C) Gravity
D) Pressure gradient
E) Friction
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
34) Which of the following has air motion that moves directly from high pressure to low
pressure?
A) A surface cyclone
B) A surface anticyclone
C) An upper-air cyclone
D) An upper-air anticyclone
E) Pressure gradient force
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.15 Describe the vertical air movement within an anticyclone; 5.16
Describe the vertical air movement within a cyclone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
15
35) If there were no continents and the Earth did not rotate, the surface wind patterns would be
simple: Surface winds would blow from ________.
A) the south everywhere on Earth
B) west to east everywhere on Earth
C) the east in the Southern Hemisphere
D) the north in the Northern Hemisphere
E) the north in the Southern Hemisphere
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
36) Geostrophic wind always flows ________.

A) parallel to the isobars
B) to the left of the original wind direction
C) counterclockwise
D) slowly
E) along the surface of the Earth
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome: 5.20 Describe the near-surface winds associated with an anticyclone in the
Southern Hemisphere; 5.12 Explain the differences in wind direction between winds near the
Global Sci Stds: G2
16
37)
Amongst the following, which of the following states has the greatest wind speeds in the
continental United States?
A) Florida
B) California
C) Nevada
D) New York
E) Kansas
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
17
38)
Which of these figures is associated with low pressure at the surface?

A) The left-hand figure
B) The right-hand figure
C) Both figures
D) Neither figure
E) The figure with air diverging
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
18
39) In which situation would the Coriolis effect be GREATEST?
A) Low wind speeds, low latitude
B) Low wind speeds, high latitude
C) High wind speeds, high latitude
D) High wind speeds, low latitude
E) In any situation, as the Coriolis effect is a constant
Answer: C
Diff: 3
winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
40) You are in the Northern Hemisphere. The pressure gradient force is from north to south. The
blowing surface wind is from ________.
A) north to south
B) south to north
C) northeast to southwest
D) southwest to northeast
E) west to east
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Global Sci Stds: G2
41) Wind speed is determined by ________.

A) latitude
B) parallax
C) pressure gradient force
D) the Coriolis effect
E) random motions of gas molecules
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
19
42) Surface winds tend to be ________ those at a higher level.
A) faster than
B) slower than
C) clockwise to
D) counterclockwise to
E) at the same speed as
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
43) The place with the fastest average winds on Earth is ________.
A) in Antarctica
B) Siberia
C) Oklahoma
D) in the Himalaya Mountains
E) in Death Valley, California
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
44) A regular mile per hour is 5,280 feet per hour. A knot is ________.
A) slightly faster than a regular mile per hour
B) slightly slower than a regular mile per hour
C) much faster than a regular mile per hour
D) much slower than a regular mile per hour
E) a metric unit of measurement
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
20
45) The speed of the wind is unaffected by ________.
A) friction
B) pressure gradient
C) the Coriolis effect
D) differences in heating between locations
E) the roughness of Earth's surface
Answer: C
Diff: 1
winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
46) The following is an example of a disadvantage of the use of wind power for generating
electricity:
A) It is associated with high levels of pollution.
B) The wind is not constant even in the windiest areas.
C) It can never be cost competitive with other energy sources.
D) It is impractical in the United States.
E) The voltage is not compatible with that of standard transmission lines.
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.15 Describe the vertical air movement within an anticyclone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
47) Fact: The upper elevations of high mountain ranges are generally the places with the best
wind resources for a region. From your understanding of wind power, why are these areas rarely
used to place wind turbines?
A) The U.S. Government won't allow it.
B) The winds are usually higher than the stress limits for the turbine blades.
C) Construction is usually impossible in these areas.
D) It is too cold for turbines to function.
E) The turbines may interfere with the habitats of mountain goats.
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
21
48) Which of the following choices describes a recent development in wind power?
A) It is impossible to develop offshore wind farms.
B) Turbines are getting larger and larger.
C) Blades are being made heavier to withstand higher winds.
D) The electricity produced is much more costly than from a coal-fired power plant.
E) Some new turbines have no gearbox mechanisms.
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
49) An example of a geostrophic wind is ________.

A) a chinook
B) a Hadley cell
C) a monsoon
D) in the upper atmosphere
E) one caused by gravity
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Global Sci Stds: G2
50) A counterclockwise atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere is known as a(n)

________.
A) anticyclone
B) cyclone
C) Coriolis effect
D) pressure gradient
E) troposphere
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Topic/Section: 5.3 Cyclones and Anticyclones
Learning Outcome: 5.14 Define anticyclones and cyclones.
Global Sci Stds: G2
22
51) Sinking air that diverges when it reaches Earth's surface is closely associated with ________.
A) anticyclones
B) tornadoes
C) the absence of Coriolis effect
D) the absence of friction
E) cyclones
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
52) With a surface cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere, the winds spiral ________.
A) clockwise and inward
B) clockwise and outward
C) counterclockwise and inward
D) counterclockwise and outward
E) to the west
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
53) With a surface anticyclone in the Southern Hemisphere, the winds spiral ________.
A) clockwise and inward
B) clockwise and outward
C) counterclockwise and inward
D) counterclockwise and outward
E) to the west
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
23
54) In the Northern Hemisphere, air converging in a counterclockwise direction, is termed a(n)
________.
A) dyne
B) cyclone
C) anticyclone
D) westerly
E) Coriolis effect
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.16 Describe the vertical air movement within a cyclone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
55) Cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere are ________ air flows.

A) clockwise
B) counterclockwise
C) north-flowing
D) south-flowing
E) mythical
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
56) Air in an anticyclone always flows ________ in the Northern Hemisphere.

A) counterclockwise
B) clockwise
C) slowly
D) from the northeast
E) from the southwest
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
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57) Divergence is most closely associated with ________.
A) surface air in cyclones
B) surface air in anticyclones
C) cold air circulations
D) jet stream circulations
E) the intertropical convergence zone
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
58) "Zonal" air flow in the middle latitudes means a(n) ________ flow of air.
A) west-east
B) east-west
C) north-south
D) south-north
E) fast
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Topic/Section: 5.4 The General Circulation of the Atmosphere
Global Sci Stds: G2
59) Most of the broad-scale air movements that comprise the general circulation are ________.
A) vertical
B) horizontal
C) adiabatic
D) jet streams
E) started by the Coriolis effect
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.33 Explain the relationships of the polar front, the Rossby waves, and the
jet streams.
Global Sci Stds: G2
25
60) In the upper troposphere, where is the region of easterly winds?
A) At all latitudes
B) At 0-20° from the equator
C) At 30-50° from the equator
D) At 50-70° from the equator
E) At none of the latitudes
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.33 Explain the relationships of the polar front, the Rossby waves, and the
jet streams.
Global Sci Stds: G2
61) The "horse latitudes" are zones of minimal winds that are associated with the ________
system.
A) subtropical high pressure
B) trade wind
C) westerly wind
D) polar easterly wind
E) intertropical convergence
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.27 Describe the formation and characteristics of the subtropical highs.
Global Sci Stds: G2
62) What location would be the most likely place to find a subtropical high?
A) Near the Equator
B) Above the polar-front jet stream
C) Over the tropical continents
D) Over subtropical oceans
E) Near the equator, above the polar-front jet stream, over the tropical continents, and over
subtropical oceans
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
26
63) The so-called "winds of commerce" are the ________ winds.
A) horse latitude
B) Rossby wave
C) trade
D) monsoon
E) westerly
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.28 Describe the formation and characteristics of the trade winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
64) The antitrade winds can be found ________.

A) in the polar regions
B) in the intertropical convergence zone
C) near the polar-front jet stream
D) in the tropics, blowing from north to south
E) at great heights over the trade winds
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
65) Which of the following is NOT one of the seven major components of global circulation?
A) Trade winds
B) Monsoon
C) Intertropical convergence
D) Westerlies
E) Polar easterlies
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.26 Identify the seven components of the general circulation of the
atmosphere.
Global Sci Stds: G2
27
66) Trade winds are found ________.
A) over most of Earth between 25° North and 25° South
B) 25° of latitude north and south of the Arctic Circle
C) centered on the longitudinal zone of the prime meridian
D) north of the monsoon regions
E) over all of the world's deserts
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
67) The largest Hawaiian Islands are in the far northern tropics, and, therefore, are in the
________ portion of the global circulation.
A) subtropical high
B) intertropical convergence
C) hottest
D) trade wind
E) horse latitude
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
68) The region in which the intertropical convergence can be found is ________.
A) near the North Pole
B) at the equator
C) in the southeastern United States
D) in northern Australia
E) in central Siberia
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.29 Describe the formation and characteristics of the Intertropical
Convergence Zone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
28
69) The doldrums are most closely associated with ________.
A) polar fronts
B) STHs
C) the ITCZ
D) Rossby waves
E) the VTR
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Convergence Zone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
70) The seasonal shift of the intertropical convergence zone is greatest ________.
A) at high latitudes
B) over the oceans
C) at high altitudes
D) over the continents
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Convergence Zone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
71) Which of the following occurs closest to the equator?

A) Polar front
B) Subpolar low
C) Westerlies
D) Doldrums
E) Subtropical high
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Convergence Zone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
29
72)
These mirror-image circulations, which have air converging near the equator, rising, diverging,
sinking, and then flowing back towards the Equator are known as ________.
A) the trade winds
B) the Rossby circulation
C) Hadley cells
D) the jet stream
E) the antitrade winds
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.30 Explain the origin and wind patterns within the Hadley cells.
Global Sci Stds: G2
30
73)
Where on this figure is a subtropical high?

A) Over the continental United States
B) Over the South Atlantic Ocean
C) Over the center of Asia
D) Over the equator in the Pacific Ocean
E) Over the North Pole
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
74) The intertropical convergence zone may be found as far as ________ north of the equator in
July.
A) 5°
B) 25°
C) 65°
D) 90°
E) 135°
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Topic/Section: 5.5 Modifications of the General Circulation
Learning Outcome: 5.38 Explain the seasonal shift of the global wind and pressure systems.
Global Sci Stds: G2
31
75) A wet monsoon is associated with high-rainfall totals and is caused by ________.
A) gravitational forces
B) volcanic gases
C) a seasonal reversal of winds
D) the jet stream
E) the Coriolis effect
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.40 Explain the development of monsoons and where they occur.
Global Sci Stds: G2
76) A ________ is a seasonal reversal of the wind.

A) sea breeze
B) taku
C) mistral
D) chinook
E) monsoon
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.39 Define monsoon.
Global Sci Stds: G2
77) The major global wind and pressure systems ________.

A) stay in just about the same place the entire year
B) are controlled by Earth/Sun distance
C) shift with the seasons
D) are found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere
E) seem to be independent of the jet stream
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.38 Explain the seasonal shift of the global wind and pressure systems.
Global Sci Stds: G2
32
78) The phenomenon most directly responsible for the seasonally moist climate of northern
Australia is ________.
A) tornadoes
B) jet stream
C) monsoon
D) Hadley cells
E) convection
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
79) Africa's most prominent monsoon circulation can be found in the ________ part of the
continent.
A) northern
B) eastern
C) central
D) western
E) southern
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
80) Which of the following is one of the causes of monsoons?

A) Jet streams strengthen in the summer.
B) Polar easterlies bring contrasting air to the tropics.
C) Oceans have large, seasonal temperature changes.
D) Continents heat and cool differently than oceans.
E) Land cools off quickly in the summer.
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
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81) Of the following, the most important reason monsoons are socially significant in places like
India is that ________.
A) most of the population is crowded in cities
B) many people depend on fishing in monsoon-created lakes
C) most of the population are farmers
D) many of the people do not have the Internet for timely flood warnings
E) most people are unaware that they will reoccur
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
82) ________ and ________ both occur at night.

A) Sea breezes, land breezes
B) Land breezes, valley breezes
C) Valley breezes, mountain breezes
D) Mountain breezes, land breezes
E) Sea breezes, mountain breezes
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Topic/Section: 5.6 Localized Wind Systems
Learning Outcome: 5.42 Explain the development of land breezes; 5.44 Explain the
development of mountain breezes.
Global Sci Stds: G2
83) Cold winds pouring downhill because of gravity are called ________.
A) monsoons
B) katabatic winds
C) valley breezes
D) trade winds
E) cyclones
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.45 Explain the development of katabatic winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
34
84) The "mistral", "taku", and "bora" are regional names for a gravity-flow wind, which is
properly termed a ________ wind.
A) sea breeze
B) Hadley cell
C) monsoon
D) katabatic
E) foehn
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.45 Explain the development of katabatic winds.
Global Sci Stds: G2
85) The "snow-eater" wind of the Rocky Mountains is called the ________.
A) chinook
B) monsoon
C) Santa Ana
D) Rossby
E) Hadley
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.46 Explain the development of foehns and chinooks.
Global Sci Stds: G2
86) Climate change research has suggested that the Indian monsoon will change in all the
following ways EXCEPT ________.
A) delayed start of monsoon precipitation
B) decreased total amounts of precipitation
C) increased crop yields
D) increased flooding
E) the summer rains failing about every fifth year
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
35
87) Forecasting has greatly improved in terms of the Indian monsoon rains because ________.
A) of supercomputer models
B) of the installation of hundreds of rain measurement stations
C) of cooperation among Indian government agencies
D) monsoons are becoming less variable over space and time
E) researchers have gotten rid of the idea that teleconnections affect the monsoon
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
88) In addition to southern Asia, the two most important minor monsoons are in ________.
A) Northern Asia and Europe
B) Africa and Australia
C) Africa and South America
D) Australia and Antarctica
E) Central Asia and South America
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
36
89)
Arrows indicate air flow. Which of the below does this map show?
A) The winter flow
B) Flow in the wet season
C) One of the so-called "minor" monsoon flows
D) The position of the subtropical high
E) The antitrade wind flow
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
37
90)
What area of Earth is highlighted?

A) The subtropical highs
B) The trade winds
C) The easterly winds
D) The Intertropical Convergence
E) The principal monsoon areas
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
91) Which of the following is NOT closely related to ENSO?

A) Europe
B) South Pacific Ocean conditions
C) La Niña
D) The Southern Oscillation
E) El Niño
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Topic/Section: 5.7 El Niño-Southern Oscillation
Learning Outcome: 5.49 Describe Walker Circulation.
Global Sci Stds: G2
38
92) El Niño received its name because of its association with ________.
A) human health problems
B) fog
C) sea birds
D) the ninth month of the year
E) the Christmastime Christ child
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.50 Describe the changes in the atmosphere and the impacts on humans
during El Niño.
Global Sci Stds: G2
93) El Niño has been noticed for centuries by fishermen in ________.

A) France
B) Brazil
C) Chile
D) Turkey
E) Antarctica
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.48 Describe the changes in the ocean during El Niño.
Global Sci Stds: G2
94) El Niño is most closely associated with ________.

A) Africa
B) the strengthening of a subtropical high
C) the weakening of a cold current
D) normal weather around the world
E) the polar-front jet stream
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
39
95) La Niña ________.
A) occurs in the Northern Hemisphere
B) is a phenomenon that was recognized centuries ago
C) stops the upwelling of cold ocean water
D) is a middle latitude phenomenon
E) is the opposite of El Niño
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
96) Which of the following takes place in cycles much longer than the time taken by an El Niño
event?
A) Arctic oscillation
B) North Atlantic oscillation
C) Pacific decadal oscillation
D) La Niña
E) The greenhouse effect
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
97) The precise time of the onset of El Niño varies, but averages every ________ years.
A) 100
B) 50-60
C) 30-40
D) 20-30
E) 2-7
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
40
98) The North Atlantic oscillation has positive and negative phases. Which of the following
associations is TRUE?
A) Positive phase: the Azores High is weaker
B) Positive phase: winter storms track farther north in the Atlantic
C) Negative phase: eastern North America has mild winters
D) Negative phase: western European winters are mild
E) Both phases: El Niño conditions are lessened
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome: 5.53 Define teleconnection, and propose an example.
Global Sci Stds: G2
99) Within ENSO, the Walker circulation is ________.

A) the pattern of air flow across the South Pacific
B) the deep ocean current across the South Pacific
C) not present when El Niño is at its maximum
D) the changing phase of the Arctic oscillation
E) the newest scientific discovery
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
41
100)
Which figure shows El Niño conditions?

A) The top
B) The bottom
C) The top and the bottom
D) Neither figure
E) The bottom figure, by the near-surface winds only
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
42
101) The origin of monsoons is not fully understood but is believed to be related to ________.
Answer: the upper air, jet stream, or presence of the Himalayas
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
102) Differentiate a surface, Northern Hemisphere cyclone from a surface, Southern Hemisphere
cyclone, and explain why they are different.
Answer: They are both centers of low pressure with air converging and rising. Because of
opposite Coriolis effect by hemisphere, the wind spirals into a Northern Hemisphere cyclone in a
counterclockwise spiral across the isobars; and wind spirals into a Southern Hemisphere cyclone
clockwise across the isobars.
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome: 5.22 Describe the near-surface winds associated with a cyclone in the
Northern Hemisphere; 5.23 Describe the upper-atmosphere winds associated with a cyclone in
the Southern Hemisphere.
Global Sci Stds: G2
103) From the North Pole to the equator, name the wind and pressure belts in order of occurrence
from higher to lower latitudes and how they seasonally shift.
Answer: Intertropical Convergence, trade winds, subtropical high, westerlies, polar front, polar
easterlies, and polar high. Because of the change in differential heating by latitude, the
components shift north and south following the declination of the sun. For instance, the
Intertropical Convergence shifts north of the equator during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.
Various components expand and contract in size. For instance, subtropical highs are much larger
in the summer than in the winter season.
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome: 5.26 Identify the seven components of the general circulation of the
atmosphere; 5.38 Explain the seasonal shift of the global wind and pressure systems.
Global Sci Stds: G2
43
104) Explain the teleconnections that are prominent during the occurrence of El Niño, and why it
exists.
Answer: For instance, El Niño displaces the subtropical jet stream so that winters are colder in
the southeastern United States.
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.53 Define teleconnection, and propose an example.
Global Sci Stds: G2
105) Explain the surface and upper circulation components of Hadley cells, and specify how they
are related.
Answer: Hadley cells are mirror image circulations of air north and south of the equator. In each
hemisphere, trade-wind air flows equatorward into the Intertropical Convergence. The air rises
to the top of the troposphere and spreads northward and southward (the antitrade winds). At 20-
30 degrees away from the equator, air subsides and warms to form subtropical highs. On the
equatorward side of the subtropical highs, air diverges to form the trade winds.
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome: 5.30 Explain the origin and wind patterns within the Hadley cells.
Global Sci Stds: G2
106) Explain why subtropical highs are semi-permanent over ocean basins and not over
continents.
Answer: Summer heating is much greater over continents, thus lowering the pressure; whereas
ocean temperatures do not vary nearly as much, thus damping the seasonal pressure changes.
Diff: 2
Global Sci Stds: G2
107) TAO/TRITON is ________.

Answer: a series of buoys helping to pinpoint El Niño/La Niña conditions
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome: 5.51 Define Southern Oscillation.
Global Sci Stds: G2
44
108) Explain why coastal areas tend to have higher winds than either the land or water regions
nearby.
Answer: Steeper pressure gradients exist because of land-water heating contrasts, and less
friction over water.
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
109) With respect to the isobars, describe the flow around an upper-air cyclone in the Northern
Hemisphere.
Answer: It is clockwise and parallel with the isobars.
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.21 Describe the upper-atmosphere winds associated with a cyclone in the
Northern Hemisphere.
Global Sci Stds: G2
110) Between El Niño and La Niña, which one has more worldwide consequences and why?
Answer: El Niño has more consequences when considering all of its effects far away from the
western South American coast where the current stops flowing. La Niña is a condition that
strengthens the usual, "normal" flow patterns across the tropical South Pacific.
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome: 5.52 Differentiate between an El Niño and La Niña.
Global Sci Stds: G2
111) A ________ is a weather instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

Answer: barometer
Diff: 1
Global Sci Stds: G2
45
112) Describe the weather of two wind/pressure belts. Include both relative temperatures and
precipitation.
Answer: For instance, the subtropical highs over land are associated with bright, dry weather
and light/variable winds. Over land they are associated with the hottest temperatures on Earth.
The Intertropical Convergence is a low-pressure trough fed by trade winds. It has light/variable
winds but considerable cloudiness and huge amounts of precipitation.
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.27 Describe the formation and characteristics of the subtropical highs;
5.29 Describe the formation and characteristics of the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Global Sci Stds: G2
113) Sea breezes rarely penetrate a maximum of ________ kilometers inland.

Answer: 30
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome: 5.41 Explain the development of sea breezes.
Global Sci Stds: G2
46

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McKnight's Physical Geography, 12e (Hess)

Chapter 5 Atmospheric Pressure and Wind

2) The pressure of a gas is proportional to its temperature and ________.

3) Gas molecules in the lower atmosphere ________.

6) A thermal low is closely associated with ________.

The labeled lines of pressure shown on this map are ________.

8) The density of air is measured in ________.

10) At Earth's surface, warm temperatures are associated with ________.

11) When air is heated it expands and ________.

15) Atmospheric pressure is measured with a device called a ________.

16) The basic unit of pressure mapped on weather maps is ________.

18) An Earth surface pressure of 1,005 millibars is associated with ________.

The table showing the relationship of pressure with altitude ________.

21) Wind speed may be roughly indicated by ________.

24) The Coriolis effect exists because ________.

27) As a general rule, friction is greatest ________.

What is this figure illustrating?

36) Geostrophic wind always flows ________.

Which of these figures is associated with low pressure at the surface?

41) Wind speed is determined by ________.

49) An example of a geostrophic wind is ________.

50) A counterclockwise atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere is known as a(n)

55) Cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere are ________ air flows.

56) Air in an anticyclone always flows ________ in the Northern Hemisphere.

64) The antitrade winds can be found ________.

71) Which of the following occurs closest to the equator?

Where on this figure is a subtropical high?

76) A ________ is a seasonal reversal of the wind.

77) The major global wind and pressure systems ________.

80) Which of the following is one of the causes of monsoons?

82) ________ and ________ both occur at night.

What area of Earth is highlighted?

91) Which of the following is NOT closely related to ENSO?

93) El Niño has been noticed for centuries by fishermen in ________.

94) El Niño is most closely associated with ________.

99) Within ENSO, the Walker circulation is ________.

Which figure shows El Niño conditions?

107) TAO/TRITON is ________.

111) A ________ is a weather instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

113) Sea breezes rarely penetrate a maximum of ________ kilometers inland.

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82) and both occur at night.