Assessment Questions for Session 4

Choose the best answer:

  1. In the horizontal direction, which force generally has the largest magnitude?
    a) pressure gradient force
    b) Coriolis force
    c) frictional force
    d) acceleration

  2. In what direction is the Coriolis force directed?
    a) 90 degrees to the right of the PGF
    b) directly opposite the direction of motion
    c) it depends on the latitude of the air parcel
    d) 90 degrees to the right of the direction of motion

  3. Which of the following best describes the geostrophic wind?
    a) balance between PGF and gravity
    b) balance between PGF and Coriolis
    c) balance between Coriolis and frictional forces
    d) balance between friction and acceleration

  4. Which of the following best describes the thermal wind?
    a) balance of PGF and friction
    b) wind that brings warmer air
    c) change in geostrophic wind with height
    d) wind without thermal properties

  5. Which of the following best describes hydrostatic balance?
    a) balance between PGF and gravity
    b) balance of dry and moist air
    c) balance between PGF and Coriolis force
    d) balance between thermal wind and geostrophic wind

  6. Air spirals into a low pressure system and is forced aloft. Which of the following best describes this forcing?
    a) convergence
    b) buoyancy
    c) terrain
    d) none of these

  7. In which of the following situations would it be most appropriate to assume hydrostatic balance?
    a) a thunderstorm
    b) a frontal zone
    c) a high pressure system
    d) urban wind flow



      

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