Session 9: Assessment

Assessment Questions for Session 9

Choose the best answer:

A realistic approach to atmospheric numerical modeling is

	a) to exactly simulate atmospheric processes.
	b) to build a plastic model of the atmosphere without using glue.
	c) to accurately simulate the atmosphere with the fewest equations.
	d) limit computer run-time to 5 minutes.

Equations in atmospheric numerical modeling must be approximated because

	a) we don't know all the exact equations.
	b) the equations are too complex for computers to model in a short period of time.
	c) the calculus cannot be handled by computers.
	d) there aren't enough variables to actually solve the equations.

Match the following models with the correct description:

diagnostic a. pollutants from a stack are assumed to be distributed along a bell curve.

prognostic b. there is little or no change in temperature over an isobaric surface.

Lagrangian c. a parcel of air is followed and monitored as it moves.

Eulerian d. a current state of the atmosphere is simulated.

barotropic e. a hydrostatic atmosphere is simulated.

baroclinic f. a future state of the atmosphere is simulated.

Gaussian plume g. a specific location is monitored as air flows in and out of it.

plume-in-grid h. a large temperature change exists over an isobaric surface.

i. pollution from a stack is followed until it is large enough to be contained in a grid cell.

An air parcel is simulated as it moves southeast from Chicago to Washington DC. Along the way the air absorbed significant pollution and energy and is ten degrees Celsius warmer when it passes over Washington DC. From the given information, what aspect of the model can be positively determined?

a) baroclinic

b) Lagrangian

c) Gaussian plume

d) Eulerian
A nested mesh grid is placed in a model over the Tennessee valley to monitor pollutant emissions. From the given information, what aspect of the model can be positively determined?

a) plume-in-grid

b) Lagrangian

c) Gaussian plume

d) Eulerian

Surface and grid factors should be accounted for in meteorological models because

	a) surface and grid features affect the accuracy and run-time of the model.
	b) surface features limit the grid domain.
	c) grid features limit the surface roughness.
	d) surface and grid factors are easy to classify and are therefore important.

Four-dimensional data assimilation is

	a) a method of turning a 3-D model into a 4-D model.
	b) a model which accurately simulates the atmosphere above the PBL.
	c) a model which accurately simulates the atmosphere within the PBL.
	d) a method of inserting observed data into a model.

On to Part 1: Introduction to Numerical Modeling

To Session 9 Objectives

Developed by

diagnostic	a. pollutants from a stack are assumed to be distributed along a bell curve.
prognostic	b. there is little or no change in temperature over an isobaric surface.
Lagrangian	c. a parcel of air is followed and monitored as it moves.
Eulerian	d. a current state of the atmosphere is simulated.
barotropic	e. a hydrostatic atmosphere is simulated.
baroclinic	f. a future state of the atmosphere is simulated.
Gaussian plume	g. a specific location is monitored as air flows in and out of it.
plume-in-grid	h. a large temperature change exists over an isobaric surface.
	i. pollution from a stack is followed until it is large enough to be contained in a grid cell.