01
True or false
1 point
As altitude increases through Earth’s atmosphere, air pressure and density generally decrease.
Free Practice Quiz Question List
7 The Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 7 The Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Choose one
1 point
A mountain range lies across the path of moist prevailing winds. Which pattern is most likely?
- A
The leeward side is usually wetter because descending air releases precipitation.
- B
The windward side can be wetter, while the leeward side can be drier.
- C
Both sides must receive the same precipitation because they share an elevation.
- D
The windward side is drier because rising air warms and loses its moisture.
03
Fill in the blank
1 point
Air moving from high-pressure areas toward creates wind.
04
Choose one
1 point
Which statement best describes how greenhouse gases contribute to the natural greenhouse effect?
- A
They reflect all incoming sunlight directly back into space.
- B
They prevent Earth from emitting infrared radiation.
- C
They absorb some outgoing infrared radiation and emit energy in all directions.
- D
They create energy that was not originally supplied to the Earth system.
05
True or false
1 point
One cold day by itself is not enough to define a region’s climate.
- A
True
- B
False
06
Fill in the blank
1 point
As moist air rises and cools, water vapor can into cloud droplets or ice crystals.
07
Choose one
1 point
Why does Earth’s curvature contribute to greater average solar heating near the equator than near the poles?
- A
Sunlight is more concentrated near the equator and spread over a larger area near the poles.
- B
The poles receive more concentrated sunlight because they are closer to space.
- C
Every latitude receives the same concentration of sunlight throughout the year.
- D
Sunlight is more concentrated near the poles because Earth’s rotation is slower there.
08
Written response
1 point
Dry air contains about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. What is the difference between these proportions in percentage points?
09
Choose all
1 point
Select all the factors listed that can help shape a region’s climate.
- A
Latitude and seasonal changes in sunlight
- B
Global atmospheric circulation
- C
Oceans and ocean currents
- D
Elevation and mountain effects
- E
The temperature at one location on a single afternoon
10
Written response
1 point
What is the name of the phenomenon in which Earth’s rotation deflects large-scale winds?
11
Choose all
1 point
Select all the statements that accurately describe processes in Earth’s energy balance.
- A
Some incoming sunlight is reflected back to space by clouds, airborne particles, ice, and bright surfaces.
- B
Earth emits energy as infrared radiation.
- C
Greenhouse gases absorb some outgoing infrared radiation and emit energy in all directions.
- D
All incoming sunlight is absorbed by Earth’s surface.
12
Choose one
1 point
Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer that absorbs much of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation?
- A
The troposphere, where most weather develops
- B
The stratosphere, above the troposphere
- C
The mesosphere, above the stratosphere
- D
The exosphere, the sparse outer region
13
Open ended
1 point
Explain two ways the ocean can influence the climate of a nearby coastal region.
14
Choose one
1 point
If Earth’s energy input and energy output remain imbalanced over a long period, what is a likely consequence?
- A
Earth’s stored heat remains unchanged, so climate cannot change.
- B
The atmosphere stops emitting infrared radiation.
- C
The planet’s stored heat changes, which can change climate.
- D
The Sun immediately supplies exactly enough energy to restore balance.
15
True or false
1 point
True or false: Earth’s curved shape means sunlight is more concentrated near the equator than near the poles.
- A
True
- B
False
16
Written response
1 point
About what percentage of dry air is nitrogen? Give your answer to the nearest whole percent.
17
Choose one
1 point
A layer of the atmosphere absorbs much of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation through its ozone layer. Which layer is it?
- A
Troposphere
- B
Stratosphere
- C
Mesosphere
- D
Thermosphere
18
Choose one
1 point
As a balloon rises through the atmosphere, how do air pressure and air density generally change?
- A
Both pressure and density generally increase
- B
Pressure decreases while density increases
- C
Both pressure and density generally decrease
- D
Pressure and density remain nearly constant
19
Choose one
1 point
A region of high pressure lies beside a region of lower pressure. Which movement of air helps create wind between them?
- A
Air moves from high pressure toward lower pressure
- B
Air moves from low pressure toward higher pressure
- C
Air moves only where temperatures are equal
- D
Air moves only vertically, not across the surface
20
Written response
1 point
A tropical region experiences seasonal shifts in its winds that bring a wet season and a dry season. What climate pattern does this describe?