1. Which reservoir does the water become a part of during this runoff process?
A. Ground water
B. Atmosphere
C. Surface water Correct
D. Glaciers
Explanation
Runoff refers to water that flows over the land surface rather than being absorbed into the ground. This water collects in streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, making it part of the surface water reservoir. Groundwater is water that has infiltrated into the soil. The atmosphere contains water vapor, which runoff is not directly a part of. Glaciers are large, slow-moving masses of ice, which are not the immediate destination of rainwater runoff.
2. In which situation would a scientist be studying both precipitation and infiltration?
A. A geologist determining the factors that determine the amount of groundwater in an aquifer Correct
B. A climate scientist measuring how fast snow accumulates in a glacier
C. A geologist analyzing how river water erodes rock as it flows over the surface
D. A climate scientist identifying the factors that determine how quickly clouds form in a particular area
Explanation
Precipitation is the input of water (rain, snow) to the land surface. Infiltration is the process of that water soaking into the ground to become groundwater. A geologist studying the factors affecting groundwater in an aquifer would need to understand both the supply (precipitation) and the process of recharge (infiltration). Studying glacier accumulation focuses on precipitation and compaction, not infiltration. Studying river erosion focuses on surface water movement after infiltration has occurred. Studying cloud formation is about atmospheric processes before precipitation occurs.
3. What caused this change in weather?
A. A high pressure system moving into the area during the middle of the trip Correct
B. A low pressure system moving into the area during the middle of the trip
C. A warm front settling over the area during the middle of the trip
D. A cold front settling over the area during the middle of the trip
Explanation
High-pressure systems are associated with sinking air, which inhibits cloud formation and leads to clear, calm, and stable weather conditions with low humidity. The description of clear skies, low humidity, and gentle breezes is characteristic of a high-pressure system. Low-pressure systems are associated with rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation, which matches the initial weather, not the improvement. Warm fronts often bring stratus clouds and light precipitation. Cold fronts can bring violent weather but are typically followed by clearing skies; however, the description of persistently gentle breezes and low humidity is more definitively linked to a high-pressure system.
4. What change in weather accompanies the passage of a warm front?
A. The temperature decreases, the atmospheric pressure increases, and precipitation forms.
B. The temperature increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases, and it becomes sunny.
C. The temperature increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases, and precipitation forms. Correct
D. The temperature decreases, the atmospheric pressure increases, and it becomes sunny.
Explanation
A warm front occurs when a warm air mass advances and replaces a colder air mass. As the less dense warm air rises over the cold air, it cools adiabatically, often leading to cloud formation and widespread, steady precipitation. Temperature increases as the warmer air mass moves in. Atmospheric pressure typically decreases as the warm, less dense air moves into the area. A sudden clearing and sunny skies are more characteristic of the passage of a cold front, not a warm front.
5. Which of these is an example of climate change caused by natural variation?
A. Warming caused by automobiles emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
B. Warming caused by farms releasing methane into the atmosphere
C. Changes in average temperature of an area because of changes in wind patterns Correct
D. Cooling caused by power plants emitting aerosol particles that block sunlight
Explanation
Natural variations in climate are driven by processes within the climate system itself, such as changes in ocean currents, atmospheric circulation patterns (like wind patterns), volcanic eruptions, or variations in solar radiation. Options involving emissions from automobiles, farms, and power plants are all examples of human activities (anthropogenic factors) that cause climate change, not natural variation.