8. Atmospheric circulations are fundamentally caused by:
a. The heating of the ozone layer
b. The passage of frontal storm systems
c. Ocean currents
d. Earth’s gravity
e. Unequal heating of Earth’s surface
answer: e
11. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving air:
a. To the right
b. To the left
c. Always toward the north
d. Always toward the south
e. It does not deflect moving air.
answer: a
12. The Coriolis force is _______ in the upper troposphere because _______.
a. Enhanced; the pressure gradient is weaker
b. Enhanced; there is less friction
c. Enhanced; there is more friction
d. Decreased; air moves to high latitudes
e. Decreased; there is more friction
answer: b
are these correct?
Yes, the answers you provided are correct.
To arrive at these answers:
For question 8, you need to understand the fundamental cause of atmospheric circulations. Atmospheric circulations are mainly driven by the unequal heating of Earth's surface. As different parts of the Earth's surface absorb solar radiation at different rates, it creates temperature gradients. These temperature gradients then drive the movement of air, leading to atmospheric circulations.
For question 11, you need to know how the Coriolis force affects the motion of air in the Northern Hemisphere. The Coriolis force is a result of Earth's rotation and it deflects moving objects, including air, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, the correct answer is a.
For question 12, you need to understand the relationship between the Coriolis force and the characteristics of the upper troposphere. The Coriolis force is enhanced in the upper troposphere because there is less friction compared to the surface. Friction tends to decrease the effect of the Coriolis force. Therefore, the correct answer is b.