Exam 13: Weather Forecasting

Suppose there are two cloud layers above you. The lower cloud layer is moving from a westerly direction, while the higher cloud layer is moving from a northwesterly direction. From this observation you conclude that the wind is ____ with height and ____ advection is occurring between the cloud layers.

Suppose a computer model uses more closely spaced grid points and a greater number of data points, and thus has better resolution. This model will be particularly useful in forecasting _____.

Doppler radar is helpful for measuring precipitation, but not wind.

In one forecast, west of San Francisco, the flow is meridional with a cut-off warm, upper high situated just south of Alaska. To the south, both east and west of the high are troughs. Because the shape of this flow around the high resembles a Greek letter, the high and its accompanying ridge are known by this Greek letter; that is, as a(n)____ high.

According to the National Weather Service, the subjective term "fair" implies a rather pleasant weather situation.

What type of forecast method do you think would be most appropriate for a short-range (6 to 12 hours), a medium-range (24 to 48 hours), a long-range (5 to 10 days), or a seasonal (3-month)forecast?

A probability forecast that calls for a "40 percent chance of rain" means that ____.

Very short-range forecasts are typically for how long of a time?

Surface pressure systems tend to move in the same direction as the wind at 5500 m (18,000 ft)-the 500-mb level. The speed at which surface systems move is about double the speed of the winds at this level.

Which of the following is a correct statement regarding numerical weather prediction?

____________________ , which includes more than 175 nations, is responsible for the international exchange of weather data and certifies that the observation procedures do not vary among nations.

As an/a ____ forecast goes further and further into the future, the forecast lines can become scrambled. Such a chart is often referred to as a spaghetti plot.

The AWIPS system is designed to provide nearly continuous information about wind, temperature, pressure, cloud-base height, and runway visibility at various airports.

A forecast based on the climate of a particular region is known as a(n)____________________.

What would be the least accurate forecast method of predicting the weather two days into the future during changeable weather conditions?

The ____________________ describes the steps used by forecasters to steer their attention from large scales to smaller scales and from short time frames to longer periods.

Predicting the weather by weather types employs the ____________________.

Why do clouds tend to reduce temperature during the day but increase temperatures at night?

You are in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 100 km (62 mi)east of the Rockies in January. The current wind is from the north. Looking at a prog for tomorrow, you see that the wind will be from the west, hence tomorrow's temperature will be ____ today's.

Computer forecast models make certain assumptions about the atmosphere that are not always correct.