Question 1

Computer-based weather forecasts

Accepted Answer

A) are completely automated and require no intervention by human forecasters. 
B) are mostly unreliable and are little-used by human forecasters. 
C) provide important guidance to human forecasters. 
D) are only used in specific, hurricane-prone areas.

Question 2

List the variables that would need to be taken into account if a person wanted to forecast the next day's temperatures.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the variables that would need to...

Question 3

Twice a day the National Centers for Environmental Prediction issues maps at all of the following pressure levels,except

Accepted Answer

A) 100 mb. 
B) 300 mb. 
C) 700 mb. 
D) 850 mb.

Question 4

The lifted index

Accepted Answer

A) uses the same data as does the K-index. 
B) relies on changes in temperature with pressure. 
C) was developed in the early 1980s. 
D) is better for predicting severe weather than is the K-index.

Question 5

List the typical data gathered at surface weather observation stations in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the typical data gathered at surface...

Question 6

The reason that precipitation forecasts are the least accurate of all meteorological predictions is

Accepted Answer

A) moisture cannot be accurately measured. 
B) moisture is discontinuous. 
C) because we do not have the capability to accurately track moisture. 
D) because moisture can indiscriminately change phases.

Question 7

The meteorologist at your local TV station says "There is a 60% chance of rain tomorrow." This is an example of

Accepted Answer

A) numerical weather forecasting. 
B) forecast bias. 
C) a qualitative forecast. 
D) a probability forecast.

Question 8

A ________ forecast relies entirely on current conditions with no reference to climatology.

Accepted Answer

A) climatological 
B) dynamic 
C) persistence 
D) numerical

Question 9

Weather forecasting is imperfect because

Accepted Answer

A) observations are not taken often enough. 
B) observations are not close enough together. 
C) the atmosphere is a continuum, taking observations breaks the continuum. 
D) All of these answers.

Question 10

A persistence forecast

Accepted Answer

A) requires knowledge of local weather conditions at the time the forecast is made. 
B) requires knowledge of both local and regional weather conditions the day before the forecast is made. 
C) requires knowledge of local weather conditions in previous years. 
D) requires knowledge of regional weather conditions in previous years.

Question 11

The Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD)is

Accepted Answer

A) an upgraded conventional radar. 
B) the radar that will be brought online in the year 2010. 
C) a full Doppler radar with tremendous observational capabilities. 
D) a surplus air defense radar that is being adapted for National Weather Service use.

Question 12

The systematic under- or over-prediction of weather phenomena is called ________.

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The answer of The systematic under- or over-prediction of weather...

Question 13

This type of forecast would predict average conditions for a three-month period: ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of This type of forecast would predict average...

Question 14

This map is commonly used to represent conditions in the middle atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

A) 200 mb 
B) 500 mb 
C) 700 mb 
D) 850 mb

Question 15

Which of the following would offer the best chance of predicting features of lake-enhanced snowfall at a localized area of Lake Ontario coastline in greater detail?

Accepted Answer

A) a large-domain numerical forecast model 
B) a small-domain numerical forecast model 
C) a large-domain numerical forecast model with spectral representation 
D) a large-domain numerical forecast model with spectral representation and cloud parameterizations

Question 16

List the different weather elements provided on a station model.Then describe how sea level pressure is given,the notation system for denoting cloud cover,and a general description of how wind speed and direction are indicated.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the different weather elements provided on...

Question 17

What is typically shown on a surface weather map?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is typically shown on a surface...

Question 18

Weather forecasting

Accepted Answer

A) involves a set of interlocking problems, each difficult to solve in isolation let alone in combination. 
B) involves a set of interlocking problems, each easy to solve in isolation but difficult in combination. 
C) should be an exact process within five years. 
D) should be an exact process within 20 years.

Question 19

In the Northern Hemisphere,winds move in this direction around a low pressure area: ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the Northern Hemisphere,winds move in this...

Question 20

Making a local weather forecast requires

Accepted Answer

A) knowledge of current local weather conditions. 
B) knowledge of current regional weather conditions. 
C) knowledge of current local and regional weather conditions. 
D) a barometer.

Exam 13: Weather Forecasting and Analysis