MCQs on Weather and Climate – World Geography
Q1. Weather is defined as the:
a) Long-term atmospheric conditions
b) Short-term atmospheric conditions
c) Average temperature over a year
d) Average precipitation over a year
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Correct Answer: b) Short-term atmospheric conditions
Explanation: Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind, at a specific location and time.
Q2. Climate is defined as the:
a) Long-term atmospheric conditions
b) Short-term atmospheric conditions
c) Average temperature over a day
d) Average precipitation over a day
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Correct Answer: a) Long-term atmospheric conditions
Explanation: Climate refers to the long-term atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind patterns, in a specific region over an extended period)
Q3. The primary factor influencing Earth’s climate is:
a) Human activities
b) Volcanic eruptions
c) Solar radiation
d) Ocean currents
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Correct Answer: c) Solar radiation
Explanation: The primary factor influencing Earth’s climate is solar radiation, which provides the energy that drives atmospheric processes and determines temperature patterns.
Q4. The greenhouse effect is caused by:
a) The reflection of sunlight by clouds
b) The absorption of solar radiation by the Earth’s surface
c) The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
d) The release of heat from the Earth’s core
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Correct Answer: c) The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Explanation: The greenhouse effect is caused by the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, in the atmosphere. This process helps to maintain Earth’s temperature within a range suitable for life.
Q5. El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by:
a) A cooling of the Pacific Ocean
b) A warming of the Pacific Ocean
c) A cooling of the Atlantic Ocean
d) A warming of the Atlantic Ocean
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Correct Answer: b) A warming of the Pacific Ocean
Explanation: El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by a warming of the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to changes in weather patterns and extreme weather events around the world)
Q6. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is associated with:
a) High pressure and dry conditions
b) High pressure and wet conditions
c) Low pressure and dry conditions
d) Low pressure and wet conditions
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Correct Answer: d) Low pressure and wet conditions
Explanation: The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a region near the equator where trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, resulting in low pressure and wet conditions.
Q7. The Coriolis effect is caused by:
a) The Earth’s rotation
b) The Earth’s orbit around the Sun
c) The tilt of the Earth’s axis
d) The Earth’s magnetic field
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Correct Answer: a) The Earth’s rotation
Explanation: The Coriolis effect is caused by the Earth’s rotation, which causes moving objects, such as air masses and ocean currents, to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Q8. The Köppen climate classification system is based on:
a) Temperature and precipitation
b) Latitude and longitude
c) Elevation and topography
d) Vegetation and soil types
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Correct Answer: a) Temperature and precipitation
Explanation: The Köppen climate classification system is based on temperature and precipitation patterns, which are used to define different climate zones around the world)
Q9. The term “microclimate” refers to:
a) The climate of a small geographic area
b) The climate of a large geographic area
c) The climate of the entire Earth
d) The climate of the upper atmosphere
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Correct Answer: a) The climate of a small geographic area
Explanation: A microclimate refers to the climate of a small geographic area, which can be influenced by factors such as topography, vegetation, and human activities.
Q10. The main cause of monsoon winds is:
a) The Earth’s rotation
b) The Earth’s orbit around the Sun
c) The tilt of the Earth’s axis
d) The differential heating of land and water
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Correct Answer: d) The differential heating of land and water
Explanation: Monsoon winds are caused by the differential heating of land and water, which leads to seasonal changes in wind patterns and precipitation in certain regions.
Q11. The term “albedo” refers to:
a) The amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth’s surface
b) The amount of solar radiation reflected by the Earth’s surface
c) The amount of heat trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
d) The amount of heat released from the Earth’s core
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Correct Answer: b) The amount of solar radiation reflected by the Earth’s surface
Explanation: Albedo refers to the amount of solar radiation reflected by the Earth’s surface, which can influence the Earth’s temperature and climate.
Q12. The Gulf Stream is an example of:
a) A warm ocean current
b) A cold ocean current
c) A high-pressure system
d) A low-pressure system
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Correct Answer: a) A warm ocean current
Explanation: The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows northward along the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic Ocean, influencing the climate of nearby regions.
Q13. The term “orographic precipitation” refers to:
a) Precipitation caused by the uplift of air over mountains
b) Precipitation caused by the convergence of air masses
c) Precipitation caused by the cooling of air over water
d) Precipitation caused by the heating of air over land
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Correct Answer: a) Precipitation caused by the uplift of air over mountains
Explanation: Orographic precipitation refers to precipitation caused by the uplift of air over mountains, which leads to cooling and condensation of moisture.
Q14. The term “isotherm” refers to:
a) A line connecting points of equal temperature
b) A line connecting points of equal pressure
c) A line connecting points of equal precipitation
d) A line connecting points of equal humidity
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Correct Answer: a) A line connecting points of equal temperature
Explanation: An isotherm is a line on a map or chart connecting points of equal temperature.
Q15. The term “isobar” refers to:
a) A line connecting points of equal temperature
b) A line connecting points of equal pressure
c) A line connecting points of equal precipitation
d) A line connecting points of equal humidity
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Correct Answer: b) A line connecting points of equal pressure
Explanation: An isobar is a line on a map or chart connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.
Q16. The term “drought” refers to:
a) A prolonged period of excessive rainfall
b) A prolonged period of below-average rainfall
c) A short period of intense rainfall
d) A short period of intense heat
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Correct Answer: b) A prolonged period of below-average rainfall
Explanation: A drought is a prolonged period of below-average rainfall, which can lead to water shortages and have negative impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and human activities.
Q17. The term “heatwave” refers to:
a) A prolonged period of excessive rainfall
b) A prolonged period of below-average rainfall
c) A short period of intense rainfall
d) A short period of intense heat
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Correct Answer: d) A short period of intense heat
Explanation: A heatwave is a short period of intense heat, which can have negative impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Q18. The term “hurricane” refers to:
a) A large, rotating storm system with high winds and heavy rainfall
b) A small, localized storm with intense rainfall and lightning
c) A large, slow-moving storm system with heavy snowfall
d) A small, fast-moving storm system with strong winds and dust
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Correct Answer: a) A large, rotating storm system with high winds and heavy rainfall
Explanation: A hurricane is a large, rotating storm system with high winds and heavy rainfall, which can cause significant damage and flooding in affected areas.
Q19. The term “tornado” refers to:
a) A large, rotating storm system with high winds and heavy rainfall
b) A small, localized storm with intense rainfall and lightning
c) A large, slow-moving storm system with heavy snowfall
d) A small, fast-moving storm system with strong winds and dust
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Correct Answer: d) A small, fast-moving storm system with strong winds and dust
Explanation: A tornado is a small, fast-moving storm system with strong winds and dust, which can cause significant damage and destruction in affected areas.
Q20. The term “climate change” refers to:
a) Short-term variations in weather patterns
b) Long-term changes in Earth’s climate
c) The daily cycle of temperature and precipitation
d) The seasonal cycle of temperature and precipitation
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Correct Answer: b) Long-term changes in Earth’s climate
Explanation: Climate change refers to long-term changes in Earth’s climate, which can be caused by natural factors, such as volcanic eruptions and solar radiation, as well as human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.