Science 421 A

Weather Dynamics Test

Name: ____________________

Date: _____________________

Mark: _____________________

_____
36

a. A measure of how much light that hits a surface is

reflected without being absorbed.
b. The transfer of energy by means of waves that do not
require a medium.
c. The horizontal transfer of energy by the movement of
Matching
particles in a fluid.
Match the following energy transfer terms to their corresponding definition. (4 Marks)
d. The vertical transfer of energy by the movement of
particles in a fluid.

SCI421

Weather Dynamics Test

_____ Radiation

_____ Advection

_____ Albedo

_____ Convection

1. Define Weather and Climate, making sure to note the differences between the two
terms. (2 Marks)

2. Define Conduction both in terms of Energy Transfer and its relationship to Weather
Dynamics. (2 Marks)

3. Water has a high Heat Capacity and is a good Heat Sink. Explain what this means
AND the significance of this to weather dynamics. (3 Marks)

4. What is the Earths Axial Tilt in degrees? What is the Earths Axial Tilt responsible for? (2
Marks)
1

SCI421

Weather Dynamics Test

5. We learned that the atmosphere is comprised mainly of 2 gases, and a very small
portion of trace gases as well. Label the two (2) main gases on the diagram below. (2
Marks)

6. Explain the mechanism through which clouds are formed. Make sure to answer WHAT
is happening and WHY. A diagram might help you with your explanation. (Hint: be sure
to include what method of energy transfer is behind this) (4 marks)

7. Label the diagram below with a convection cell for both the north and south
hemispheres.
2

SCI421

Weather Dynamics Test

a. Describe and Explain the manner in which Convection affects global weather
patterns. (Hint: start your response at the equator) (3 marks)
b. How do convection cells affect the climate in certain areas of the globe? (1 Mark)
c. What is the Coriolis Effect and how does it affect weather dynamics on Earth? (1
Mark)

8. Based on what we learned in class, why do some areas along the Eastern seaboard of
the United States, Newfoundland and the United Kingdom have a slightly warmer
climate? The same effect also causes the coast of Norway to remain virtually ice-free
despite being close to the arctic zone. (2 marks)

SCI421

Weather Dynamics Test

8. Draw a diagram and explain the greenhouse effect as we learned it in class. Be sure to
include information regarding how the greenhouse effect could result in changes to the
Earths climate (Hint: think about energy transfer). (5 Marks)

SCI421

Weather Dynamics Test

9. It is the year 1050 AD. You are the Jarl (Chief) of a Viking village and you have decided
to set sail for a strange land in the west, though you do not know how to get there. You
sail from modern day Norway and proceed out into the sea. Using the Diagram below
and your prior knowledge of the atmosphere and hydrosphere from the Weather
Dynamics unit, formulate an explanation of how you might end up arriving in
Newfoundland (as we know Vikings did around this time period). Be sure to include
terms and/or concepts we have learned throughout the unit in your explanation to
receive full marks. (5 marks)

SCI421

Weather Dynamics Test

BONUS: In what Canadian Province or Territory was the coldest temperature ever
in North America Recorded? (1 Mark)

________________________________
BONUS: Would you weigh more or less standing at the North Pole (as compared
to the equator) (1 Mark)

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EXTRA WRITING ROOM

(Remember to label the question you are working on)