Understanding the Weather: Elements, Instruments and Forecasting: 35 MCQs with answers

B · Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 6-18 km, and it is where all weather phenomena occur.

D · Soil fertility

Soil fertility is not an element of weather. The elements of weather are temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind, and humidity.

D · Barometer

A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure. Thermometers measure temperature, hygrometers measure humidity, and anemometers measure wind speed.

B · Hygrometer

A hygrometer measures the amount of water vapour in the air, i.e., humidity.

D · Precipitation

A rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall (precipitation) by collecting rainwater in a cylinder and measuring its depth.

C · Anemometer

An anemometer measures wind speed by counting the rotations of its cups. A wind vane shows wind direction.

C · Wind direction

A wind vane (or weather vane) indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing.

C · Observing ants carrying eggs

The chapter mentions that observing natural signs like ants carrying eggs, birds flying low, etc., are traditional methods of weather prediction.

D · Millibar (mb)

Atmospheric pressure is measured in millibars (mb).

A · True

The chapter states that the India Meteorological Department was set up in 1875.

B · False

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude; it is higher at sea level and lower in the mountains.

B · Temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind, and humidity

The correct option lists the five elements of weather: temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind, and humidity.

A · Barometer

A barometer is specifically designed to measure atmospheric pressure.

C · Depth of precipitation

A rain gauge measures the depth of precipitation that falls, not the volume.

A · To measure humidity

A hygrometer is used to measure the amount of water vapour in the air, which is humidity.

D · The percentage of water vapour present in the air compared to the maximum possible

Relative humidity measures how much water vapour is in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at that temperature.

B · Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere and is where almost all weather occurs.

A · To measure wind direction

A wind vane indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing.

B · To combine multiple weather instruments for comprehensive data collection

A weather station integrates various instruments to collect comprehensive weather data.

C · Issues color-coded weather warnings

The IMD issues warnings using a color code based on weather data to help prepare for extreme weather.

D · Millibar (mb)

Atmospheric pressure is measured in millibars (mb), particularly at sea level.

C · 20% to 40%

According to the chapter, dry weather typically has a relative humidity range between 20% and 40%.

B · 1013 mb

The normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is around 1013 millibars (mb).

C · It is where all weather phenomena occur.

The troposphere is the layer where almost all weather phenomena occur. It is thicker in the tropics and thinner at the poles, and the ozone layer is in the stratosphere.

C · The air is saturated with water vapour.

Relative humidity of 100% means the air is saturated with water vapour and cannot hold any more moisture.

D · It is thinner at the tropics than at the poles.

The troposphere is thinner at the poles due to the contraction of cold air and thicker in the tropics where warm air expands.

C · It allows for the calculation of temperature range and mean daily temperature.

Calculating the maximum and minimum temperatures allows meteorologists to derive the range and mean daily temperature, which are useful for comparing weather patterns.

D · The weight of the air above decreases as altitude increases.

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude because there is less air above pressing down, resulting in lower pressure.

A · By measuring the depth of water collected in a cylinder.

A rain gauge measures precipitation as depth, indicating how deep the water would be if it remained on the ground.

C · It measures the amount of water vapor in the air.

A hygrometer specifically measures humidity, indicating the amount of water vapor present in the air.

B · To avoid interference from nearby structures.

Placing a rain gauge on flat, open ground ensures that it accurately collects rain without interference from walls or trees.

B · It measures atmospheric pressure, indicating potential storms.

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, and monitoring pressure changes is vital for predicting storms and cyclones.

A · It is based on careful observation of nature's signals.

Traditional forecasting relies on observations of nature, while modern methods use scientific data and technology for predictions.

C · To automate the collection of weather data without human intervention.

An AWS automates the measurement of various weather elements, allowing for continuous data collection without human involvement.

A · It influences how quickly sweat evaporates, affecting comfort levels.

Humidity affects the rate of sweat evaporation; higher humidity makes it feel stickier and less comfortable, even at the same temperature.