Chapter 2

Question 1

The difference between climate and weather is that

Answer 1

climate is the long term pattern of weather

Question 2

The two major atmospheric gases that absorb energy from the sun are

Answer 2

Carbon dioxide and water vapor

Question 3

Only 51 percent of incoming solar radiation actually reaches earths surface. most of the remaining radiation is reflected to space by

Answer 3

clouds and atmosphere

Question 4

What is an example of a greenhouse gas

Answer 4

Carbon dioxide

Question 5

Solar radiation in December is greatest at

Answer 5

90 degrees in the southern hemisphere

Question 6

seasonal variation in solar radiation, temperature, and day length is due to the

Answer 6

tilt of the Earths axis

Question 7

Where is temperature variation the greatest

Answer 7

in the temperate regions

Question 8

In the northern hemisphere, the shortwave radiation is highest during the

Answer 8

June solstice

Question 9

The systematic patterns of water movement are known as

Answer 9

currents

Question 10

Why is the ocean off the coast of Florida warmer than it is off the cast of Western Mexico

Answer 10

Ocean currents are coming from the tropics rather than the poles

Question 11

Relative humidity is the

Answer 11

amount of water vapor in the air relative to the saturation vapor pressure

Question 12

The transformation of water from a liquid state to a gaseous state is known as

Answer 12

evaporation

Question 13

Why do beached often have less extreme temperature variation than inland areas

Answer 13

The ocean moderates the temperatures

Question 14

Precipitation is generally greater

Answer 14

in coastal areas than in interior areas

Question 15

______ is considered a primary influence on microclimate

Answer 15

aspect