AP Environmental Science : Weather

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Weather

Which of the following does not impact an area's climate?

Possible Answers:

The Earth's rotation

The population dynamics of the keystone species

Patterns of air and water movement

Gases in the atmosphere

The Earth's surface features

Correct answer:

The population dynamics of the keystone species

Explanation:

Climate may impact the population dynamics of a keystone species, but not the other way around. 

Example Question #1 : Weather

The weather event known as La Niña results in which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Warming of the Indian Ocean

Dry season in Southern Africa

Drought in Western South America

Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico

Drastic rise in sea level on the coast of Japan

Correct answer:

Drought in Western South America

Explanation:

La Niña usually results in a warming of the water along the equator, which changes weather patterns across the world. South America experiences a severe drought, while precipitation is pushed South towards Africa.

Example Question #2 : Weather

The Smokey Mountains are known for the fog that hovers over the mountains. Fog is created when water vapor condenses and suspends. What measurement of atmosphere moisture is used to predict fog?

Possible Answers:

Convection currents

Precipitation

Dew point

Climate

Correct answer:

Dew point

Explanation:

The correct response is dew point. This is a measurement of the temperature at which water vapor will condense. If the dew point temperature and air temperature are within a few degrees of each other, then fog is likely.

Example Question #3 : Weather

It is difficult to predict the meteorological conditions of our world on a day to day basic. Meteorologists sometimes miss a snowstorm or underestimate a powerful rainstorm on any given day. However, we do understand the general trends in temperature and rainfall for any given year. The trends in temperature and rainfall for a given region are referred to as __________

Possible Answers:

season

precipitation

weather

climate

Correct answer:

climate

Explanation:

The correct response is climate. The word climate refers to constant weather patterns over many years. The word weather refers to the day-to-day conditions. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors