2. UNDERSTANDING THE WEATHER
QUESTION BANK
A- MCQs (40)
I. Atmosphere and General
Weather
1. What is the state of the atmosphere at a particular
time and place called?
(a) Climate
(b) Weather
(c) Season
(d) Humidity
2. Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to the
Earth’s surface?
(a) Stratosphere
(b) Mesosphere
(c) Troposphere
(d) Exosphere
3. In which layer do almost all weather phenomena take
place?
(a) Troposphere
(b) Stratosphere
(c) Thermosphere
(d) Ionosphere
4. Why is the troposphere thicker in the tropical zone?
(a) Cold air contracts
(b) Warmer air expands
(c) There is more rain
(d) Gravity is stronger
5. The height of the troposphere ranges from:
(a) 50 to 100 km
(b) 6 to 18 km
(c) 1 to 5 km
(d) 100 to 200 km
6. Which of the following is NOT an element of weather?
(a) Temperature
(b) Soil type
(c) Humidity
(d) Wind
II. Temperature
7. Which instrument is used to measure the ambient
temperature?
(a) Barometer
(b) Rain Gauge
(c) Thermometer
(d) Anemometer
8. Why are digital thermometers preferred today?
(a) They are colorful
(b) They use mercury
(c) They are more precise and record more data
(d) They are cheaper
9. How do you calculate the "Range of
Temperature"?
(a) Max Temp + Min Temp
(b) Max Temp ÷ Min Temp
(c) Max Temp - Min Temp
(d) Min Temp + 10
10. What is the formula for Mean Daily Temperature?
(a) (Max + Min) / 2
(b) (Max - Min) / 2
(c) Max × Min
(d) Max + Min
III. Precipitation
11. Any form of water falling from the sky is called:
(a) Humidity
(b) Precipitation
(c) Condensation
(d) Evaporation
12. Which instrument is used to measure rainfall?
(a) Hygrometer
(b) Barometer
(c) Rain Gauge
(d) Wind Vane
13. In what unit is rainfall usually measured?
(a) Kilometres (km)
(b) Millibars (mb)
(c) Millimetres (mm)
(d) Percentage (%)
14. If a rain gauge shows 10 mm, it means:
(a) 10 drops fell
(b) The depth of rainwater collected is 10 mm
(c) The wind was 10 km/h
(d) It rained for 10 hours
IV. Atmospheric Pressure
15. Atmospheric pressure is the weight of _____ above us.
(a) Water
(b) Air
(c) Clouds
(d) Mountains
16. Where is atmospheric pressure the highest?
(a) On top of Mt. Everest
(b) Near the sea coast
(c) In an airplane
(d) On a plateau
17. Why do people feel breathless at high altitudes?
(a) Air is too thick
(b) Air pressure is lower and there is less oxygen
(c) It is too hot
(d) There is too much wind
18. What instrument measures atmospheric pressure?
(a) Barometer
(b) Anemometer
(c) Hygrometer
(d) Thermometer
19. What is the standard unit for measuring air pressure?
(a) Degree Celsius
(b) Millibar (mb)
(c) Millimetre
(d) Kilometre per hour
20. A pressure below 1000 mb usually indicates a:
(a) Sunny day
(b) Depression or low-pressure system
(c) Drought
(d) Heat wave
V. Wind
21. Wind is the movement of air from:
(a) Low pressure to High pressure
(b) High pressure to Low pressure
(c) North to South only
(d) Sea to Land only
22. Which instrument measures wind direction?
(a) Anemometer
(b) Wind Vane
(c) Barometer
(d) Rain Gauge
23. An anemometer is used to measure:
(a) Wind direction
(b) Wind speed
(c) Air weight
(d) Humidity
24. A 'wind sock' is primarily used at:
(a) Schools
(b) Hospitals
(c) Tarmacs/Airports
(d) Shopping malls
25. Why do farmers need to know wind direction?
(a) To fly kites
(b) To predict where rain might come from
(c) To cool their crops
(d) To measure soil depth
VI. Humidity
26. Humidity refers to the amount of _____ in the air.
(a) Dust
(b) Oxygen
(c) Water vapour
(d) Nitrogen
27. Humidity is measured using a:
(a) Hygrometer
(b) Barometer
(c) Hydrometer
(d) Thermometer
28. Relative humidity is expressed in:
(a) Millibars
(b) Grams
(c) Percentage (%)
(d) Degrees
29. Saturated air has a humidity of:
(a) 0%
(b) 50%
(c) 100%
(d) 20%
30. Which industry monitors humidity to preserve
artifacts?
(a) Steel industry
(b) Museums
(c) Mining
(d) Carpentry
VII. Weather Stations and
Predictions
31. What does AWS stand for?
(a) Air Weather System
(b) All Weather Science
(c) Automated Weather Station
(d) Atmospheric Water Sensor
32. Who are the scientists that study and predict
weather?
(a) Geologists
(b) Meteorologists
(c) Biologists
(d) Archaeologists
33. Traditional weather forecasting involves observing:
(a) Computers
(b) Nature's signals (animals and plants)
(c) Books
(d) Satellites
34. Observing ants carrying eggs was traditionally a sign
of:
(a) Summer
(b) Coming rain or storms
(c) Winter
(d) Earthquake
35. Why is accurate weather prediction more important
today?
(a) Because of climate change
(b) To help people sleep
(c) To stop the rain
(d) To change the seasons
36. A sudden drop in air pressure can lead to a:
(a) Rainbow
(b) Cyclone
(c) Sunny day
(d) Clear night
VIII. Applied Knowledge
37. If you are in Mumbai with 84% humidity, you will
feel:
(a) Very dry
(b) Sticky and sweaty
(c) Very cold
(d) Thirsty
38. On a weather map, a sun icon usually represents:
(a) Thunderstorm
(b) Clear/Sunny weather
(c) Heavy snow
(d) High wind speed
39. In the abbreviation IMD, 'I' stands for:
(a) International
(b) India
(c) Internal
(d) Instant
40. To get the most accurate rain reading, a rain gauge
should be placed:
(a) Under a tree
(b) Inside a room
(c) In an open ground
(d) Near a wall
Answer Key
|
Q.No |
Ans |
Q.No |
Ans |
Q.No |
Ans |
Q.No |
Ans |
|
1 |
(b) |
11 |
(b) |
21 |
(b) |
31 |
(c) |
|
2 |
(c) |
12 |
(c) |
22 |
(b) |
32 |
(b) |
|
3 |
(a) |
13 |
(c) |
23 |
(b) |
33 |
(b) |
|
4 |
(b) |
14 |
(b) |
24 |
(c) |
34 |
(b) |
|
5 |
(b) |
15 |
(b) |
25 |
(b) |
35 |
(a) |
|
6 |
(b) |
16 |
(b) |
26 |
(c) |
36 |
(b) |
|
7 |
(c) |
17 |
(b) |
27 |
(a) |
37 |
(b) |
|
8 |
(c) |
18 |
(a) |
28 |
(c) |
38 |
(b) |
|
9 |
(c) |
19 |
(b) |
29 |
(c) |
39 |
(b) |
|
10 |
(a) |
20 |
(b) |
30 |
(b) |
40 |
(c) |
B. Short Questions And Answers (20)
1. What is the Troposphere?
·
It is the lowest
layer of the Earth’s atmosphere.
·
It extends from
6 km to 18 km in height.
·
This is the
layer where all weather phenomena occur.
·
It is where
humans, animals, and plants live and breathe.
2. Define Weather.
·
It is the state
of the atmosphere at a specific time and place.
·
It changes
frequently, often within a few hours.
·
It is described
using terms like hot, cold, rainy, or windy.
3. What are the main elements of weather?
·
Temperature and
Precipitation.
·
Atmospheric
Pressure.
·
Wind (speed and
direction).
·
Humidity
(moisture in the air).
4. How does a traditional thermometer work?
·
It uses a glass
tube filled with a colored liquid (like alcohol or mercury).
·
The liquid
expands and rises when the temperature increases.
·
The liquid
contracts and falls when the temperature decreases.
5. What is the "Range of Temperature"?
·
It is the
difference between the day's highest and lowest temperatures.
·
Formula: Maximum Temp – Minimum Temp.
·
It is usually
calculated for a 24-hour period.
6. What is a Rain Gauge?
·
It is an
instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall.
·
It consists of a
copper or plastic cylinder with a funnel on top.
·
Rain is
collected in a measuring tube inside.
·
The reading is
taken in millimeters (mm).
7. Explain Atmospheric Pressure.
·
It is the weight
of the air pressing down on the Earth's surface.
·
Pressure is
highest at sea level and decreases as we go higher.
·
It is measured
using an instrument called a Barometer.
8. Why is it hard to breathe on high mountains?
·
As altitude
increases, the air becomes thinner.
·
The atmospheric
pressure drops significantly.
·
There is less
oxygen available for our lungs to take in.
9. What is a 'Depression' in weather?
·
It is a system
of low atmospheric pressure (below 1000 mb).
·
It often leads
to cloudy skies and rain.
·
Extreme
depressions can develop into storms or cyclones.
10. Define Wind.
·
Wind is the
horizontal movement of air.
·
Air always moves
from High Pressure areas to Low Pressure areas.
·
It is described
by its speed and the direction it blows from.
11. How does a Wind Vane work?
·
It has a
rotating arm with a pointer and a tail.
·
The wind pushes
the tail, causing the pointer to face the wind's direction.
·
It helps
meteorologists know where the wind is coming from.
12. What is an Anemometer?
·
It is a tool used
to measure wind speed.
·
It has three or
four metal cups that spin on a rod.
·
The faster the
cups spin, the higher the wind speed.
·
The speed is
recorded in kilometers per hour (km/h).
13. What is a Wind Sock?
·
It is a
cone-shaped tube used primarily at airports (tarmacs).
·
It shows pilots
the direction of the wind during takeoff and landing.
·
It is also used
in industries that release gases or ash.
14. What is Humidity?
·
It is the amount
of water vapor (moisture) present in the air.
·
It depends on
temperature, wind, and location.
·
High humidity
makes us feel sticky because sweat doesn't evaporate easily.
15. What is Relative Humidity?
·
It is the amount
of moisture in the air compared to what it can hold.
·
It is always
expressed as a percentage (%).
·
100% humidity
means the air is completely saturated with water.
16. What is a Hygrometer?
·
It is the
instrument used to measure humidity.
·
It is used in
food processing industries and museums.
·
It helps
maintain the right environment to preserve artifacts.
17. What is a Weather Station?
·
A place where
various instruments are kept together to track weather.
·
Readings are
taken at regular intervals throughout the day.
·
Data from these
stations is used to create weather maps.
18. What is an Automated Weather Station (AWS)?
·
A self-operating
system that uses electronic sensors.
·
It records data
like temperature and pressure without human help.
·
It is very
useful in remote areas like mountain peaks or glaciers.
19. Why do we need to predict the weather?
·
To warn
fishermen and sailors about storms at sea.
·
To help farmers
plan their crops and irrigation.
·
To prepare for
disasters like floods or cyclones caused by climate change.
20. Mention some traditional weather signals.
·
Birds flying low
often signal coming rain.
·
Ants moving
their eggs to higher ground.
·
Frogs croaking
loudly or pine cones opening/closing.
C. Long Questions And Answers (20)
Section 1: The Atmosphere
& Temperature
1. Explain the characteristics of the Troposphere.
·
It is the
innermost and densest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
·
Almost all
weather phenomena, like clouds and rain, happen here.
·
It contains the
air that humans, animals, and plants need to breathe.
·
The temperature
in this layer generally decreases as you go higher.
·
Its thickness
varies: it is thinner at the poles (6 km) and thicker at the equator (18 km).
·
The expansion of
warm air and contraction of cold air determines its thickness.
2. How does temperature affect our daily lives and how is
it recorded?
·
Temperature
dictates the type of clothes we wear (woolens in winter, cotton in summer).
·
It influences
our physical comfort and energy levels throughout the day.
·
Meteorologists
use thermometers to measure the ambient air temperature.
·
Special
thermometers record the maximum and minimum temperatures of a 24-hour period.
·
Digital
thermometers are now used for higher precision and data storage.
·
Temperature data
is used to calculate daily means and seasonal averages.
3. Describe the process of calculating Mean Daily
Temperature and its importance.
·
The mean is
calculated by taking the highest (Max) and lowest (Min) temperatures of the
day.
·
The formula used
is: $(Max + Min) \div 2$.
·
It provides a
single representative figure for the day’s heat level.
·
It helps
scientists identify long-term warming or cooling trends in a region.
·
Farmers use
these averages to determine the best time for sowing or harvesting.
·
It is a standard
measurement used in weather reports globally.
Section 2: Precipitation &
Pressure
4. What is a Rain Gauge and how is it used to measure
rainfall?
·
A rain gauge is
a specialized instrument consisting of a cylinder and a funnel.
·
It is placed in
an open area so that rain can fall directly into it.
·
The funnel directs
water into a collection tube to prevent evaporation.
·
A scale on the
side measures the depth of the collected water in millimeters (mm).
·
If the water
level is at 5 mm, it means the entire area received 5 mm of rain.
·
Rain gauges are
emptied every 24 hours to record daily precipitation.
5. Why does atmospheric pressure vary with altitude?
·
Atmospheric
pressure is the result of the weight of the air column above us.
·
At sea level,
there is a tall column of air above, so the pressure is high.
·
As you climb a
mountain, the column of air above you becomes shorter.
·
The air also
becomes "thinner" (less dense) at higher altitudes.
·
Because there
are fewer gas molecules, the weight and pressure decrease.
·
This low
pressure is why high-altitude climbers often need supplemental oxygen.
6. Explain the impact of air pressure on human health and
weather.
·
Low pressure at
high altitudes can cause breathlessness and dizziness.
·
Lower oxygen
levels in thin air make the heart and lungs work harder.
·
Changes in air pressure
are key indicators of coming weather changes.
·
A sudden drop in
pressure, called a "depression," usually indicates a storm is coming.
·
High pressure
generally brings clear, stable, and sunny weather.
·
Meteorologists
use Barometers to track these changes in millibars (mb).
Section 3: Wind & Its
Measurement
7. Define Wind and explain the factors that describe it.
·
Wind is the
horizontal movement of air across the Earth's surface.
·
It is caused by
differences in air pressure between two regions.
·
Air always moves
from an area of High Pressure to an area of Low Pressure.
·
The two most
important factors used to describe wind are speed and direction.
·
Direction is
identified by where the wind is blowing from (e.g., a North
wind).
·
Wind is a major
element that helps meteorologists forecast future weather.
8. How do a Wind Vane and an Anemometer differ in
function?
·
A Wind Vane
measures the direction of the wind, while an Anemometer measures its speed.
·
A Wind Vane has
a pointer that turns to face the incoming wind.
·
An Anemometer
has rotating cups that spin faster as wind speed increases.
·
Wind Vane
results are given in cardinal directions (N, S, E, W).
·
Anemometer
results are calculated in kilometers per hour (km/h).
·
Both instruments
are essential components of any standard weather station.
9. Why is wind data crucial for different professions?
·
Air pilots need
wind data to manage takeoffs, landings, and flight paths.
·
Sailors use wind
speed and direction to navigate ships safely across oceans.
·
Farmers monitor
wind to predict where rain clouds might be heading.
·
High wind speeds
can dry out agricultural soil faster, affecting crop health.
·
Industries use
wind socks to track the drift of ash or gases they release.
·
Disaster
management teams use wind speed to issue cyclone or storm alerts.
Section 4: Humidity &
Moisture
10. What is Humidity and what factors influence it?
·
Humidity is the
amount of invisible water vapor present in the atmosphere.
·
It is heavily
influenced by the temperature of the air (warm air holds more moisture).
·
Wind can
increase humidity by blowing moist air from the sea to the land.
·
Proximity to
water bodies, like oceans or large lakes, usually increases humidity.
·
Atmospheric
pressure and local geography also play a role in moisture levels.
·
It is measured
as "Relative Humidity" using a percentage scale.
11. Discuss the importance of measuring humidity in
various fields.
·
In weather
forecasting, high humidity often indicates a high chance of rain.
·
The food
processing industry monitors humidity to prevent food from spoiling.
·
Museums must
keep humidity low and stable to preserve ancient artifacts and paintings.
·
High humidity
affects human comfort, as it prevents sweat from evaporating.
·
Textile
industries require specific humidity levels to prevent threads from snapping.
·
Hygrometers are
the primary instruments used to track these moisture levels.
Section 5: Forecasting &
Technology
12. Compare Traditional and Modern weather forecasting
methods.
·
Traditional
methods rely on observing signals in nature, like animal behavior.
·
Example: Birds
flying low or frogs croaking loudly suggest a coming storm.
·
Modern methods
use scientific instruments like thermometers and barometers.
·
Meteorologists
today collect data over long periods to find patterns.
·
Technology
allows for "Precision," giving exact numbers for temperature and
speed.
·
Modern
forecasting is vital for preparing for disasters caused by climate change.
13. What is an Automated Weather Station (AWS) and what
are its benefits?
·
An AWS is a
self-operating system that uses electronic sensors to collect data.
·
It measures
multiple elements simultaneously, including pressure, wind, and rain.
·
It does not
require human intervention to record or transmit information.
·
It is highly
effective in remote or dangerous areas like glaciers or deserts.
·
The data is
transmitted instantly to central meteorological departments.
·
AWS provides
more frequent and accurate readings than manual stations.
14. Why is weather prediction critical in the era of
Climate Change?
·
Climate change
has made extreme weather events more frequent and severe.
·
Accurate
predictions help communities prepare for sudden floods or droughts.
·
Early warnings
for cyclones allow for the timely evacuation of coastal areas.
·
Governments can
mobilize emergency resources like food and medicine in advance.
·
Farmers can
adjust their planting cycles to avoid losing crops to unseasonal rain.
·
Scientific
monitoring helps us understand the long-term impact of global warming.
15. Explain how a weather map is created and used.
·
Data is
collected from thousands of weather stations at regular intervals.
·
Meteorologists
plot this data onto maps using specific symbols and icons.
·
Icons like suns,
clouds, and raindrops show the conditions in different cities.
·
The India
Meteorological Department (IMD) issues daily maps to inform the public.
·
These maps help
people plan their travel and outdoor activities.
·
They show how
weather systems, like the monsoon, move across the country.
Section 6: Practical
Applications
16. Why must a rain gauge be placed in an open area?
·
Buildings can
block rain from reaching the gauge, giving a low reading.
·
Trees can
shelter the gauge or cause extra "drip" water to fall into it.
·
Splashing from
nearby walls can enter the funnel and create errors.
·
Open ground
ensures that the rain collected represents the actual rainfall of the area.
·
Placing it on an
elevated platform prevents ground water from entering.
·
Accuracy is key
for scientists to calculate the total water supply of a region.
17. Describe the relationship between Temperature, Air,
and the Troposphere.
·
The Sun heats
the Earth's surface, which in turn heats the air in the troposphere.
·
Warm air
expands, becomes lighter, and rises upward.
·
As air rises, it
cools down, which leads to the formation of clouds.
·
This cycle of
rising and cooling air drives almost all weather events.
·
The troposphere
is thicker in the tropics because the air there is warmer and expands more.
·
It is thinner at
the poles because cold air is dense and stays closer to the ground.
18. What is 'Relative Humidity' and why is 100% humidity
significant?
·
Relative
humidity compares current moisture to the maximum amount the air can hold.
·
It is always
recorded as a percentage using a hygrometer.
·
Dry weather
typically ranges between 20% and 40% humidity.
·
Humid or
"sticky" weather is usually between 60% and 80%.
·
100% humidity
means the air is completely "saturated" and can hold no more water.
·
When air reaches
100% humidity, water vapor begins to condense into rain or fog.
19. How do meteorologists use 'Depressions' and 'High
Pressure' for forecasting?
·
High pressure is
usually associated with sinking air, which prevents cloud formation.
·
Therefore,
high-pressure readings on a barometer suggest clear, sunny skies.
·
Low pressure, or
a depression, means air is rising and cooling.
·
Rising air
creates clouds and precipitation, signaling rain or snow.
·
Strong
depressions can lead to very high wind speeds and stormy weather.
·
Tracking these
pressure systems allows meteorologists to see where a storm is moving.
20. Discuss the role of the India Meteorological Department
(IMD).
·
The IMD is the
primary government agency for all things related to weather.
·
They manage a
vast network of manual and automated weather stations.
·
They issue daily
forecasts, heatwave alerts, and cyclone warnings.
·
The IMD uses
advanced technology like satellites and radars to track the monsoon.
·
Their reports
are crucial for the Indian economy, especially for agriculture.
·
They provide
historical weather data used by scientists to study climate patterns.
D. Assertion and Reason Questions and Answers (20)
Instructions for Answers:
·
(a) Both A and R
are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
·
(b) Both A and R
are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
·
(c) A is true, but
R is false.
·
(d) A is false, but
R is true.
Questions
1. Assertion (A): Almost all weather phenomena take place in the
troposphere.
Reason (R): The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere closest
to the Earth's surface.
·
Answer: (b) (Both are
true, but being the closest layer isn't the scientific reason;
the presence of water vapor and dust is the reason).
2. Assertion (A): The troposphere is thicker in the tropical zone than at
the poles.
Reason (R): Warmer air expands, causing the atmosphere to be thicker
in the tropics.
·
Answer: (a)
3. Assertion (A): Digital thermometers are often preferred over
traditional liquid thermometers.
Reason (R): Digital thermometers are more precise and can record
more data.
·
Answer: (a)
4. Assertion (A): A rain gauge should be kept under a tree to collect more
water.
Reason (R): Trees can cause extra "drip," leading to
inaccurate rainfall measurements.
·
Answer: (d) (A is
false; a rain gauge should be kept in an open area).
5. Assertion (A): Atmospheric pressure is lower on top of a mountain than
at the sea coast.
Reason (R): As we go higher up, the air becomes thinner and the
weight of the air above us decreases.
·
Answer: (a)
6. Assertion (A): People often feel breathless or dizzy at high altitudes.
Reason (R): At high altitudes, there is less oxygen available for
our lungs to take in.
·
Answer: (a)
7. Assertion (A): A pressure reading below 1000 mb usually indicates a
"depression."
Reason (R): A depression often leads to stormy weather or cyclones.
·
Answer: (b) (Both are
true, but R describes the result, not why 1000
mb is called a depression).
8. Assertion (A): Wind always moves from areas of low pressure to areas of
high pressure.
Reason (R): Wind is the movement of air caused by pressure
differences.
·
Answer: (d) (A is
false; wind moves from High to Low
pressure).
9. Assertion (A): Air pilots and sailors need to be aware of wind speed
and direction.
Reason (R): Wind has a great influence on the safety of flying and
sailing.
·
Answer: (a)
10. Assertion (A): An anemometer is used to measure wind direction.
Reason (R): An anemometer has metal cups that rotate when the wind
blows.
·
Answer: (d) (A is
false; a Wind Vane measures direction, an Anemometer measures speed).
11. Assertion (A): High humidity makes us feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Reason (R): When humidity is high, sweat from our body does not
evaporate easily.
·
Answer: (a)
12. Assertion (A): Museums monitor humidity very closely.
Reason (R): They need to maintain a dry environment to preserve
their historical exhibits.
·
Answer: (a)
13. Assertion (A): Automated Weather Stations (AWS) provide data without
human intervention.
Reason (R): They use electronic sensors to record temperature,
humidity, and wind speed.
·
Answer: (a)
14. Assertion (A): Observing birds flying low is a traditional way to
predict a storm.
Reason (R): Modern meteorologists only use "cool gadgets"
and ignore nature's signals.
·
Answer: (c) (R is
false; many people still value traditional knowledge).
15. Assertion (A): Accurately predicting the weather is very important
today.
Reason (R): Climate change is making extreme weather events like
floods and cyclones more frequent.
·
Answer: (a)
**********