7.4 Thunderstorms

25 July 2022
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12 test answers

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question
If there is thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of an airport at which you plan to land, which hazardous atmospheric phenomenon might be expected on the landing approach? a) Precipitation static b) Wind-shear turbulence c) Steady rain
answer
B
Explanation: If there is thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of an airport, the most likely hazard on the landing approach would be wind-shear turbulence. This is because thunderstorms are typically associated with strong winds, which can create turbulence near the ground. Precipitation static and steady rain are also possible hazards, but they are less likely than wind-shear turbulence.
question
A nonfrontal, narrow band of active thunderstorms that often develop ahead of a cold front is known as a a) prefrontal system b) squall line c) dry line
answer
B
Explanation: d) tropical depressionA squall line is a nonfrontal, narrow band of active thunderstorms that often develop ahead of a cold front. These thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail.
question
What conditions are necessary for the formation of thunderstorms? a) High humidity, lifting force, and unstable conditions b) High humidity, high temperature, and cumulus clouds c) Lifting force, moist air, and extensive cloud cover
answer
A
Explanation: d) Low pressure, high humidity, and cumulus cloudsThunderstorms require three conditions in order to form: moist air, lifting force, and unstable conditions. Moist air is necessary because it provides the water vapor that will condense and form the thunderstorm's precipitation. Lifting force is necessary to raise the moist air upwards into the atmosphere where it can cool and condense. Unstable conditions are necessary because they cause the lifting force to act more quickly, allowing the thunderstorm to form more quickly.
question
During the life cycle of a thunderstorm, which stage is characterized predominately by downdrafts? a) Cumulus b) Dissipating c) Mature
answer
B
Explanation: d) DevelopingThe stage of a thunderstorm characterized by downdrafts is the dissipating stage. This is the stage when the thunderstorm is weakening and the downdrafts are predominating.
question
Thunderstorms reach their greatest intensity during the a) mature stage b) downdraft stage c) cumulus stage
answer
A
Explanation: d) updraft stageThunderstorms reach their greatest intensity during the mature stage. This is when the storm is at its strongest, with the heaviest rains and strongest winds. The downdraft stage is when the storm starts to weaken, and the cumulus stage is when the storm is just beginning to form.
question
What feature is normally associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm? a) roll cloud b) continuous updraft c) frequent lightning
answer
B
Explanation: d) large hailThe cumulus stage of a thunderstorm is normally associated with a continuous updraft. This is the stage where the thunderstorm is growing and the cumulonimbus cloud is forming. The thunderstorm will also produce frequent lightning and large hail at this stage.
question
Which weather phenomenon signals the beginning of the mature stage of a thunderstorm? a) the appearance of an anvil top b) precipitation beginning to fall c) maximum growth rate of the clouds
answer
B
question
Thunderstorms which generally produce the most intense hazard to aircraft are a) squall line thunderstorms b) steady-state thunderstorms c) warm front thunderstorms
answer
A
Explanation: d) cold front thunderstormsSquall line thunderstorms are the most intense hazard to aircraft because they are associated with strong, gusty winds and heavy precipitation. These storms can also produce severe turbulence and hail. Steady-state thunderstorms are less intense and usually only produce moderate turbulence and light to moderate precipitation. Warm front thunderstorms are the least intense and usually only produce light precipitation.
question
Which weather phenomenon is always associated with a thunderstorm? a) lightning b) heavy rain c) hail
answer
A
question
The mature stage of a thunderstorm begins with a) formation of the anvil top b) the start of precipitation c) continuous downdrafts
answer
B
Explanation: d) the development of the updraftThe mature stage of a thunderstorm begins when the updraft and downdraft become more organized and the thunderstorm begins to take on a more distinct shape. The anvil top forms as the updraft begins to push the thunderstorm's precipitation higher into the atmosphere. The start of precipitation signals the beginning of the mature stage, as the thunderstorm begins to produce heavy rain or snow. Continuous downdrafts help to keep the thunderstorm's precipitation from reaching the ground, while the updraft continues to lift the thunderstorm's clouds higher into the atmosphere.
question
The destination airport has one runway, 8-26, and the wind is calm. The normal approach in calm wind is a left-hand pattern to runway 8. There is no other traffic at the airport. A thunderstorm about 6 miles west is beginning its mature stage, and rain is starting to reach the ground. The pilot decides to a) depart expecting the thunderstorm to dissipate prior to arrival, then land on runway 8 b) delay departure until the thunderstorm has dissipated c) fly an approach to runway 26 since any unexpected wind due to the storm will be westerly
answer
B
Explanation:d) the development of the updraftThe mature stage of a thunderstorm begins when the updraft and downdraft become more organized and the thunderstorm begins to take on a more distinct shape. The anvil top forms as the updraft begins to push the thunderstorm's precipitation higher into the atmosphere. The start of precipitation signals the beginning of the mature stage, as the thunderstorm begins to produce heavy rain or snow. Continuous downdrafts help to keep the thunderstorm's precipitation from reaching the ground, while the updraft continues to lift the thunderstorm's clouds higher into the atmosphere.
question
You are avoiding a thunderstorm that is in your flightpath. You are over 20 miles from the cell; however, you are under the anvil of the cell. Is this a hazard? a) No, you are at a safe distance from the cell b) Yes, hail can be discharged from the anvil c) Yes, this is still in the area of dissipation
answer
B
Explanation: The anvil of a thunderstorm is the area where the thunderstorm's updraft and downdraft meet. The anvil is usually found at the top of the thunderstorm. The anvil can extend out from the thunderstorm for many miles. Hail can be discharged from the anvil and can fall to the ground many miles from the thunderstorm.