Climate and Weather Quiz: 15 Atmosphere Questions
Climate and weather shape our daily lives and our planet. From the greenhouse effect to cyclones and El Niño, are you a true expert on atmospheric phenomena?
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Frequently asked questions: Climate & Weather
A preview of what awaits you in this climate & weather quiz: 15 multiple choice questions, each with a detailed explanation so you can learn as you play. Here are a few example questions (and their answers, so no cheating before you play!).
Which gas is mainly responsible for the natural greenhouse effect on Earth?
Answer: Water vapour. Water vapour is the main natural greenhouse gas, responsible for about 60% of the total greenhouse effect. CO2, although often cited, comes second but is the main human-made gas contributing to warming.
What are the storm clouds with great vertical development, which can cause hail and tornadoes, called?
Answer: Cumulonimbus. Cumulonimbus clouds are massive storm clouds that can rise to an altitude of 15 km. They are responsible for violent weather: torrential rain, hail, lightning and sometimes tornadoes.
What is the main consequence of the melting of continental ice (Antarctica, Greenland)?
Answer: A rise in sea level. The melting of continental ice causes sea levels to rise, because the fresh water stored on the continents flows into the oceans. Since 1900, the average sea level has risen by about 20 cm, and the rise is accelerating.
What is the difference between climate and weather?
Answer: Weather describes short-term conditions, while climate is a long-term average. Weather describes atmospheric conditions in the short term (hours, days), while climate is the statistical average of weather conditions over a long period (at least 30 years). Tomorrow's weather can be forecast, but climate is measured over decades.
What is the jet stream?
Answer: A high-altitude wind blowing at great speed. The jet stream is a very fast air current (150 to 300 km/h) flowing at high altitude (8 to 12 km). It strongly influences the weather by steering low-pressure systems and anticyclones. Aircraft use it to shorten their flight times from west to east.
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