The Atmosphere | PPL(A) Meteorology - EASA & UK CAA
The Atmosphere practice questions for the EASA and UK CAA PPL(A) written exams.
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Anticyclone
Section titled "Anticyclone"Select the correct option(s) on High pressure systems:
Which of the following options on anticyclones (high pressure) is correct?
When isobars _______ this is called a:
When isobars _______, they form what is called a:
Cold anticyclones:
Select the correct option(s) concerning subsidence and weather:
Atmospheric Pressure
Section titled "Atmospheric Pressure"Determine at what altitude the _______ at sea level.
What is _______ pressure called?
An elongated _______ is known as:
What is the area called when isobars?
When isobars make _______, this is called a:
The atmosphere is always trying to correct imbalances. As a result, the convergence of air around a surface low is approximately offset by __(1)__. The divergence of air around a surface high is approximately offset by __(2)__.
While air swirls inward and converges into the center of surface low pressure, an "upper-level disturbance" causes divergence aloft that allows air columns to shed weight.
"As air swirls outward away from the center of surface high pressure, upper-level convergence allows air columns to gain mass"
Evaluate the statements concerning wind and isobars:
As __(1)__, atmospheric pressure __(2)__.
Isobars can make shapes and patterns. When isobars enclose an _______:
What is the reduction of the station pressure _______, and the barometer at the station shows 1024 hPa?
On mean sea level (MSL) weather charts, _______:
The __(1)__ the isobars, the __(2)__ the winds.
Isobars make shapes and patterns. When they _______, it is called:
In the northern hemisphere, _______, the lower pressure:
Definition and measurement of wind
Section titled "Definition and measurement of wind"The wind given by the _______ on:
According to ICAO, a windsock is mounted at a mast height so that it is clearly visible, and the taper of the fabric windsock from the throat to the trailing end must be designed to cause the windsock to fully extend when exposed to a wind of:
Mountain waves (standing waves, lee waves)
Section titled "Mountain waves (standing waves, lee waves)"What conditions are needed for the formation mountain waves?
Lee waves are standing waves in the air that form ...... of a hill or mountain range as winds pass over them.
Select the correct statement(s) concerning mountain waves:
What _______ for Mountain Waves?
Evaluate the statements: 1. When airflow approaches a mountain at an almost right angle, it rises while traversing the mountain. If it reaches an inversion layer, the airflow is pushed downward. 2. Given the stability of the air, it endeavours to return to its original elevation, sparking an oscillation. As air ascends within the wave pattern, it cools and condenses into a cloud that settles atop each wave crest. This cloud displays a distinct lens-like shape.
Change of state of water
Section titled "Change of state of water"Condensation may occur by:
Whenever a water molecule ________, it is said to have:
The __(1)__ the dew point rises, the __(2)__ the amount of moisture the air can hold.
Select the correct option(s) concerning dew point:
When thermal energy is added to a substance, its temperature increases, which can _______. This is called:
When thermal energy is added to a substance, its temperature increases, which can change _______. This is called:
When thermal energy is added to a substance, its temperature increases, which can _______. This is called:
When energy is removed, decreasing the substance's temperature and _______ is called:
When energy is removed, decreasing the substance's temperature and _______ is called:
In the atmospheric water / water vapor system an increase in temperature leads to _______ evaporation and an increase in pressure leads to _______ evaporation.
Select the correct option(s) concerning latent heat:
Select the correct option(s) concerning water vapour and heat:
Select the correct option(s):
Select the correct option(s) concerning the dew point temperature:
Select the correct option(s) concerning change of state of matter:
Adiabatic processes
Section titled "Adiabatic processes"Refer to figure ppl-050-006. What does the attached diagram show?
Select the correct option.
Refer to figure ppl-050-007. What does the attached diagram show?
Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR):
What does the term _______ mean?
Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR):
Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate (SALR):
Refer to figure ppl-050-008. What does the attached diagram show?
Air temperature
Section titled "Air temperature"A surface temperature _______:
Evaluate the statements on radiant energy:
Transfer of heat by the _______ from one place to another, is called:
If unsaturated air rises far enough, its temperature will reach its dew point temperature, __(1)__ will begin to form. This altitude is known as the __(2)__.
The temperature of an object determines the __(1)__ of radiation, the __(2)__ the object, the shorter the length of the wave.
_______ freezes at __(1)__ and boils at __(2)__ (at sea level).
Sometimes, the temperature in the lower layers of air increases instead of decreasing with elevation.
What is the process of heat transfer from a warmer _______ with each other?
Refer to the METAR. At approximately what height is the cloud base expected?
__(1)__ is the rate of temperature change occurring within a rising or descending air parcel, and its value is not highly variable. __(2)__ is the rate of decrease of temperature with altitude in the stationary atmosphere at a given time and location. It is __(3)__.
The angle of incidence or the angle which the sun's rays make with the earth's surface, determines the amount of solar radiation which a particular place on the Earth will receive. The area covered by the vertical rays is always __(1)__ than the slant rays. If more area is covered, the energy gets distributed and the net energy received per unit area __(2)__.
The temperature remains almost the same in the lower part of __(1)__ up to the height of 20 km After this, the temperature __(2)__ slowly with the increase in the height The temperature __(3)__ due to the presence of ozone gas in the upper part of this layer
Incoming solar radiation is known as __(1)__. It is received in the form of __(2)__ waves which are of electromagnetic nature.
Which option best describes the _______?
_______ type of temperature inversion:
A thermometer is calibrated by marking two fixed points. The space between these fixed points is broken up into divisions called degrees. Degrees are used to indicate temperature. _______: __(1)__, __(2)__, __(3)__.
The _______ within the ICAO standard atmosphere __(1)__ with __(2)__ .
When an air parcel that is saturated with water vapour rises, it ....... than it would if it were not saturated.
_______ parcel of air does work, __(1)__, it __(2)__ energy, so that its temperature __(3)__.
Evaluate the statements concerning temperature and kinetic energy:
About __(1)__ of insolation is reflected into space even before reaching the Earth's surface. The remaining __(2)__ is absorbed (14 % within the atmosphere and 51 % by the Earth's surface).
Which of the following statements is correct or incorrect concerning the transfer of heat?
The _______ to the atmosphere in the form of __(1)__ waves This energy __(2)__ .
Select the correct statement(s) concerning lapse rates:
If the environmental lapse rate is _______, then:
If the environmental lapse rate _______ lapse rate:
Evaluate the statements concerning solar radiation and the atmosphere:
On the Celsius scale and at sea level, water freezes at __(1)__ and boils at __(2)__
The Earth's surface after being heated up by the insolation (in the form of short waves), starts to transfer energy to the atmosphere in the form of long waves.
At the winter solstice (22 December), the southern hemisphere receives __(1)__ sunshine as it is summer there, while at the summer solstice (21 June), the northern hemisphere receives __(2)__ sunshine as it is summer time there.
_______, it tends to __(1)__, which __(2)__ its density.
Which of the following statements about the angle of the insolation (solar radiation) with the surface of the Earth is correct?
If the environmental lapse rate is _______, then:
Evaluate the statements on winds and temperature:
As heat is added to a gas, the molecules move __(1)__. This increased motion causes a small increase in the volume, or amount of space, taken up by most materials. There are devices that use the expansion of a substance to give an indirect measure of temperature. Such devices are called __(2)__.
Evaluate the statements on heat and heating of the earth:
Evaluate the statements on temperature and thermodynamics:
A subsidence inversion:
A turbulence inversion:
Evaluate the statements on thermodynamic equilibrium:
The dry adiabatic lapse rate for the Earth's atmosphere equals __(1)__ per kilometer, and this value is not highly variable. The environmental lapse rate (ELR) value is highly variable, but an average value is __(2)__ per kilometre for an idealised ISA.
The dry adiabatic lapse rate for the Earth's atmosphere is __(1)__ per km. Thus, the temperature of an air parcel that ascends or descends 5 km would fall or rise __(2)__, respectively.
20 °C is:
0 °F is:
In a __(1)__ gas, the molecules __(2)__ than in a __(3)__ gas.
The transfer of heat _______ is called:
_______ takes place only under certain specific conditions such as:
Composition, extent and vertical division
Section titled "Composition, extent and vertical division"The troposphere contains __(1)__ of the total mass of the planetary atmosphere, and __(2)__ of the total mass of water vapour and aerosols.
Where does most _______ occur?
What is _______ of the atmosphere?
The atmosphere of Earth is composed of:
From the planetary surface of the Earth, the average height of the troposphere is __(1)__ in the tropics; and __(2)__ in the high latitudes of the polar regions.
Primary cause of wind
Section titled "Primary cause of wind"Air flows from regions of __(1)__ atmospheric pressure. However, when the wind speed increases, __(2)__, influences the wind's direction, causing it to align with the isobars.
Wind can be considered as __(1)__ flow of atmospheric air. __(2)__.
In the Northern Hemisphere, _______, the atmospheric pressure is:
Due to the __(1)___ rotation speed at the Equator compared to the poles, if you throw a ball in a straight line toward the North in the Northern Hemisphere, it will seem to land to the __(2)___ of your position because the ground beneath it is moving slower.
To find surface wind direction, you need to take the _______:
What happens to the _______ slows the wind speed down?
When winds are subject to __(1)__, they cause air to flow outward from the region. This kind of flow is typically associated with __(2)__.
Non-frontal depressions
Section titled "Non-frontal depressions"When an air mass is lifted by a mountain range, it may cause:
Select the correct option(s) concerning air masses and temperature:
When isobars _______ they form a:
Tropical Maritime (Warm air) migrating to the north from the tropics meets Polar Maritime (cold dense air) migrating south from the Polar region.
Cloud formation and description
Section titled "Cloud formation and description"When warm rain falls through cooler air, it can make the surrounding air saturated with moisture and form a thick layer of fog. This usually happens with warm fronts. This type of fog is:
Select the correct option concerning adiabatic expansion.
The signs of an _______ are the following:
What forms when warm, moist air _______.
What forms when water vapour is added to air that is much colder than the water vapour's source? (Commonly occurring when very cold air drifts across relatively warm water)
What forms in the evening when the heat absorbed by the Earth's surface during the day is radiated into the air at night?
If an air parcel is lifted, _______?
When warm moist air is _______, it cools and the water vapor condenses into:
By definition, _______, the visibility is less than:
What is a layer in the atmosphere in which air _______?
Select the correct option(s) concerning Mid-level clouds:
Refer to figure ppl-050-016. What clouds are depicted in the figure?
Select the correct option concerning High-level clouds:
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 8?
Main type(s) of low clouds include:
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 9?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 3?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 4?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 5?
Refer to figure ppl-050-013. What type of clouds are present in the attached figure?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 6?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 1?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 10?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 7?
Refer to figure ppl-050-009. What is cloud number 2?
Refer to figure ppl-050-012. What type of clouds are present in the attached figure?
Refer to figure ppl-050-011. Which of the following figures shows Altocumulus lenticularis?
Refer to figure ppl-050-014. What clouds are depicted in the attached figure?
Refer to figure ppl-050-015. What type of clouds are present in the attached figure?
Refer to figure ppl-050-010. What clouds are depicted in the figure?
Refer to figure ppl-050-011. Which of the following figures shows a towering cumulus cloud?
Fronts
Section titled "Fronts"Choose the correct option concerning movement of fronts:
What type of front is formed when a cold front overtakes warm front _______?
The warm front _______ in the case of stable warm air is:
Select the correct and most complete answer from the following options concerning stationary fronts:
Select the correct option(s) concerning fronts.
If a cold front is approaching:
If warm front is approaching:
The front is the sloping boundary _______:
_______ of the cold front:
_______ of a warm front:
If a warm front is _______:
If a cold front is _______:
The sequence of clouds that form, in case of a _______:
A cold front is _______:
What front is that gently sloping frontal surface along which warm and light air rises slowly over cold and dense air?
What is the sloping frontal surface along which cold air invades the warm air territory and being denser remains at the ground but forcibly uplifts the warm and light air.
Select the correct option(s) concerning an occluded front:
Select the correct option(s) concerning the movement of fronts.
Select the correct option(s) concerning warm fronts:
After the passage _______:
In the case of a _______:
General global circulation
Section titled "General global circulation"What is the primary cause of the _______?
What is the name of the wind pattern that _______?
Which wind pattern is found near the equator and is characterized by calm conditions with little wind?
Which of the following winds predominantly affect weather systems in the _______?
Air masses
Section titled "Air masses"Select the correct option(s):
_______ modification of an air mass:
Select the correct option(s):
Air masses can be _______ as:
Select the correct option(s) concerning air masses
Select the correct option(s) concerning air masses
Air Density
Section titled "Air Density"Density is __(1)__ and __(2)__.
The base atmospheric _______ is:
Evaluate the statements on the relationship between air pressure and density:
Types and development of precipitation
Section titled "Types and development of precipitation"What kind of cloud can _______?
What kind of cloud can give _______?
From the following options, select the correct phases of the development of _______.
Altimetry
Section titled "Altimetry"Absolute altitude:
The indicated altitude is 2000 ft and the outside air temperature (OAT) is -15 °C. _______ :
What is the definition of _______?
At high ambient temperatures, the atmosphere retains a higher water vapour content. The air density changes because water vapour weighs __(1)__ than dry air. Therefore, as the water content of the air increases, the air becomes __(2)__, __(3)__ density altitude and __(4)__ performance.
What is _______?
If the value indicated by an altimeter is _______, then the indicated value is:
What is _______ ?
Your altimeter will read _______ with ...... set on the subscale.
Your altimeter will read _______ with ...... set on the subscale.
If the altimeter reference is _______:
You are at an airport where pressure altitude is 5500 ft. SAT is +35 °C. _______ ?
Evaluate the following statements on wind and pressure.
Indicated altitude:
The __(1)__ the air, the less dense it is. When the temperature rises above the standard temperature for a particular place, the density of the air in that location is __(2)__, and the density altitude __(3)__.
_______ __(1)__. A "high" density altitude means that air density is reduced, __(2)__.
_______ __(1)__ than ISA an aircraft will be __(2)__ than the altimeter reading.
If the value indicated by an altimeter is _______, then the indicated value is:
If the value indicated by an altimeter is _______, then the indicated value is:
Humidity
Section titled "Humidity"Which of the following quantities remains unchanged if unsaturated air is _______?
What is the term _______?
ICAO standard atmosphere
Section titled "ICAO standard atmosphere"Evaluate the following statements concerning air density and performance:
What is the _______ mean sea level?
What is the _______ mean sea level?
Turbulence
Section titled "Turbulence"Wind shear _______:
Select the correct option(s) on Light turbulence:
Select the correct option(s) on Severe turbulence:
Select the correct option(s) on Moderate turbulence:
Refer to figure ppl-050-017. Based on the attached figure, what is the meaning of the sign?
Refer to figure ppl-050-005. Based on the attached figure, what is the meaning of the sign?
The __(1)__ the wind, the more irregular the terrain and the __(2)__ the air, the stronger the turbulence.
Select the correct option(s) about heating of the earth's surface and thermal turbulence:
Local winds
Section titled "Local winds"Select the correct statement(s) concerning a land breeze:
Select the correct statement(s) concerning a Sea breeze:
Select the correct statement(s) concerning Katabatic winds:
Select the correct statement(s) concerning Anabatic winds: