ADX Weather and Environmental Factors 3

Question 1

What weather condition is indicated when a rawinsonde observation shows a sharp temperature inversion and very low dew point spread at a low altitude?

Accepted Answer

A stable layer that suppresses convection and may trap pollutants

Answer

A temperature inversion creates a stable layer where warmer air overlies cooler air, suppressing vertical mixing and convection while potentially trapping moisture and pollutants below.

Question 2

A dispatcher planning a transoceanic flight reviews a Significant Weather Prognostic Chart. Which level of chart covers flight levels from FL250 to FL630?

Accepted Answer

High-Level Significant Weather Prog

Answer

The High-Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart covers flight levels FL250 through FL630, the primary range for high-altitude jet operations including transoceanic routes.

Question 3

Which type of fog forms when cold air moves over a warm water surface, causing rapid evaporation and condensation?

Accepted Answer

Steam fog

Answer

Steam fog (also called sea smoke or Arctic sea smoke) forms when cold air flows over much warmer water, evaporating moisture that immediately condenses into low-lying fog wisps.

Question 4

During pre-departure weather evaluation, a dispatcher finds that the destination has a METAR showing OVC003 and 1/4SM FG. The filed alternate is 85 NM away with METAR showing BKN020 and 3SM HZ. What is the dispatcher's primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Whether the alternate meets the regulatory weather minimums for filing as an alternate

Answer

When destination weather is at or near minimums, the dispatcher must verify that the alternate airport meets the applicable alternate minimums (precision or non-precision approach) at estimated time of arrival.

Question 5

What is the significance of a 'cap' or 'capping inversion' in thunderstorm forecasting?

Accepted Answer

It suppresses convection until sufficient heat breaks through, often causing explosive severe storm development

Answer

A capping inversion suppresses convection and allows instability to build; when the cap erodes or is breached by intense surface heating, the stored energy releases rapidly, producing severe thunderstorms.

(ADX) Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Test

(ADX) Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Test

ADX Weather and Environmental Factors 3