American Meteorological Society Certification Synoptic Meteorology 3

Question 1

What is the MSLP (Mean Sea Level Pressure) standard value for a typical atmospheric surface?

Accepted Answer

1013.25 hPa

Answer

950 hPa

Answer

1050 hPa

Answer

1000 hPa

Question 2

During rapid cyclogenesis (bombogenesis), how much must surface pressure drop in 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

At least 24 hPa in 24 hours (latitude-corrected)

Answer

At least 12 hPa in 24 hours

Answer

At least 6 hPa in 12 hours

Answer

At least 36 hPa in 48 hours

Question 3

What is the primary source of energy for extratropical cyclones?

Accepted Answer

Baroclinic instability from horizontal temperature gradients

Answer

Latent heat release

Answer

Sensible heat from the ocean surface

Answer

Shortwave radiation

Question 4

A zonal flow pattern in the mid-latitudes is characterized by what?

Accepted Answer

Predominantly west-to-east flow with weak amplitude

Answer

Strong meridional (north-south) wind components

Answer

Frequent cutoff lows

Answer

Strong blocking patterns

Question 5

What is Q-vector divergence used to diagnose in synoptic meteorology?

Accepted Answer

Vertical motion without computing vorticity separately

Answer

Surface wind direction

Answer

Tropopause folding events

Answer

Tropical cyclone track

Question 6

The Polar Front Jet Stream typically forms near which atmospheric boundary?

Accepted Answer

The boundary between polar and mid-latitude air masses

Answer

The subtropical high belt

Answer

The trade wind inversion

Answer

The equatorial convergence zone