American Meteorological Society Certification Synoptic Meteorology

Question 1

What type of front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front?

Accepted Answer

Occluded front

Answer

Stationary front

Answer

Dryline

Answer

Backdoor front

Question 2

On a surface weather map, isobars that are closely spaced indicate what?

Accepted Answer

Strong pressure gradient and strong winds

Answer

Weak pressure gradient and calm winds

Answer

High humidity

Answer

Stable air

Question 3

What is the Bergen School cyclone model?

Accepted Answer

The Norwegian model describing extratropical cyclone life cycle

Answer

A tropical cyclone intensification theory

Answer

A forecasting algorithm for winter storms

Answer

A mesoscale convective system model

Question 4

Which surface feature is commonly found along the boundary between dry continental and moist Gulf of Mexico air in the US?

Accepted Answer

Dryline

Answer

Cold front

Answer

Warm front

Answer

Occluded front

Question 5

500 hPa height charts are used primarily to analyze what?

Accepted Answer

Mid-tropospheric steering flow and troughs/ridges

Answer

Surface wind patterns

Answer

Precipitation type

Answer

Boundary layer humidity

Question 6

What is a cutoff low?

Accepted Answer

An upper-level low that has separated from the main westerly flow

Answer

A surface low with no associated precipitation

Answer

A shallow low formed by surface heating

Answer

A low-pressure system over the ocean only