AMS Climate Science and Climatology

Question 1

What is the primary external driver of Earth's climate system?

Accepted Answer

Solar radiation

Answer

Solar radiation is the dominant energy input that drives atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and the global climate system.

Question 2

The Milankovitch cycles describe climate variability caused by:

Accepted Answer

Periodic variations in Earth's orbital parameters

Answer

Milankovitch cycles refer to variations in Earth's eccentricity, axial tilt, and precession that alter the distribution and intensity of solar radiation reaching Earth.

Question 3

Which greenhouse gas has the highest global warming potential (GWP) per molecule over a 100-year time horizon?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

Answer

SF6 has a GWP of approximately 23,500 over 100 years, far exceeding CO2, CH4, and N2O on a per-molecule basis.

Question 4

The Köppen climate classification system primarily categorizes climates based on:

Accepted Answer

Temperature and precipitation patterns

Answer

Köppen's system uses monthly and annual temperature and precipitation thresholds, along with seasonal patterns, to define five major climate zones and their subtypes.

Question 5

The globally averaged mean surface temperature of Earth is approximately:

Accepted Answer

15°C (59°F)

Answer

Earth's global mean surface temperature is approximately 15°C (288 K), which is about 33°C warmer than it would be without the natural greenhouse effect.

American Meteorological Society Certification Practice Test

American Meteorological Society Certification Practice Test

AMS Climate Science and Climatology