Coast Guard Test Maritime Weather and Oceanography

Question 1

What does the Beaufort scale measure?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed at sea

Answer

The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure that rates wind speed based on observed sea and land conditions, ranging from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane-force).

Question 2

What type of fog is most commonly encountered in coastal waters when warm, moist air moves over a colder sea surface?

Accepted Answer

Advection fog

Answer

Advection fog forms when warm, moist air moves horizontally over a cooler ocean surface, cooling the air to its dew point and forming fog.

Question 3

A rapidly falling barometer aboard a vessel most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Approaching storm or severe weather

Answer

A rapid drop in barometric pressure signals an approaching low-pressure system, which brings deteriorating weather, strong winds, and rough seas.

Question 4

In the Northern Hemisphere, winds around a low-pressure system rotate in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Counterclockwise

Answer

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes winds around a low-pressure center to rotate counterclockwise (cyclonically).

Question 5

Significant wave height is defined as the average height of the:

Accepted Answer

Tallest third of waves

Answer

Significant wave height is the mean height of the highest one-third of waves, which correlates closely with what an experienced observer would estimate visually.

Coast Guard Practice Test Practice Test

Coast Guard Practice Test Practice Test

Coast Guard Test Maritime Weather and Oceanography