PSTAR Aviation Weather and Meteorology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What weather phenomenon is associated with a rapidly rising cumulus cloud with a dark base and anvil-shaped top?
- Stratus cloud
- Cumulonimbus (Correct answer)
- Altostratus
- Cirrostratus
Correct answer: Cumulonimbus
A cumulonimbus cloud with an anvil-shaped top indicates a fully developed thunderstorm with severe hazards to aviation.
Question 2: What is the primary cause of wind shear near the ground?
- High humidity
- Temperature inversion (Correct answer)
- Low barometric pressure
- High cloud cover
Correct answer: Temperature inversion
A temperature inversion traps cold air near the ground and creates a sharp boundary where wind speed and direction can change dramatically.
Question 3: What is the dewpoint?
- The temperature at which water freezes
- The temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins (Correct answer)
- The maximum temperature reached during the day
- The temperature of the ground surface
Correct answer: The temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins
The dewpoint is the temperature at which air becomes saturated (100% relative humidity), causing condensation or fog to form.
Question 4: What type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface?
- Radiation fog
- Advection fog (Correct answer)
- Upslope fog
- Steam fog
Correct answer: Advection fog
Advection fog forms when warm, moist air is transported horizontally over a cooler surface, cooling the air to its dewpoint.
Question 5: What wind condition is associated with a mountain wave?
- Calm winds at all altitudes
- Strong winds blowing perpendicular to a mountain ridge (Correct answer)
- Winds parallel to mountain ranges
- Light variable winds
Correct answer: Strong winds blowing perpendicular to a mountain ridge
Mountain waves form when strong winds blow perpendicular (across) a mountain ridge, creating wave oscillations on the leeward side.
Question 6: What is the standard lapse rate of temperature in the atmosphere?
- 1°C per 1,000 feet
- 2°C per 1,000 feet (Correct answer)
- 3°F per 1,000 feet
- 4°F per 1,000 feet
Correct answer: 2°C per 1,000 feet
The standard lapse rate is approximately 2°C (3.5°F) per 1,000 feet of altitude gain in the standard atmosphere.
PSTAR Aviation Weather and Meteorology 1
What weather phenomenon is associated with a rapidly rising cumulus cloud with a dark base and anvil-shaped top?