S-130 Weather Observation 2

Question 1

What is the term for the layer of air closest to the earth's surface where most weather occurs?

Accepted Answer

Troposphere

Answer

The troposphere is the lowest atmospheric layer and the zone where virtually all weather phenomena, including fire weather, occur.

Question 2

Which instrument measures atmospheric pressure and is used to help forecast approaching weather systems?

Accepted Answer

Barometer

Answer

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure; falling pressure often indicates an approaching storm or weather change relevant to fire behavior.

Question 3

A firefighter observes cumulus clouds building rapidly into towering cumulonimbus clouds overhead. This indicates:

Accepted Answer

Possible thunderstorm activity and erratic winds

Answer

Rapid vertical development into cumulonimbus signals convective instability and potential for thunderstorm-generated erratic outflow winds and dry lightning.

Question 4

What does a lapse rate describe in fire weather meteorology?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which temperature decreases with increasing altitude

Answer

Lapse rate is the rate of temperature decrease with altitude; a steep lapse rate indicates atmospheric instability that promotes fire development.

Question 5

Which type of wind is caused by the local heating of slopes during the day, causing air to flow uphill?

Accepted Answer

Anabatic wind

Answer

Anabatic winds are upslope winds driven by daytime solar heating of mountain slopes, which can carry fire uphill rapidly.

(S-130) Wildland Firefighting Training Certification Practice Test

(S-130) Wildland Firefighting Training Certification Practice Test

S-130 Weather Observation 2