2. Cyclones are classified as tropical or extratropical based on
their sustained wind speeds and lowest atmospheric pressure.
whether they originate in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
their place of origin and temperature of their core region.
whether they stay in the tropics or move outside the tropics.
the direction of rotation and winds.

3. Cyclones are classified as tropical or extratropical based on
their sustained wind speeds and lowest atmospheric pressure.
whether they originate in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
their place of origin and temperature of their core region.
whether they stay in the tropics or move outside the tropics.
the direction of rotation and winds.
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 10.1 – Introduction to Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

4. Where is the cyclone in the figure located?
Anywhere on Earth, all cyclones are the same
Cannot tell from the figure
At the equator
Northern Hemisphere
Southern Hemisphere

5. Where is the cyclone in the figure located?
Anywhere on Earth, all cyclones are the same
Cannot tell from the figure
At the equator
Northern Hemisphere
Southern Hemisphere
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 3 Read and interpret graphs and data
Section: 10.1 – Introduction to Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

6. What is a difference between tropical and extratropical cyclones?
Extratropical cyclones obtain their energy from the horizontal temperature contrast between air masses on either side of a front.
Tropical cyclones are much less destructive than extratropical cyclones.
Extratropical cyclones obtain their energy from the warm ocean water and latent heat that is released as rising air condenses.
Tropical cyclones obtain their energy from the horizontal temperature contrast between air masses on either side of a front.
Extratropical cyclones form a spiraling pattern of clouds.

7. What is a difference between tropical and extratropical cyclones?
Extratropical cyclones obtain their energy from the horizontal temperature contrast between air masses on either side of a front.
Tropical cyclones are much less destructive than extratropical cyclones.
Extratropical cyclones obtain their energy from the warm ocean water and latent heat that is released as rising air condenses.
Tropical cyclones obtain their energy from the horizontal temperature contrast between air masses on either side of a front.
Extratropical cyclones form a spiraling pattern of clouds.
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.1 – Introduction to Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

8. Why is the classification and naming of cyclones often debated?
Since all cyclones are named it becomes difficult to develop new names each year.
Classification of a cyclone is only done after the storm ends.
It is a very subjective system that uses no scientific data.
The system varies from year to year, so there is no consistency.
It is based on a combination of science, custom, and politics.

9. Why is the classification and naming of cyclones often debated?
Since all cyclones are named it becomes difficult to develop new names each year.
Classification of a cyclone is only done after the storm ends.
It is a very subjective system that uses no scientific data.
The system varies from year to year, so there is no consistency.
It is based on a combination of science, custom, and politics.
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 10.1 – Introduction to Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.8 – An Earth-science-literate public is essential for reducing risks from natural hazards.

10. A hurricane category on the Saffir-Simpson Scale is determined by
the average 1-minute wind speed.
the amount of damage done by the hurricane.
a combination of the wind speed and storm surge.
the value of the storm surge.
the size (diameter) of the storm.

11. A hurricane category on the Saffir-Simpson Scale is determined by
the average 1-minute wind speed.
the amount of damage done by the hurricane.
a combination of the wind speed and storm surge.
the value of the storm surge.
the size (diameter) of the storm.
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 10.1 – Introduction to Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.8 – An Earth-science-literate public is essential for reducing risks from natural hazards.

12. The most intense rainfall of a hurricane occurs
in the rain bands.
just outside the rain bands.
outermost wall.
in the eyewall.
in the eye.

13. The most intense rainfall of a hurricane occurs
in the rain bands.
just outside the rain bands.
outermost wall.
in the eyewall.
in the eye.
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 10.2 – Cyclone Development and Movement
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

14. Which of these is not a condition needed for a hurricane to develop from a tropical storm?
Little vertical wind shear
Ample depth of warm water to provide energy
Close enough to the equator so the Coriolis effect is strong enough to cause rotation
Fast enough cooling of the atmosphere from ocean surface upward
Warm ocean waters at least 26 degrees C (~80 degrees F)

15. Little vertical wind shear Ample depth of warm water to provide energy
Which of these is not a condition needed for a hurricane to develop from a tropical storm?
Little vertical wind shear
Ample depth of warm water to provide energy
Close enough to the equator so the Coriolis effect is strong enough to cause rotation
Fast enough cooling of the atmosphere from ocean surface upward
Warm ocean waters at least 26 degrees C (~80 degrees F)
Answer: C
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.2 – Cyclone Development and Movement
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

16. What have scientists discovered may help predict hurricane intensity changes?
All of these have been used
Decrease in the eye size
Shift in direction
Increase in rain bands
Development of hot towers

17. All of these have been used Decrease in the eye size
What have scientists discovered may help predict hurricane intensity changes?
All of these have been used
Decrease in the eye size
Shift in direction
Increase in rain bands
Development of hot towers
Answer: E
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.2 – Cyclone Development and Movement
Earth Science LO: 8.6 – Earth scientists are continually improving estimates of when and where natural hazards occur.

18. The band of warm moist air under “Pacific Ocean” in the figure that can feed extratropical cyclones is referred to as the
California Express stream.
Pineapple Express.
Pacific Express.
Pacific jet stream.
Subtropical jet stream.

19. California Express stream. Pineapple Express. Pacific Express.
The band of warm moist air under “Pacific Ocean” in the figure that can feed extratropical cyclones is referred to as the
California Express stream.
Pineapple Express.
Pacific Express.
Pacific jet stream.
Subtropical jet stream.
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.2 – Cyclone Development and Movement
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

20. Why was Hurricane Katrina so devastating to New Orleans even though there was ample advance warning and scientists had widely predicted a major hurricane would hit?
Overreliance on technology to protect lives and property
Failure in the design of levees and flood walls
It is complex and multifaceted – all of these are reasons
Social and psychological denial
Limited education of many of the residents in the affected area

21. Overreliance on technology to protect lives and property
Why was Hurricane Katrina so devastating to New Orleans even though there was ample advance warning and scientists had widely predicted a major hurricane would hit?
Overreliance on technology to protect lives and property
Failure in the design of levees and flood walls
It is complex and multifaceted – all of these are reasons
Social and psychological denial
Limited education of many of the residents in the affected area
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: Case Study 10.2 – Hurricane Katrina: “The most anticipated natural disaster in American history”
Earth Science LO: 9.9 – An Earth-science-literate public, informed by current and accurate scientific understanding of Earth, is critical to the promotion of good stewardship, sound policy, and international cooperation.

22. Which of the following U.S. states has the highest risk for hurricanes?
Louisiana
South Carolina
Alabama
New Jersey
Virginia

23. Which of the following U.S. states has the highest risk for hurricanes?
Louisiana
South Carolina
Alabama
New Jersey
Virginia
Answer: B
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.3 – Geographic Regions at Risk for Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.2 – Natural hazards shape the history of human societies.

25. From the given areas, which experiences the highest number of hurricanes?
North Atlantic Ocean
Near the equator
Southeast Pacific Ocean
South Atlantic Ocean
Northwest Pacific Ocean

26. Southeast Pacific Ocean South Atlantic Ocean Northwest Pacific Ocean
From the given areas, which experiences the highest number of hurricanes?
North Atlantic Ocean
Near the equator
Southeast Pacific Ocean
South Atlantic Ocean
Northwest Pacific Ocean
Answer: E
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.3 – Geographic Regions at Risk for Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

27. Which is not an effect of cyclones?
Flooding
High winds
Storm surge
Land subsidence
Blizzards

28. Which is not an effect of cyclones?
Flooding
High winds
Storm surge
Land subsidence
Blizzards
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.4 – Effects of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

29. In what part of a hurricane can you usually find the strongest winds, precipitation, and storm surge for storms making landfall in the northern hemisphere?
Left forward quadrant
Right forward quadrant
Left back quadrant
Right back quadrant
In the eye

30. Right forward quadrant Left back quadrant Right back quadrant
In what part of a hurricane can you usually find the strongest winds, precipitation, and storm surge for storms making landfall in the northern hemisphere?
Left forward quadrant
Right forward quadrant
Left back quadrant
Right back quadrant
In the eye
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 10.4 – Effects of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

31. Which would create a greater storm surge?
High waves hitting the coast
Coastal water depth becomes deeper toward shore
Landfall of a hurricane during low tide
Coastal water depth becomes more shallow toward shore
None of these would create a large storm surge

32. Which would create a greater storm surge?
High waves hitting the coast
Coastal water depth becomes deeper toward shore
Landfall of a hurricane during low tide
Coastal water depth becomes more shallow toward shore
None of these would create a large storm surge
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.4 – Effects of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

33. Most of the severe weather on the West Coast from San Diego to Vancouver is caused by
Tornadoes developed in extratropical cyclones.
High winds and heavy rains from a hurricane after landfall.
Strong winds and heavy rains from tropical cyclones.
Blizzards developed in nor’easters.
Strong winds and heavy rains from extratropical cyclones.

34. Tornadoes developed in extratropical cyclones.
Most of the severe weather on the West Coast from San Diego to Vancouver is caused by
Tornadoes developed in extratropical cyclones.
High winds and heavy rains from a hurricane after landfall.
Strong winds and heavy rains from tropical cyclones.
Blizzards developed in nor’easters.
Strong winds and heavy rains from extratropical cyclones.
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.4 – Effects of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

35. Which is not a linkage between cyclones and other natural hazards?
Tornadoes from storms that do not make landfall
Some of the fastest rates of coastal erosion
Devastating landslides in mountainous areas
Saltwater flooding from storm surge
Flash flooding due to already saturated soil

36. Which is not a linkage between cyclones and other natural hazards?
Tornadoes from storms that do not make landfall
Some of the fastest rates of coastal erosion
Devastating landslides in mountainous areas
Saltwater flooding from storm surge
Flash flooding due to already saturated soil
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.5 – Linkage between Cyclones and Other Natural Hazards
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

37. What is a natural service function of cyclones?
Move cold air from the polar regions to the tropics
Eliminate ecosystems by carrying plants, animals, and microorganisms in the wind
Provide primary source of precipitation in many areas
Damage coastal areas so that further development will not take place
None of these are natural service functions.

38. What is a natural service function of cyclones?
Move cold air from the polar regions to the tropics
Eliminate ecosystems by carrying plants, animals, and microorganisms in the wind
Provide primary source of precipitation in many areas
Damage coastal areas so that further development will not take place
None of these are natural service functions.
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.6 – Natural Service Functions of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.2 – Natural hazards shape the history of human societies.

39. Which is not a way human behavior has made cyclone hazards more dangerous?
Building seawalls to protect property
Improperly attaching building materials
Expanding urban areas along the coastline
All of these behaviors can make cyclones more dangerous
Destruction of coastal dunes for building sites

40. Building seawalls to protect property
Which is not a way human behavior has made cyclone hazards more dangerous?
Building seawalls to protect property
Improperly attaching building materials
Expanding urban areas along the coastline
All of these behaviors can make cyclones more dangerous
Destruction of coastal dunes for building sites
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 10.7 – Human Interaction with Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.7 – Humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but can engage in activities that reduce their impacts.

41. Once a hurricane has formed, which is not a prediction that must be made by meteorologists?
How wide an area it will affect
Who will need to evacuate
How much storm surge will accompany the hurricane
How strong the winds will be
If it will reach land

42. How wide an area it will affect Who will need to evacuate
Once a hurricane has formed, which is not a prediction that must be made by meteorologists?
How wide an area it will affect
Who will need to evacuate
How much storm surge will accompany the hurricane
How strong the winds will be
If it will reach land
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.8 – Minimizing the Effects of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.6 – Earth scientists are continually improving estimates of when and where natural hazards occur.

43. Why have property damage costs associated with hurricanes increased so dramatically if there is better forecasting?
None of these are reasons for the increase in costs.
Building hurricane proof structures are not feasible.
The structure preparation before a storm is subpar.
People value their homes more on the coast.
The increase in coastal populations have put more property in the hazard areas.

44. None of these are reasons for the increase in costs.
Why have property damage costs associated with hurricanes increased so dramatically if there is better forecasting?
None of these are reasons for the increase in costs.
Building hurricane proof structures are not feasible.
The structure preparation before a storm is subpar.
People value their homes more on the coast.
The increase in coastal populations have put more property in the hazard areas.
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.8 – Minimizing the Effects of Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.2 – Natural hazards shape the history of human societies.

45. Which is not a way individuals can make adjustments for hurricanes?
Learn the evacuation routes
Prepare their homes and property
Evacuate the area immediately when a watch is issued
Have a preparedness kit
Know when the hurricane season is

46. Which is not a way individuals can make adjustments for hurricanes?
Learn the evacuation routes
Prepare their homes and property
Evacuate the area immediately when a watch is issued
Have a preparedness kit
Know when the hurricane season is
Answer: C
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 10.9 – Perception of and Adjustment to Cyclones
Earth Science LO: 8.7 – Humans cannot eliminate hazards, but can engage in activities that reduce their impacts.