Solved Questions on Winds, Storms and Cyclones
1. Why do sea breezes contribute to the formation of thunderstorms?
a) Sea breezes bring moisture from the ocean, which helps form clouds.
b) Sea breezes cool down the land, creating areas of low pressure.
c) Sea breezes push away warm air, leading to the sinking of cool air.
d) Sea breezes generate lightning, leading to thunderstorms.
Answer: a) Sea breezes bring in air from the ocean, which is filled with moisture. When this moist air reaches the land, it mixes with the warm air present there. The combination of moisture and warm air creates a favourable environment for the formation of clouds. As these clouds grow and become larger, they can eventually lead to the development of thunderstorms. So, sea breezes contribute to thunderstorm formation by bringing in the moisture needed for cloud formation.
2. What would be the most appropriate action to take if a tornado warning is issued in your area?
a) Go for a walk to observe the storm closely
b) Stay in a tall building with large windows
c) Seek shelter in a basement or interior room
d) Drive away from the storm's path
Answer: c) Tornadoes are dangerous and can cause significant damage. Seeking shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building provides the best protection against the strong winds and flying debris associated with tornadoes. It is important to stay away from windows and exterior walls to stay safe during a tornado.
3. Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: During a tornado, the air pressure inside the funnel is very high.
Statement 2: Tornadoes always form within cyclones.
a) Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrect.
b) Statement 1 is incorrect but statement 2 is correct.
c) Both statements are correct.
d) Both statements are incorrect.
Answer: d) During a tornado, the air pressure inside the funnel is actually very low, not high. Tornadoes form in severe thunderstorms and can occur independently of cyclones. Therefore, both statements are incorrect.
4. In the following question, an assertion and a reason are given. Choose the correct option:
Assertion: The eye of a cyclone is a calm and clear region.
Reason: In the eye of the cyclone, the air pressure is very high.
a) The assertion is correct but the reason is incorrect.
b) The assertion is incorrect but the reason is correct.
c) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
d) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
Answer: a) The assertion states that the eye of a cyclone is a calm and clear region, which is true. However, the reason provided, stating that the air pressure in the eye of the cyclone is very high, is incorrect. In fact, the air pressure in the eye of a cyclone is very low. The calm and clear conditions in the eye of the cyclone are a result of the low air pressure.
5. Match the following weather phenomenon with their corresponding descriptions.
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Column I
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Column II
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1. Tornado
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A) A low-pressure system with high-speed winds revolving around a central area
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2. Thunderstorm
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B) Violent twisting funnel of wind
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3. Cyclone
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C) Movement of air from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure
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4. Wind
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D) Produces sound, lightning, heavy rain, and strong wind
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a) 1:A, 2:C, 3:D, 4:B
b) 1:B, 2:D, 3:A, 4:C
c) 1:D, 2:A, 3:B, 4:C
d) 1:A, 2:B, 3:D, 4:C
Answer: b) Tornado: Violent twisting funnel of wind
Thunderstorm: Produces sound, lightning, heavy rain, and strong wind
Cyclone: A low-pressure system with high-speed winds revolving around a central area
Wind: Movement of air from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure
FAQs
1. How are winds formed?
Winds occur as air travels from high to low-pressure zones. This movement results from the sun's uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which causes temperature and pressure gradients.
2. What causes storms?
Storms are extreme atmospheric changes marked by high winds, heavy rain or snow, thunder, lightning, and, in rare cases, hail or tornadoes. They frequently originate from the combination of warm and cold air masses.
3. What is the difference between a hurricane, typhoon, and cyclone?
Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all tropical cyclones, however their names vary based on where they occur. In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, they are known as hurricanes. Typhoons are referred to as such in the Northwest Pacific. In the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, they are known as cyclones.
4. How can we prepare for cyclones and storms?
Preparing for cyclones and storms involves creating emergency plans, securing loose things, strengthening homes and structures, collecting necessary supplies, and staying informed via weather forecasts and alerts.
5. What is atmospheric pressure?
Atmospheric pressure is the force created by the weight of air above a certain place on the Earth's surface. It is caused by the Earth's gravitational pull on air molecules in the atmosphere. As height increases, atmospheric pressure lowers because fewer air molecules press down from above.
