Meteorology Practice Test — Medium Level

A free 10-question Meteorology practice test for Science Olympiad, written at regional and state level. Every question and answer choice is listed below — correct answers and scoring are revealed when you take the timed test.

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Easy (10 questions)

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1. On a surface weather map, you notice a tight cluster of nearly circular isobars around a "L" symbol, with winds forecast to be strong. Which statement best explains why winds are stronger near this system compared to an area where isobars are farther apart?

A.A) Close isobars indicate a strong pressure gradient force that causes faster winds around the low-pressure center
B.B) Close isobars indicate stronger Coriolis force, which directly creates higher wind speeds near the low
C.C) Close isobars indicate thicker troposphere, which forces more air downward and speeds up the surface winds
D.D) Close isobars indicate warmer air near the surface, and warm air always produces stronger winds

2. A forecaster is concerned about severe thunderstorms later today. The morning weather balloon shows very warm, moist air near the surface with much colder air aloft, plus a low-level jet providing strong wind shear. Which of the following best describes the atmospheric condition that makes severe storms more likely in this situation?

A.A) Stable air, because the temperature decreases slowly with height, preventing vertical motion
B.B) Instability, because surface air parcels are warmer than the surrounding air aloft and can keep rising
C.C) Temperature inversion, because warmer air overlies cooler air and promotes strong updrafts
D.D) Isothermal conditions, because equal temperatures with height allow clouds to grow taller

3. A student measures 10 seconds between seeing a lightning flash and hearing the thunder. About how far away is the lightning strike?

A.A) About 1 km away, because sound travels ~10 seconds per kilometer
B.B) About 2 km away, because sound travels ~5 seconds per kilometer
C.C) About 3 km away, because sound travels ~3 seconds per kilometer
D.D) About 5 km away, because sound travels ~2 seconds per kilometer

4. Which stage of an ordinary (air-mass) thunderstorm is most likely to produce large hail and the strongest surface wind gusts?

A.A) Cumulus stage, because only strong updrafts are present and rain has not begun yet
B.B) Mature stage, because both strong updrafts and downdrafts are present with heavy precipitation
C.C) Dissipating stage, because downdrafts have ended and the storm weakens
D.D) Anvil stage, because the storm has spread out at the tropopause and lightning is no longer occurring

5. You are given a surface station model. The sky cover is nearly fully shaded, the temperature is 22 °C, the dew point is 21 °C, and the wind barb shows a 20-knot southerly wind. Which type of weather is most likely occurring or imminent at this station?

A.A) Clear, dry, and cool conditions behind a cold front
B.B) Overcast, humid conditions favorable for showers or thunderstorms
C.C) Dry, windy conditions associated with a strong continental polar air mass
D.D) Calm, cold conditions under the center of a strong high-pressure system

6. On a weather map, you see a bow-shaped line of intense radar reflectivity moving rapidly eastward with reports of 70 mph straight-line winds along its path. Which severe weather phenomenon does this most likely represent?

A.A) A developing tropical cyclone approaching land
B.B) A stationary front producing widespread gentle rain
C.C) A derecho associated with a bow echo of thunderstorms
D.D) A squall line transitioning into a cold-core tornado outbreak

7. Which combination of conditions is most favorable for the formation and intensification of a hurricane in the Atlantic basin?

A.A) Sea surface temperatures near 20 °C, strong vertical wind shear, and a location 2° north of the equator
B.B) Sea surface temperatures near 27 °C, low vertical wind shear, and a location 10° north of the equator
C.C) Sea surface temperatures near 23 °C, strong high-pressure aloft, and a location directly on the equator
D.D) Sea surface temperatures near 26 °C, very dry mid-level air, and strong westerlies at low levels

8. A surface weather map shows a blue line with triangles pointing eastward, rapidly approaching a warm, humid air mass. Ahead of the line, temperatures are in the upper 20s °C with dew points in the mid 20s °C. What weather is most likely along and just ahead of this boundary?

A.A) Slow-moving, light rain and drizzle lasting for many hours
B.B) Scattered afternoon fog with clearing skies overnight
C.C) Narrow band of heavy showers and thunderstorms with possible severe weather
D.D) Gentle, prolonged snow associated with a warm front

9. A severe winter storm is occurring over a region. Winds are measured at 40 mph, moderate to heavy snow is falling, and visibility has been at or below 1/8 mile for 4 hours. Which National Weather Service definition best fits these observed conditions?

A.A) Lake-effect snow event, because winds exceed 35 mph with snow
B.B) Ice storm, because strong winds and poor visibility indicate freezing rain
C.C) Blizzard, because sustained winds ≥ 35 mph and visibility ≤ 1/4 mile have persisted for at least 3 hours
D.D) Winter weather advisory, because blowing snow is present but conditions are not considered severe

10. A violent tornado damages a well-built brick home, sweeping away most exterior walls and leaving only a pile of debris on the foundation. Based on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, how is the tornado’s strength determined and what rating is most consistent with this level of damage?

A.A) Determined by radar-measured wind speeds; EF1 rating is likely
B.B) Determined by mobile Doppler measurements; EF2 rating is likely
C.C) Determined by observed damage indicators and degree of damage; EF4 rating is likely
D.D) Determined by lowest central pressure of the storm; EF5 rating is likely