Question 1: What is 'climate'?

Answer: Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions in a specific area.

Question 2: Define 'weather'.

Answer: Weather is the short-term atmospheric conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.

Question 3: What is 'the jet stream' and how does it influence US weather?

Answer: The jet stream is a high-altitude wind current that influences storm tracks and weather patterns across the US.

Question 4: Name the two main climate zones found in the US.

Answer: The main climate zones are the temperate zone and the arid/semi-arid zone.

Question 5: Explain the concept of 'continentality' and its effect on climate.

Answer: Continentality refers to the variation in temperature between inland areas and coastal regions, leading to more extreme temperatures inland due to the lack of maritime moderation.

Question 1: Which US state is most affected by hurricanes, and why?

Answer: Florida, because its southeastern coastline is directly in the path of Atlantic hurricanes.

Question 2: Name the mountain range that significantly influences the climate of California.

Answer: The Sierra Nevada mountains.

Question 3: What is the primary cause of droughts in the Great Plains?

Answer: Prolonged periods of low precipitation and high evaporation rates, often linked to atmospheric circulation patterns such as the Jet Stream.

Question 4: Identify the typical weather pattern in the Pacific Northwest during winter.

Answer: Heavy rainfall and storms due to prevailing westerly winds and moist air from the Pacific Ocean.

Question 1: Based on the case study of Hurricane Katrina, explain the factors that contributed to its severity and impact on New Orleans.

Answer: Hurricane Katrina's strength was amplified by warm Gulf of Mexico waters, low wind shear, and the city’s low-lying geography, which led to severe flooding and extensive damage.

Question 2: Analyze how the El Niño phenomenon affected weather patterns in California during the winter of 2015-2016.

Answer: El Niño brought above-average rainfall, leading to flooding and landslides, but also helped alleviate drought conditions in California.

Question 3: Describe the climate challenges faced by Texas during the 2011 drought, including the causes and consequences.

Answer: The 2011 Texas drought was caused by a prolonged period of below-normal rainfall linked to atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to water shortages, crop failures, and increased wildfire risk.

Question 1: Explain why the Gulf Coast is prone to hurricanes, considering geographical and atmospheric factors.

Answer: The Gulf Coast's proximity to warm Gulf of Mexico waters provides energy for hurricanes. The region's flat topography and prevailing easterly winds facilitate storm development and landfall, influenced by atmospheric conditions like low wind shear.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of the drought cycles in the Great Plains region.

Answer: Drought cycles are mainly caused by variations in atmospheric circulation such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which influence rainfall patterns. These patterns lead to periods of reduced precipitation and increased evaporation, compounded by high temperatures.

Question 3: Explain how the Rocky Mountains influence the climate of the Great Basin region.

Answer: The Rocky Mountains block moist air from the Pacific, creating a rain shadow effect that results in arid conditions in the Great Basin, with lower precipitation and higher temperature extremes.

Question 1: To what extent have mitigation strategies such as improved hurricane forecasting and flood defenses reduced the impact of hurricanes along the Gulf Coast? Discuss both successes and limitations.

Answer: Mitigation strategies like advanced forecasting, early warning systems, and flood defenses have significantly reduced loss of life and property damage in the Gulf Coast. However, challenges remain due to the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes influenced by climate change, infrastructure limitations, and the unpredictability of storm paths. While early alerts improve preparedness, some communities remain vulnerable due to socio-economic factors and resource constraints.