1
The University of British Columbia
Geography 200
Sample Exam Questions
Here are some reminders about GEOB 200 Fianl exam:
Date: Dec 06,
Time: 12:00 pm
Room: GEOG 100
Examination Period: 2 Hours
Topics:
From the first half of the course: Cyclogenesis;
and ALL of the second half of the course (Atmospheric Composition and
Vertical Structure, Energy, Solar radiation, Longwave radiation, Net
radiation Budgets, Heat Balance and temperature, Humidity/condensation,
Cloud droplets and precipitation, Clouds.
The final exam questions will be based on lecture notes, I would suggest
that you review all diagrams discussed in class. You can supplement your
notes using the textbook, a good strategy would be to use your lecture
notes to guide which parts of the textbook to review.
Format:
Section 1: Multiple Choice (10 marks): Circle the letter of the correct
answer. Ten questions.
Section 2: Give a brief definition, explanation or sketch as appropriate for
each of the following concepts (2 marks each for 10 marks total). Five
questions.
2
Section 3: Short Answers (short succinct sentences/answers – 20 marks).
Four or five questions.
Section 4: Long Answers: answer in examination booklet. You need to
answer ONE of two or three questions (20 marks). Use diagrams and
equations where appropriate and use full sentences. Point form is not
acceptable.
c- Office hours (Geography Rm 122)
Wednesday: November 28th 12-1 pm
Extra Office Hours: Friday, November 30th (10-12 pm) or by
appointment.
Sample questions:
Section 1: Multiple Choice – Circle the letter of the correct answer
1.
The troposphere: A) is thinnest at the tropics. B) maintains a relatively constant
temperature. C) is thicker in summer. D) often disappears near the poles in winter.
2.
The visible light spectrum is bounded by these two types of radiation: A) x-ray and thermal
infrared B) x-ray and radio wave. C) microwave and gamma ray. D) ultraviolet and near
infrared.
3.
The Northern Hemisphere has its maximum tilt toward the Sun on the: A) December
solstice. B) March equinox. C) September equinox. D) June solstice.
4.
The peak of the Earth's emission is ________, while the sun's peak is 0.5 microns. A) 0.1
microns B) 1 micron C) 10 microns D) 100 microns
5.
Mie scattering: A) occurs often on hazy days. B) works best when there are few aerosols in
the air. C) diminishes after volcanic eruptions. D) counters the reddening effect responsible
for red sunsets and sunrises.
6.
During the ice crystal process of rain formation:
(a) only ice crystals need to be present in the cloud
(b) ice crystals grow at the expense of surrounding liquid cloud droplets
(c) the temperature in the cloud must be less than –40oC
(d) the cloud must be cumuliform
3
7. The gas that shows the most variation from place to place and from time to time in the
troposphere is (a) ozone (b) carbon dioxide (c) water vapour (d) methane (e) argon
8. Which of the following is the poorest conductor of heat? (a) still air (b) water (c) ice (d) snow
(e) soil
9. If the air temperature increased, with no addition or removal of water vapour, the actual
vapour pressure (e) would (a) increase (b) decrease (c) stay the same (d) become supersaturated
Section 2: Give a brief definition, explanation or sketch as appropriate for each
of the following concepts
1. Below is a photograph of two instruments:
(a) what is the name given to these
identical instruments
_______________________________
(b) What are they measuring?
_______________________________
(c ) what is the ratio of the two
measurements called?
________________________________
2. Distinguish between Mie and Rayleigh scattering
3. Teten’s Equation
4. Flux divergence
4
5. specific heat – please define
Section 3: Short Answers
1. Below is a plot of the temperature structure of the atmosphere:
(4 marks)
Explain why temperature increases with distance from the earth’s surface in the:
(a) Stratosphere
(b) Mesosphere
2. Explain why air temperature is usually highest in mid to late afternoon. (2 marks)
5
3. Briefly explain the Köhler curves and their relevance to cloud microphysics (5
marks)
4. For mid latitude clear sky conditions over a subtropical desert surface (e.g Sahara)
plot and label on the adjacent graph the typical daily variation curves you would
expect for (a) Q* (b) K↓ (c) QE and (d) L↑ (4 marks) (use the standard conventions
for sign)