The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : What is a violent tropical storm in the Atlantic Ocean called?
Possible answers:
- Tsunami
- Tornade
- Mousson
- Ouragan
Explanation: In the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, intense tropical storms are called hurricanes. In the Northwest Pacific they are called typhoons, and in the Indian Ocean, cyclones.
Question 2 : Which instrument measures wind speed?
Possible answers:
- Thermometer
- Anemometer
- Hygrometer
- Barometer
Explanation: An anemometer is the instrument for measuring wind speed. There are several types: cup, propeller, or ultrasonic. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.
Question 3 : Which scale measures tornado intensity?
Possible answers:
- Échelle de Mercalli
- Échelle Fujita
- Échelle de Beaufort
- Échelle de Richter
Explanation: The Fujita scale (or Enhanced Fujita EF) classifies tornadoes from EF0 (weak) to EF5 (devastating) based on damage caused. It was created by meteorologist Ted Fujita in 1971.
Question 4 : Which recurring climate phenomenon warms the waters of the equatorial Pacific?
Possible answers:
- Jet Stream
- El Niño
- La Niña
- Gulf Stream
Explanation: El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It occurs every 2 to 7 years and has worldwide climate repercussions.
Question 5 : What is a blizzard?
Possible answers:
- An earthquake
- A giant wave
- A volcanic eruption
- A snowstorm with violent winds
Explanation: A blizzard is a snowstorm characterized by violent winds (above 56 km/h), heavy snowfall, and visibility reduced to less than 400 meters for at least 3 hours.
Question 6 : What is the main cause of floods?
Possible answers:
- Excessive precipitation
- Volcanic eruptions
- Air pollution
- Earthquakes
Explanation: Excessive precipitation is the main cause of floods. It can result from intense rainfall, snowmelt, or phenomena like hurricanes.
Question 7 : What is a tornado that forms over water called?
Possible answers:
- Tsunami
- Maelström
- Trombe marine
- Raz-de-marée
Explanation: A waterspout is a tornado that forms over a body of water. It can move onshore and become a land tornado.
Question 8 : Which type of cloud is associated with violent storms?
Possible answers:
- Cumulonimbus
- Nimbostratus
- Cirrus
- Stratus
Explanation: The cumulonimbus is the quintessential storm cloud. It can rise up to 15 km altitude and produce lightning, hail, torrential rain, and sometimes tornadoes.
Question 9 : What is an intense sandstorm in the desert called?
Possible answers:
- Sirocco
- Mistral
- Haboob
- Harmattan
Explanation: A haboob is an intense and sudden sandstorm, common in desert regions like the Sahara, Arizona, or Sudan. The word comes from Arabic "habūb" meaning "violent wind."
Question 10 : Which scale measures wind force at sea?
Possible answers:
- Échelle de Beaufort
- Échelle de Mercalli
- Saffir-Simpson Scale
- Échelle de Richter
Explanation: The Beaufort scale, created in 1805 by British Admiral Francis Beaufort, classifies wind force from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane). It is still used in marine meteorology.
