METEOROLOGY (ALL GRADES)

Q. What is atmosphere? Enumerate the different layers of atmosphere.

A. Atmosphere- is the gaseous envelope that surrounds the earth and other heavenly bodies.
It was derived from words “ATMOS” which means vapor, and “SPHIRA” which means sphere.
The different layers of atmosphere are:
LAYERS HEIGHT UPPER LIMIT
Troposphere 8-11 km Tropopause
Stratosphere 11-32 km Stratopause
Chemosphere 32-80 km
Chemospause Ionosphere 80-400 km
Ionopause Mesosphere 400-1000 km
Mesopause Exosphere 1000 –
and above
Q. Explain what is atmospheric pressure? What is the normal atmospheric pressure at sea
level? How is it measured?
A. Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the earth’s atmosphere. The
normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7 lbs/ sq. inch. It is measured by means of a barometer.
Q. What is the difference between atmospheric pressure and barometric pressure?
A. Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, whereas
barometric pressure is the atmospheric pressure as measured by a barometer which varies
from place to place it varies with time.
Q. What is the difference between an isotherm and isobar?
A. Isotherm is a line connecting points of equal temperature.
Isobar is also a line connecting points having the same atmospheric pressure.
Q. How does isobar differ from isollobar?
Places having equal pressure tendencies are called isollobars and constitute an important tool
in weather analysis.
Q. What is the difference between weather and climate? Explain briefly.
A. Weather is that condition in the atmosphere that last for a shorter period of time, like a
rain the evening, and later the showing of the sun. Climate is that condition in the
atmosphere that last for a longer period of time. An example to this, are the four seasons of
the year.
Q. Name the different wind belt pressure area and briefly describe each.
A. The winter monsoon blows from October to April. It blows with
steadiness similar to that of the trade winds, often attaining the speed of moderate gale ( 28-
33 knots). Skies are generally clear during this season, and there is relatively little rain.
KEYWORD: SWIMS (Southwest in May to September) Local name, Habagat
NEOA (Northeast in October to April) Local name, Amihan
Q. What are the signs of approaching storm? Give at least 5 signs.
A. 1. A swell for no apparent reason which maybe felt up to
1,000 miles from the center. 2. Irregularity in the diurnal range of the barometer.
3. A change in the appearance of the sky, cirriform
clouds first appears with a cirrus in bands converging towards the center.
4. An increase in velocity or change in the
direction of the trade winds and an oppressive feeling in the air.
5. Unusual reddening of the sky at sunrise
and sunset.
Q. Even without a weather map can an observer forecast weather conditions? Give at least 5
indications which are of great assistance in making a forecast.
A. The observer can forecast even without a weather map on the following conditions of the
atmosphere, namely:
1. Continues falling barometer.
2. Frequent changes of wind direction and increasing velocities.
3. Intermittent rain.
4. Halos around the sun and the moon.
5. Clouds getting darker and darker and continuous
increasing crest of the waves.
Q. Enumerate and describe briefly some forms of hydrometeors or precipitations common in
the Philippines.
A. 1. Drizzle – is composed of minute liquid droplets so
numerous they seem to fill the air. This form of precipitation originates in stratus clouds or
fog. Drizzle particles seem to float in the air and appear to follow even in the slight motion
of the air. Drizzle is characteristically associated with poor visibility. When the droplets
instantly freeze to objects they strike, they are known as freezing drizzle.
2. Rain – is drops of water larger
than drizzle falling from clouds. The drops are usually sparser than those of drizzle. When
they freeze to objects they strike, the condition is known as freezing rain.
3. Showers –
this form of precipitation is associated with cumuliform clouds and characterized by
beginning and ending suddenly. Showers usually of short duration, often occur in a series
with periods of fair conditions between individual shower periods. Unstable atmospheric
condition are indicated by showers, and the form of precipitation may be either snow or rain.

4. Hail – is almost exclusively a phenomenon of violent or prolonged thunderstorm. Hails of

ice balls or stones with diameter ranging from 1/5 inch to 4 inches or more which fall either
detached or fused in irregular lumps. They may be transparent or composed of alternate clear
and opaque, snow like layer.
5. Sleet – in the U.S. is defined as frozen raindrops. In U.K. and in the International Weather
Code, as well as in popular press vernacular, a mixture of rain and snow is known as sleet .
6. Snow – this form of precipitation from clouds consist of white or translucent ice crystals
mainly branched hexagonal shapes often mixed with simple ice crystals.
( Note: only 1-3 are common in the Philippines )
Q. Describe the families of clouds.
A. HIGH-20,000 MIDDLE -8,000 LOW-below 8,000
to 40,000 ft. to 20,000 ft. feet
Cirrus Altostratus Stratus
Cirrostratus Altocumulus Stratocumulus
Cirrocumulus Nimbostratus
Q. How do clouds form?
A. Clouds are formed by condensation of tiny droplets of water or ice crystals formed by
condensation of water vapor in the air, with the base above the surface of the earth.
Q. Cirrus may be the first sign of an approaching storm, but to have detection significance
what are conditions that must be met.?
A. They must increase in number.
They must be succeeded by cirrostratus clouds.

Cirrostratus must thicken and succeeded by altostratus.

Altostratus succeeded by nimbostratus.
Precipitation which started with altostratus continues.

Q. What are the precursory signs of an approaching tropical storm? What knowledge or data
is necessary in order to decide the best course of action when a typhoon is approaching your
area?
A. The signs of an approaching tropical storm are:
1. Hurricane watch – issued to alert the public that the hurricane may endanger a locality
or area someway (tides or winds) within 36 hours, although indications are not yet
sufficiently definite to justify a hurricane warning.
2. Gale warning – issued to warn the public and maritime interests that within 24 hours
winds of Beaufort force 8 (39 miles / hour) or higher are expected either in the Coasts or over
water adjacent to the coast, or that there is a possibility of the winds attaining a velocity
sufficiently high and sustained for a period long enough to interfere with safe operation of
seagoing vessels. This form of warning is frequently the first warning issued in connection
with a hurricane, although a hurricane watch may have been issued earlier for the same
portion of the coast. A gale warning may be issued when only fringe effects of the hurricane
are expected to be felt in the area.
3. Hurricane warning – issued to warn the public that within the next 24 hours winds of
Beaufort force 10 (55 miles/ hour) are expected and either there is a possibility of increase to
full hurricane intensity or the accompanying waves or tides or other conditions that justify
emergency action.

Q. What are the four warnings of a tropical cyclone? Briefly describe each.
A. Small Craft Warning – one red pennant displayed by day and a red light over a white light
at night indicate that winds up to 38 miles an hour is existing and is dangerous to small craft
at sea .
Gale warning – two red pennants displayed by day and white light above red at night
indicate that winds ranging from 39 to 54 miles an hour are forecast for the area.
Whole Gale Area – a single square red flag with a black center displayed during daytime,
and two red lights at night indicate that winds ranging from 55 to 73 miles an hour are
forecast for the area.
 Hurricane Warning – two square red flags with black centers displayed by day and a white
light between two red lights at night indicate that winds 74 miles an hour and above are
forecast for the area.

Q. How do you locate a tropical cyclone by local signs?

A. First indication, the long period, heavy swell of the hurricane arrives well, before its clouds.
First clouds directly connected by the hurricane circulation and cumulonimbus
(thunderstorm).
There are active bands of these along a line several hundred miles ahead of the storm, the
distance varies with the size of the storm.

Convincing signs, a drop on barometric pressure by 3.4 millibars or more within 24 hours
period, particularly if it occurs over a period of 3 to 6 hours is significant in relation to the
approach of a tropical cyclone. Note that in the tropics there is a very regular twice daily
rise and fall in barometric pressure over a range of 2 millibars.

Q. Differentiate sea from swell.

A. Since ocean waves are raised by the wind, it follows that waves generated by the violent
Winds of hurricanes should rank with the highest in the term sea swell, sea refers to the
Ocean surface and swell to that have outrun left to the storm.
Q. In the northern hemisphere, what is a backing wind and veering wind?
A. Backing winds are winds that shift counterclockwise while veering wind are winds that
Shift clockwise.

Q. What rules should you in a apply in handling a ship in a hurricane?

A. 1. Determine the bearing, distance and track of the cyclone from the from the official
warnings or from your own calculations if there are no warnings. From this information, you
can plan how best to avoid the dangerous semi-circle on the right side of the cyclone (in the
northern hemisphere).
2. If near a cyclone and you have no warnings, determine its bearing by a) the direction
from which the swells are arriving and b) by adding 115 degrees to the direction from which
you observed true wind is blowing.
3. If the wind gradually hauls to the right (clockwise) in the northern hemisphere
(counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere) the ship is in the dangerous semi-circle. If it
hauls to the left, you are in the safe navigable semi-circle.
4. If the wind remains steady in the direction, increases in speed and the barometer
continues to fall, you are directly in the path of the storm.
5. Use radar if available. A continuous of the center is helpful in maneuvering.
6. If sea surface temperature charts is available avoid the areas of warmest water. When
tropical cyclones are moving slowly 10 knots or less, they intend to use such areas as path.
7. If the ship is actually caught in a cyclone circulation, even the fringes, these steps should
be taken.
Q. Describe the trade winds. What causes them?
A. Trade winds- the name given to the wind which blow from the subtropical high pressure
belts toward the equatorial region of low pressure from the Northeast in the northern
hemisphere and from the southeast of the southern hemisphere. The deflection from the
northeast and the southeast is caused by the effect of the carioles force.

Q. How are tropical storms called in these countries?

A. Region I- North Atlantic (West Indies, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and water of east
coast of the U.S.) A tropical cyclone of 64 kts. Or over is called HURRICANE.
A. Region II- Southern North Pacific (Waters of the West Coast of Mexico and Central
America) also called HURRICANE.
Region III- Far east (entire are west of Marianas and Caroline Island across the Philippines
to China Sea and Japan) A fully developed typhoon or storm of 60 knots or over is called
TYPHOON or locally in the Philippines a Baguio.
Region IV- A. Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, a CYCLONE.
Region V – South Indian Ocean( in the vicinity and to the east of Madagascar) same as in
Region IV, a CYCLONE.
Region VI- A. Australian water (to Longitude 160°E) B. South Pacific (the western portion
of east Longitude 160°E) several names are applied to this area CYCLONE being the most
common. One originating in Timor Sea and moving southwest then southeast across the
interior of northwestern of Australia called WILLY-WILLY. One to the west of Australia may be
called HURRICANE.
SOUTH ATLANTIC- the only tropical area in which tropical cyclones are not encountered.
Q. State the “ Buys Ballot Law” for a revolving storm in the northern hemisphere. Where is
the navigable circle located in the area of revolving storm. In the southern hemisphere? Rules
In avoiding them?
A. If an observer is in the northern hemisphere, faces the wind, the center of low pressure is
toward t his right, somewhat behind him; and the center of low pressure is toward his left
somewhat in front of him.
If an observer in the southern hemisphere faces the wind, the center of low pressure is
toward his left and somewhat behind him; and the center of high pressure is toward his right
somewhat in front of him.
The navigable semicircle in the southern hemisphere is to the right as you face the same
direction the storm is moving.
Rules in avoiding them are:
a. In the northern hemisphere, Right or dangerous semicircle: Bring the wind on the
starboard bow, and make as much headway as possible. If obliged to heave to, do so head to
sea.
Left or navigable semicircle: Bring the wind on the starboard quarter and run on that
heading for the left semicircle.
On the track ahead of the center: Bring the wind 2 points on the starboard quarter and run
on that heading for the left semicircle.
On the track behind the center: Avoid the center by the most practicable route with due
consideration that the storm eventually will curve to the northeastward.
b. In the southern hemisphere, Left or dangerous semicircle: Bring the wind on the port bow
and make as much headway as possible. If obliged to heave to, do so head to sea.

Right or navigable semicircle: Bring the wind on the port quarter and hold on that heading.
If obliged to heave to, do so astern to sea.
On storm track ahead of center: Bring the wind on 2 points on the port quarter and run on
that heading for the right semicircle.
On track behind center: Avoid the center by the most practical route realizing that the
storm eventually will curve to the southeastward.
Q. Name the four stages on the life cycle of a tropical cyclone and explain each briefly.

A. 1 Formation- a cyclonic develops and wind speed increases to hurricane force (64 knots)
over a restricted area near center. Atmospheric pressure drops to about 1,000 millibars
(29.53 inches). This stage may occupy several days, or may be completed in a period of 12
hour or less.
2. Immaturity – The pressure at the center continues to fall and the wind speed increases
the storm is still confined to a small area.
3. Maturity- The pressure at the center remains about the same, but the area of hurricane
winds expands to a radius of perhaps 150 to 200 miles, with winds of gale force extending to
perhaps 300 miles.
4. Decay- The area continues to increase, the pressure at the center rises and the wind
speed decreases. The storm losses its tropical characteristics and gradually dissipates, a
process that may require several days over an ocean area.

Q. What are the 7 elements of weather?

A. 1. Wind
2. Temperature
3. Clouds
4. Visibility
5. Atmospheric pressure
6. Humidity
7. Special phenomena

Q. Give 5 features of the Troposphere.

A. 1. It is the lowest layer of the terrestrial atmosphere.
2. Most of the weather phenomena occur in the troposphere.
3. Perhaps the most turbulent layer of the atmosphere.
4. Temperature of troposphere generally decreases with the height.
5. More than a half of the atmosphere by weight is found in the troposphere.

Q. What are the different errors of the barometer and explain each briefly.
A. 1. Instrument error- is due to any inaccuracy or incorrect adjustments on the instrument
after comparing it with the standard instrument.
 2. Height error- since atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of the air above the
place, pressure decreases as height increases.
3. Gravity error- mercurial barometers are calibrated for standard sera level gravity at
Latitude 45°32’40”. If gravity differs from this amount air error is introduced.
4. Temperature error- barometers are calibrated at standard temperature or 32°F. The
liquid of a mercurial barometer expands as the temperature of the mercury rises and
contracts as it decreases.

Q. Clouds are grouped generally into four families according to some common characteristics,
name them.
A. High Clouds- are those having a mean lower level 20,000 ft. They are composed of ice
crystals.
Middle Clouds- have mean level of 6,500 ft. and 20,000 ft. They are composed largely of
water droplet, although the higher ones have a tendency towards ice particles.
Low Clouds- have a mean upper level of less than 6,500 ft. These are composed entirely of
water droplets.

Q. Describe the 10 principal cloud types.

A. The 10 principal cloud types are:
1. High Clouds
a. Cirrus(Ci)
detached, delicate, fibrous appearance. No shading generally white and associated with
fair weather. If followed by lower and thicker clouds- forerunner of rain or snow.
b. Cirrocumulus(Cc)-
Small white flakes or scales, small globular masses. Without shading, arranged in groups
or lines. Often ripples resembling those sand on the seashore and form is known as mackerel
sky. Indication is the same as Ci.
c.Cirrostrtus(Cs)
Thin and whitish. Sometimes covering the whole sky and giving it milky appearance. At
other times form like a tangle web. Thin veil not so dense to blur the outline of the sun or
moon. Refract light passing thru it and form HALO. Thickening cirrus to cirrostratus called
“mares tail”. Further thickening of Cs to lower to form altostratus- rain expected within 24
hours.
2. Middle Clouds
a. Altocumulus(Ac)
Layer of large ball like masses together. Vary in thickness and color from dazzling white
to dark gray or less regularly arranged. May appear as distinct patches like Cc but larger and
show distinct shadows. Sometimes appear before thunder storm.
b. Altostratus (As)
Grayish or bluish fibrous veil or shiest. Sun or moon may appear with corona. Halos not
formed. If it thickens and lower, or rain clouds (Ns) form below them continuous rain or snow
may be expected.
3. Low Clouds
a. Stratocumulus(Sc)
 Soft, gray, rolled-shaped masses. Maybe shaped in long, parallel rolls similar to Ac
moving forward with the wind. May vary greatly in altitude. Usually followed by clear skies
during the night.

b. Stratus (St)
Uniform layer resembling fog. Often bases not more than 1,000 ft. Veil of thin stratus
gives the sky a hazy appearance. Often quite thick, so little light to penetrate. From above it
looks white. Light mist may descend from stratus. Sometimes strong wind breaks stratus into
shreds called “fractostratus”.
c. Nimbostratus(Ns)
Low dark shapeless, usually nearly uniform but sometimes with ragged wet looking
bases. Ns is typical rain cloud. Precipitation is steady or intermittent but not showery.
4. Low Clouds with High Vertical Development
a. Cumulonimbus (Cb)
Massive cloud with great vertical development rising in mountainous towers to great
heights. Upper part consists of ice crystals of top spread out in the shape of an anvil, with the
base may be below the horizon. Often it produces shower of rain, snow or hail accompanied
by the thunder. Popularly called “thundercloud”. Base is horizontal but as showers occur it
lowers and becomes ragged.

Q. What is precipitation and what rain gauge is used to record its amount of rain?
A. Precipitation is any type of condensed water vapor that falls to the earth’s surface. It may
be liquid, freezing or frozen when it reaches the earth’s surface. Measurement of rain
normally includes only the determination of the amount, or rain or snow that has fall in a
given period of time. The rain gauge for the purpose is called the recording rain gauge.

Q. What is fog? Name and explain briefly the different kinds of fog.
A. Fog is a cloud with its base or very near the ground. Although the substance of fog is the
same as that of the cloud, processes of fog and cloud formation are different. Clouds form
chiefly because air rises, expands and cools. Fog results from cooling air which remains at or
near the earth’s surface. The lowering air temperature may occur in a number of ways as
described under the following types of FOG.
1. Advection Fog- Fogs formed when warmed air sufficiently in high water vapor content
flows over cooler land or water surfaces. The cooler surface chills the overrunning air and
water vapor or the air tends to condense on particles or dust, smoke or salt even before the
relatively humidity reaches 100%.
2. Radiation or Ground Fog- This fog type is at night time. At night, there is outgoing
radiation at the earth’s surface, so tropical temperature of the air is in contact. Cooling raises
the relative humidity of the air, until at some point during the night, relative humidity
becomes high enough for condensation to occur and mist forms at the ground. This deepens
and thickens into fog.
3. Steam fog- Occurs when very cold air passes over very much warm water. The difference
rapid evaporation from the water surface into the air soon filling the air with fog. Steam fog is
usually very shallow and looks like tufts or whirling smoke out the water.
 4. Frontal fogs- Fog sometimes form ahead of warm fronts and behind cold fronts when
the rain falls from the warm air above the frontal surfaces into the cooler air beneath.
Evaporation from the warm raindrops causes the dew point temperature of the cold air to
rise until condensation takes place.
5. Inversion Fog- This type of fog is typical on the sub-tropical west of California. Up
welding of cold water is common along the west coast and the air over this cold water
acquires low temperature and high relative humidity. Above the cool moist layer lies a
temperature inversion which keeps the moist air from rising.
6. Ice fog- This occurs at temperatures 30°C or colder and are found mostly frequently in
inhabited areas.

Q. Differentiate fog and haze. What instrument is used to distinguish one from the other and
how?
A. Fog at sea is caused by warm moist air which blow over a colder sea surface and is cooled
below its dew point. It is essentially formed by condensation of water vapor in the air. Haze
consist of the dusts or salt particles in the air too small to individually apparent. Sometimes
haze also consists of small water droplets or moist particles in the air, smaller and scattered
than light fog called “damp haze”. They can be distinguished from other by the way they
affect visibility.

Q. What is an air mass? Name the four regions of the earth which are the source of these air
masses.
A. An air mass is a large body of air whose physical properties, particularly temperature and
moisture distribution are nearly homogenous on the horizontal. When large body of air
remains for sometimes over a locality, it requires the characteristics of the region as for
example. It remains in a region during winter, it becomes cold.
Air masses are classified according to their sources, which maybe Arctic, polar, Tropical or
Monsoon. They are further classified as to their moisture content; masses whose source
region are over the ocean are known as maritime air masses and are moist or high in water
vapor content. Those originating over land areas are known as continental air massesare
relatively dry or low in water vapor content.

Q. Differentiate between Anabatic and Katabatic Winds?

A. Anabatic wind is one which blows up an incline, as one which blows upa hillsidedue to
surface heating while katabatic is one which blows down an incline due to cooling of the air.

Q. Between the two barometers, aneroid and mercurial barometers, what makes them
different and what are their standard readings at sea level?
A. Aneroid is made up of thin metals easy to detect pressure with levers inside. Readings are
in millibars. Its standard readings at sea level is 1013 millibars. Mercurial is made up of a tube
with one end closed and the other open. The open one is immersed in a cistern filled up with
mercury. The tube is graduated in degrees. Its standard readings at sea level is 29.92 inches.
Q. Why is aneroid barometer preferably for use aboardship, as compared with mercurial
barometer?
A. Because its readings are not affected by vessel’s motion in a seaway, contrary to the
mercurial.

Q. How do you determine the reliability of the ship’s barometer, whether mercurial or
aneroid?
A. According to whether its readings maintained a reasonable consistently, when repeatedly
compared with a standard instrument. A varying error indicated in successive comparisons
shows barometers unreliability.

Q. What is the dew point of the atmosphere and how is it determined?

A. Dew point is that temperature of the atmosphere at which its water content condenses. It
may be determined from table 16 and 17 of Bowditch, given the difference between the dry
and the wet bulb readings of a psychrometer.

Q. Match the Beaufort weather conditions on the left with the corresponding letters on the
right.
A. rs 1. Sleet bc
bs 2. Sky partly cloudy kc
d 3. Drizzle tlr
kq 4. Lines squall I
kz 5. Sandstorm Z
Q 6. Squally weather kq
d 7. Dews q
Z 8. Haze d
tlr 9. Thunderstorm w
I 10. Lightning rs

Q. When a weather report is handed to you by the Radio Operator involving typhoons, what
are the principal contents of the weather report? And what will you immediately do?
A. In a weather report concerning typhoons, the position of the typhoon is indicated. (Lat.and
Long.), the direction of the storm, her velocity and the radius of the storm.
Upon receipt of such weather reports, I will immediately plot the position in a general
chart determine its direction, its radius and the velocity of the storm. Since, my concern is the
safety of the ship, I have to keep out of the radius of the storm and alter to safer direction
until I believed I can resume on my original course.

Q. What is the relation between true and apparent wind?

A. The wind experienced on a ship underway is the result of two variable components: the
wind created by the ship’s motion and the true wind. The resultant is called the apparent
wind, as experienced on the deck vessel, depend on the force and the direction of the true
wind what that wind caused by the forward motion of the ship, ship’s wind is the result of
the headway of the vessel.
 The apparent wind must always lie between the true and the ship’s wind, except when
true wind is dead ahead or dead astern.
If the velocity and the direction of the true and ship’s wind are known and plotted to scale
on a chart, the apparent wind can be determined by completing the typical diagram of
parallelogram of vectors.
Example: Given TW+SW, AW=Apparent wind
TW=True wind
Find AW SW=Ship’s wind

The direction and force of the ship’s wind are easily determined from the course and
speed of the vessel the apparent force and the direction can be estimated by observation or
measured accurately if instrument are aboard. With this known, the true wind can be
obtained by the diagram method described.

SW Determining the TRUE WIND when the APPARENT WIND and

AW SHIP’S WIND are known.

TW

Q. Draw a rough sketch and show the following data: The vessel’s course is 030°T, speed 15.0
knots, apparent wind is North; apparent velocity is 10 knots. Indicate in the figure the line
representing the TRUE WIND direction and velocity.

A. Illustration: r
e to r – ship’s course and speed
r to W- Apparent wind and velocity
e to W- True wind and velocity
(Approx. S75°W at 7 kts.) 15’ 10’

e W

Q. How are fronts formed?

A. In most cases fronts are formed through the motion and meetings of air masses whose
original properties are contrasting frequently. The process of formation of front is known as
Frotogenesis. Should the air motion in particular area be such as a result of the pressure
systems, as to cause air of different temperatures to be brought together. Continuation of
this process may cause of front to develop along the line of meeting of the different bodies.

Q. Identify the following

A. The science of atmosphere especially with respect the weather and climate. Ans.
Meteorology.
The oceanic sheath of water which covers about 3 / 4 of the earth. Ans. Water
Measures the water content of water or humidity of atmosphere. Ans. Hygrometer
A region where atmospheric pressure is higher ding area in the weather map. Ans. High
Pressure
A line which connects all points with equal temperature on a weather map. Ans. Isotherm

Q. If the nitrogen and oxygen were not replaced in the atmosphere, how long would our
present supply of gases last?
A. If there is no means of replacement,, the supply of oxygen in the atmosphere would be
exhausted in 3,000 years and nitrogen supply would be lost 100,000 million years.

Q. The perpendicular distance between isobars C and D is 45 miles. Barometer reading

respectively are 29.8 inches. What is the pressure gradient?
A. C= 29.8 inches 0
D= 29.8 inches --- = Pressure Gradient
45
Q. Why is the calm center or eye of the storm so dangerous to mariners?
A. A ship In the eye of the typhoon may encounter calms or light winds, but seas will be very
disturbed and confused as a result of the waves from various direction.

Q. Is it true that typhoons can be modified and its course changed?

A. Typhoon modification is still in the experimental stage and a lot of studies and
experiments must have to be done before anything definite can be said about it.

Q. since the moon and sun whose gravitational effects produce the tides are above the
earth’s surface, why is the actual tide producing force horizontal than vertical?
A. Because the upward directed tidal force on earth’s surface is only about one-ten-millionth.
Thus too small to raise the sea level significantly. Tides are produced by accumulated effect
of the horizontal components.

Q. How did seas, such as the as the Black, Red and White get their names?
A. Because the black sea is landlocked, it is deficient in oxygen, except near the surface. The
high concentration of hydrogen sulphide causes a reducing environment, resulting in a black
color.

Q. Why is that tropical cyclones cannot develop closer than several degrees from the
equator?
A. Because of the small amount of coriolis force near the equator.

Q. Convert 1003 millibars to inches of mercury and state what kind of pressure?
A. (Let X= inches of mercury)
 Note: 1013 Mbrs. constant aneroid barometer 29.92 inches of mercury, constant for
mercurial barometer.

1013X = 29.92 x 1003

30,009.76
X = ----------------
1013
Ans. X = 29.52 inches of mercury, a sign of low pressure

Convert 29.98 inches of mercury to millibars.

(Let X= Millibar reading)

X 1013
---------= ----------
29.98 29.92

29.92X = 29.98 x 1013

30,369.74
X= -----------------
29.92
Ans. X= 1015 Milllibars, a sign of high pressure