Training Guide in Surface Weather Observations - Multiple Choices

37. Match the following present weather phenomena with their definition:
well-developed dust/sand whirl sandstorm
funnel cloud duststorm
squalls
a. a violent, rotating column of air that does not touch the earth’s surface
b. particles of sand carried aloft by a strong wind, mostly confined to the lowest ten feet
c. a whirling column of dust or sand with a small diameter and an approximately vertical axis
d. a severe weather condition characterized by strong winds and dust-filled air over an extensive
area
e. sudden onset of strong winds in which the wind speed increases by at least 16 knots and is
sustained at 22 knots or more for at least one minute
38. For each of the following descriptions, indicate the appropriate precipitation intensity
(LGT, MOD, HVY)
a rain accumulation of 0.25 inch/hour
rain seemingly falls in sheets
visibility is not affected by falling ice pellets
scattered rain drops do not completely wet an exposed surface
0.05 inch of rain in 6 minutes
slow accumulation of ice pellets on the ground
snow is observed and visibility is 3/4 mile
drizzle reduces visibility to 1/8 mile
39. Match the following “descriptors” with the phenomenon they may be used to describe:
shallow, partial a. snow raised by the wind to a height of 6 feet or more
low drifting b. fog with little vertical extent
blowing c. drizzle that forms a glaze on the ground
showers d. precipitation characterized by rapid changes in intensity
thunderstorm e. sand raised by the wind to less than 6 feet
freezing f. local storm produced by a cumulonimbus cloud
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