Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

Large bodies of water cause winds to blow in which direction as the land heats up?

1. Out to sea

2. Inland

3. Northward

4. Eastward

The correct answer is: Inland

When land heats up during the day, the temperature of the air above it also rises. Warm air is less dense and begins to rise, creating an area of lower pressure over the land. In contrast, large bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes, retain their temperature more effectively and remain cooler than the surrounding land. This temperature difference leads to the creation of a pressure gradient between the cooler air over the water and the warmer air over the land. As a result, the cooler air over the water moves inland to fill the lower pressure area created by the rising warm air over the land. This movement of air creates a wind that flows from the water towards the land, effectively bringing in cooler air and influencing local weather conditions. This phenomenon is often observed in coastal areas and is commonly referred to as a sea breeze. Understanding this principle is crucial for wildland firefighting, as changing wind patterns can affect fire behavior and spread. Recognizing how local topography and bodies of water influence winds helps firefighters make informed decisions about fire suppression tactics and safety measures.