From line 6-8
The air is mixed by means of turbulence that depends on the wind for its energy. As wind speed increases, so does turbulence, and thus the rate of heat and moisture transfer.

I. Correct because the air is mixed due to wind.
II. Incorrect because its written that wind increases the rate of heat and moisture transfer. It doesn't maintain it at a steady rate.
III. Incorrect because no information is provided about changes in temperature of water. We can infer that the temperature of air might change because wind mixes it but we cannot infer anything about changes in temperature of water due to wind.

Please explain 20

A passage dense with facts but not particularly convoluted


The transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air above it depends on a disequilibrium at the interface of the water and the air.

Ok. We do know that the transfer of something depends on the water surface

Within about a millimeter of the water, air temperature is close to that of the surface water, and the air is nearly saturated with water vapor.

Another fact. You just need to know that is a process is going on. If you do need to have details about just back to the passage

But the differences, however small, are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water-vapor content.

Another fact, The difference at the beginning of the passage we do know that is crucial

The air is mixed by means of turbulence that depends on the wind for its energy.

The air has a crucial role in the process. As it turns out, the wind

As wind speed increases, so does turbulence, and thus the rate of heat and moisture transfer.

More speed > more motion > more mixing up

Detailed understanding of this phenomenon awaits further study.

The process is still unclear

An interacting-and complicating-phenomenon is wind-to-water transfer of momentum that occurs when waves are formed.

A particular of the process above that is still unclear

When the wind makes waves, it transfers important amounts of energy--energy that is therefore not available to provide turbulence.

Another piece of information


17. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) resolve a controversy

No one is against another

(B) describe a phenomenon

Yes and that it is still unclear

(C) outline a theory

No theory we do have

(D) confirm research findings

No. We still need-finding

(E) classify various observations

No categorization

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18. According to the passage, wind over the ocean generally does which of the following?

I. Causes relatively cool, dry air to come into proximity with the ocean surface.



CORRECT

II. Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air.



Not true

III. Causes frequent changes in the temperature of the water at the ocean's surface.

I did not see frequent fluctuations in the temperature. Wrong

(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and II only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III

Only A is correct

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19. It can be inferred from the passage that the author regards current knowledge about heat and moisture transfer from the ocean to air as

(A) revolutionary
NO
(B) inconsequential
No. I do not know what that means but for sure is incorrect
(C) outdated
no
(D) derivative
no
(E) incomplete
Correct. We do need further investigations and studies

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20. The passage suggests that if on a certain day the wind were to decrease until there was no wind at all, which of the following would occur?

(A) The air closest to the ocean surface would become saturated with water vapor.
We do know more wind > more turbulence > more exchange. Keep it for now
(B) The air closest to the ocean surface would be warmer than the water.
No true at all
(C) The amount of moisture in the air closest to the ocean surface would decrease.
it depends. Not true
(D) The rate of heat and moisture transfer would increase.
In certain circumstances could be the opposite
(E) The air closest to the ocean would be at the same temperature as air higher up.
Almost never

A is the answer


Hope this helps

What is the difference between outlining and describing a phenomenon?

The first is just to draw a thing in its essential thing or the edge of something. I.E a general idea.

The second you discern every detail or describing it in deep

17. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) resolve a controversy
(B) describe a phenomenon. Correct.
(C) outline a theory
(D) confirm research findings
(E) classify various observations

Explanation:

The passage clearly describes the phenomenon of water vapour and temperature transfer from the air layer in contact with the ocean's surface and the layers above it. It also describes the role wind energy plays in transfer of water vapour and temperature from the surface of the ocean to higher layers of air above.


18. According to the passage, wind over the ocean generally does which of the following?

I. Causes relatively cool, dry air to come into proximity with the ocean surface. Correct.

The air is mixed by means of turbulence that depends on the wind for its energy

II. Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air. Wrong.

As wind speed increases, so does turbulence, and thus the rate of heat and moisture transfer.

III. Causes frequent changes in the temperature of the water at the ocean's surface.

No information to support this.


(A) I only. Correct.
(B) II only
(C) I and II only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III

relevant sentences from the passage:

The air is mixed by means of turbulence that depends on the wind for its energy. As wind speed increases, so does turbulence, and thus the rate of heat and moisture transfer. Detailed understanding of this phenomenon awaits further study. An interacting-and complicating-phenomenon is wind-to-water transfer of momentum that occurs when waves are formed. When the wind makes waves, it transfers important amounts of energy--energy that is therefore not available to provide turbulence.


19. It can be inferred from the passage that the author regards current knowledge about heat and moisture transfer from the ocean to air as

(A) revolutionary
(B) inconsequential
(C) outdated
(D) derivative
(E) incomplete. Correct.

relevant sentences from the passage:

Detailed understanding of this phenomenon awaits further study.


20. The passage suggests that if on a certain day the wind were to decrease until there was no wind at all, which of the following would occur?

(A) The air closest to the ocean surface would become saturated with water vapor. Correct.
(B) The air closest to the ocean surface would be warmer than the water.
(C) The amount of moisture in the air closest to the ocean surface would decrease.
(D) The rate of heat and moisture transfer would increase.
(E) The air closest to the ocean would be at the same temperature as air higher up.

relevant sentences from the passage:

The air is mixed by means of turbulence that depends on the wind for its energy. As wind speed increases, so does turbulence, and thus the rate of heat and moisture transfer.

Explanation:

Thus, if there was no wind at all, the transfer of heat and moisture from air closest to the ocean surface to higher layers of air will not happen. Therefore, the air closest to the ocean surface will become saturated with heat and water vapour