Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 7
NOAA was established on October 3, 1970, as an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Answer: True
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was officially established on October 3, 1970, operating under the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, formed in 1807, is one of NOAA's key predecessor agencies.
Answer: True
The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, established in 1807, is recognized as one of the foundational agencies that contributed to the formation of NOAA.
President Richard Nixon proposed creating NOAA primarily to manage the nation's parks and public lands.
Answer: False
President Richard Nixon's proposal for NOAA aimed to improve the protection of life and property from natural hazards and to foster a better understanding of the environment, not primarily to manage parks and public lands.
On what date was NOAA established, and under which department does it operate?
Answer: October 3, 1970, Department of Commerce
NOAA was established on October 3, 1970, and operates as an agency within the United States Department of Commerce.
Which agency, formed in 1965, integrated several scientific bodies and served as the most direct predecessor to NOAA?
Answer: The Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA)
The Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA), established in 1965, integrated multiple scientific agencies and is considered the most direct predecessor to NOAA.
What was President Richard Nixon's stated purpose for proposing the creation of NOAA?
Answer: To better protect life and property from natural hazards and understand the environment.
President Nixon articulated the purpose of NOAA as addressing a national need for enhanced protection against natural hazards and for a deeper understanding of the total environment.
The placement of NOAA within the Department of Commerce, rather than the Department of the Interior, was influenced by:
Answer: A political dispute involving President Nixon and Interior Secretary Wally Hickel.
NOAA's placement within the Department of Commerce was reportedly influenced by a political dispute between President Nixon and Interior Secretary Wally Hickel, leading to NOAA being assigned to Commerce.
Which of the following best describes NOAA's primary mission?
Answer: Forecasting weather, monitoring oceans/atmosphere, and managing marine resources.
NOAA's core mission encompasses forecasting weather, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, charting seas, conducting deep-sea exploration, and managing fisheries and marine resource protection.
Which of the following is one of NOAA's six major line offices?
Answer: National Weather Service (NWS)
The National Weather Service (NWS) is one of NOAA's six major line offices, responsible for forecasts and warnings.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for operating U.S. environmental satellite programs.
Answer: False
The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) is responsible for operating U.S. environmental satellite programs, not the National Weather Service (NWS).
The National Ocean Service (NOS) focuses on ensuring U.S. ocean and coastal areas are safe, healthy, and productive.
Answer: True
The National Ocean Service (NOS) is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. ocean and coastal areas are maintained in a safe, healthy, and productive state.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for research, protection, management, and restoration of fisheries and protected species.
Answer: True
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), also known as NOAA Fisheries, holds responsibility for the research, protection, management, and restoration of fisheries and associated protected species.
The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) conducts NOAA's research, forming the basis for its environmental products and services.
Answer: True
The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) is central to NOAA's mission, conducting the research that underpins the agency's environmental products and services.
The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) manages NOAA's fleet of ships and aircraft.
Answer: True
The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is tasked with the management of NOAA's extensive fleet of research ships and aircraft.
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is NOAA's primary organization for issuing weather warnings.
Answer: False
The National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for issuing weather warnings. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) focuses on establishing and maintaining the national geodetic reference system.
The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) aims to develop a national system for early drought warning.
Answer: True
The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is designed to establish a comprehensive national system for early drought warning and information dissemination.
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) archives data from NOAA, the U.S. Navy, and global meteorological services.
Answer: True
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), part of NESDIS, serves as a repository for environmental data from NOAA, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and international meteorological services.
The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is located in Miami, Florida.
Answer: True
The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is situated in Miami, Florida, where it conducts significant research in areas such as hurricane dynamics and climate studies.
In 1977, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) deployed the first successful moored equatorial current meter.
Answer: True
The Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) achieved a significant milestone in 1977 by deploying the first successful moored equatorial current meter, initiating the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) array.
The Office of Coast Survey is responsible for managing NOAA's fleet of research ships.
Answer: False
The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is responsible for managing NOAA's fleet of ships and aircraft, not the Office of Coast Survey.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Space Commerce supports U.S. businesses in utilizing space for economic benefit.
Answer: True
The Office of Space Commerce, within NOAA, focuses on fostering economic benefits for U.S. businesses through the utilization of space-based assets and services.
The National Weather Service operates over 120 local Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs).
Answer: True
The National Weather Service (NWS) maintains a network of more than 120 local Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) across the United States.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is primarily responsible for:
Answer: Providing weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings.
The primary responsibility of the National Weather Service (NWS) is to provide essential weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings to protect life and property.
What is the focus of the National Ocean Service (NOS)?
Answer: Ensuring U.S. ocean and coastal areas are safe, healthy, and productive.
The National Ocean Service (NOS) concentrates its efforts on ensuring the safety, health, and productivity of U.S. ocean and coastal environments.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is commonly referred to as:
Answer: NOAA Fisheries
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is widely recognized and commonly referred to as NOAA Fisheries.
The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) is responsible for:
Answer: Operating and managing U.S. environmental satellite programs and data.
NESDIS is primarily responsible for the operation and management of U.S. environmental satellite programs and the associated data collection and archival.
What is the role of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO)?
Answer: Managing NOAA's fleet of ships and aircraft.
The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) manages NOAA's fleet of ships, aircraft, and diving operations, supporting its scientific and operational missions.
What is the primary function of the National Geodetic Survey (NGS)?
Answer: Establishing and maintaining the national geodetic reference system.
The primary function of the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is to establish and maintain the national geodetic reference system, which is fundamental for geospatial activities.
The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has an interagency mandate to:
Answer: Coordinate and integrate drought research.
NIDIS operates under an interagency mandate to coordinate and integrate drought research, aiming to improve drought early warning capabilities.
Which of the following is NOT a research laboratory within NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)?
Answer: National Ocean Service (NOS)
The National Ocean Service (NOS) is a major line office within NOAA, distinct from the research laboratories managed by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
What is the primary role of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)?
Answer: Research, protection, management, and restoration of fisheries and protected species.
The primary role of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) involves the research, protection, management, and restoration of marine fisheries and protected species within U.S. waters.
Which NOAA entity is responsible for archiving environmental data from satellites, government agencies, and global meteorological services?
Answer: National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), through its National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), is responsible for archiving vast amounts of environmental data.
What is the function of the NOAA Weather Radio network?
Answer: Providing continuous weather forecasts and warnings to the public.
The NOAA Weather Radio network functions as a crucial public service, broadcasting continuous weather forecasts, watches, and warnings 24 hours a day.
Which of the following IS listed as a research laboratory within NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)?
Answer: Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL)
The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) is one of the research laboratories operating under NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
Which NOAA office is responsible for charting U.S. coastal waters and navigable waterways?
Answer: Office of Coast Survey
The Office of Coast Survey is NOAA's designated authority for charting U.S. coastal waters and navigable waterways, ensuring maritime safety.
NOAA employs approximately 12,000 civilian employees and maintains a Commissioned Corps of 321 uniformed members.
Answer: True
NOAA's workforce comprises approximately 12,000 civilian employees and the NOAA Commissioned Corps, which consists of 321 uniformed members.
The estimated annual budget for NOAA in 2022 was $6.9 billion.
Answer: True
The estimated annual budget allocated to NOAA for the year 2022 was $6.9 billion.
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is responsible for managing NOAA's data archives.
Answer: False
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps primarily operates NOAA's ships and aircraft and holds scientific and administrative roles. Data archiving is managed by entities like the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).
The NOAA Diving Manual is primarily used by the National Weather Service for issuing storm warnings.
Answer: False
The NOAA Diving Manual provides standards and guidelines for NOAA's diving operations, not for storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
NOAA's WP-3D Orion aircraft are utilized as hurricane hunter aircraft.
Answer: True
The WP-3D Orion aircraft operated by NOAA are indeed employed as specialized hurricane hunter aircraft, gathering critical data within storms.
What was the purpose of the NOAA Diving Manual mentioned in the text?
Answer: To provide standards and guidelines for NOAA's diving operations.
The NOAA Diving Manual serves as a comprehensive guide, establishing standards and procedures for scientific diving operations conducted under NOAA's purview.
Laura Grimm currently serves as the permanent NOAA Administrator.
Answer: False
Laura Grimm currently holds the position of Acting NOAA Administrator, not the permanent position.
In September 2019, NOAA faced controversy for its statement regarding Hurricane Dorian, which supported an inaccurate forecast that contradicted the National Weather Service's local office.
Answer: False
The controversy in September 2019 involved NOAA issuing a statement that supported an inaccurate forecast regarding Hurricane Dorian, which contradicted the findings of NOAA's own National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama.
A January 2023 proposal suggested making NOAA an independent agency, separate from the Department of Commerce.
Answer: True
In January 2023, draft legislation was released proposing the elevation of NOAA to an independent agency, distinct from its current placement within the Department of Commerce.
The Project 2025 proposal specifically targeted the National Weather Service (NWS) for dismantling.
Answer: False
The Project 2025 proposal aimed to dismantle NOAA's research division, specifically targeting the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), rather than the National Weather Service (NWS).
In June 2025, the Department of Defense announced it would begin providing additional weather data to NOAA.
Answer: False
In June 2025, the Department of Defense announced it would cease providing critical weather data to scientists and forecasters, including those at NOAA.
Susan Solomon, an atmospheric chemist at NOAA, was a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the IPCC.
Answer: True
Dr. Susan Solomon, an atmospheric chemist affiliated with NOAA, was indeed a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for her significant contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
What controversy arose involving NOAA and President Trump in September 2019 concerning Hurricane Dorian?
Answer: NOAA supported an inaccurate forecast about the hurricane's path, contradicting its own NWS office.
The controversy involved NOAA issuing a statement that supported an inaccurate forecast concerning Hurricane Dorian's path, which conflicted with the National Weather Service's official forecast.
What role did atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon play in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?
Answer: She chaired the working group for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).
Dr. Susan Solomon served as a chair for the IPCC's working group on climate science for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), contributing significantly to its findings.
What did the Department of Defense announce in June 2025 that affected NOAA?
Answer: It would cease providing critical weather data to NOAA.
In June 2025, the Department of Defense announced its decision to discontinue the provision of critical weather data to NOAA and other scientific entities.
What significant staff changes occurred at NOAA in February and March 2025?
Answer: Layoffs of approximately 1,300 staff members.
In February and March 2025, NOAA underwent significant staff reductions, involving the layoff of approximately 1,300 employees.
As of March 31, 2025, who holds the position of Acting NOAA Administrator?
Answer: Laura Grimm
As of March 31, 2025, Laura Grimm is serving as the Acting NOAA Administrator.
NOAA's administrative headquarters has been located in Chicago, Illinois, since 1993.
Answer: False
NOAA's administrative headquarters has been located in Silver Spring, Maryland, since 1993.
The NOAA flag is based on the flag of the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA).
Answer: False
The NOAA flag is based on the flag of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS), not the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA).
The NOAA flag is identical to the flag used by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Answer: False
While the NOAA flag is based on the flag of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS), it is not identical; it incorporates elements derived from the USCGS design.
Since 1993, NOAA's administrative headquarters has been situated in which location?
Answer: Silver Spring, Maryland
NOAA's administrative headquarters has been located in Silver Spring, Maryland, since 1993.
The NOAA flag is based on the flag of which predecessor organization?
Answer: The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey
The NOAA flag's design is derived from the flag of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS), one of its predecessor organizations.