Common Exam - Earth Science Review - Quiz, Flashcards & Trivia

1. Why are seismic waves of an earthquake more strongly felt at the epicenter of an earthquake?

Because millions of small movements of the crust occur here

Because most faults converge at the epicenter

Because the epicenter is directly the focus, the place insidethe earth where the earthquake starts

Because crustal plates rise and fall with the ocean tides

Explanation

2. What are some ways to reduce soil erosion?

No till farming

Contour plowing

Crop rotations

All of the above

Contour Plowing

plowing along the slope of the land created ridges between rows that prevent the soil from washing downhill

No-Till Farming

no plowing after harvest between fall and spring use remains of last years crop as organic matter/fertilizer roots hold soil in place

Crop Rotations

rotating what you grow and where you grow them switch back and forth between plants that require a lot of nutrients and those that return nutrients to the soil (cotton/soybeans)

Explanation

Contour Plowing

plowing along the slope of the land created ridges between rows that prevent the soil from washing downhill

No-Till Farming

no plowing after harvest between fall and spring use remains of last years crop as organic matter/fertilizer roots hold soil in place

Crop Rotations

rotating what you grow and where you grow them switch back and forth between plants that require a lot of nutrients and those that return nutrients to the soil (cotton/soybeans)

3. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy resource?

Nuclear Energy

Hydroelectricity

Wind Power

Solar Energy

Nuclear Power comes from the radioactive element Uranium which is a NON renewable resource and our supply will eventually run out.

Explanation

Nuclear Power comes from the radioactive element Uranium which is a NON renewable resource and our supply will eventually run out.

4. Which is true about Earth's motion through space?

The Earth’s revolution changes the Sun—Earth gravitational pull.

The Earth’s rotation causes annual changes in its surfacetemperatures.

The tilt of the Earth’s axis and its revolution around the sunproduces seasons.

The Earth’s precession affects the amount of heat reflected from its surface.

Explanation

5. Which of the following is NOT a fossil fuel?

Coal

Oil

Biomass

Gas

Biomass is a renewable resource that can include burning wood from trees or creating biofuels like gas made of corn.

Explanation

Biomass is a renewable resource that can include burning wood from trees or creating biofuels like gas made of corn.

6. The gravitation pull of the Sun and Moon creates what on Earth?

Waves

Tides

Mass Movements

Wind

Explanation

7. Which of the following cause soil erosion?

Plowing

Overharvesting

Ranching

Clearing Forest (Deforestation)

All of the above

All of the listed activities - plowing, overharvesting, ranching, and clearing forest (deforestation) - contribute to soil erosion. Plowing involves turning the soil, which can lead to the loss of topsoil through wind or water erosion. Overharvesting refers to the excessive removal of vegetation, which leaves the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. Ranching involves the removal of natural vegetation for grazing, which can also lead to soil erosion. Clearing forests, or deforestation, removes the protective cover of trees, leading to increased soil erosion due to the loss of root systems that stabilize the soil.

Explanation

All of the listed activities - plowing, overharvesting, ranching, and clearing forest (deforestation) - contribute to soil erosion. Plowing involves turning the soil, which can lead to the loss of topsoil through wind or water erosion. Overharvesting refers to the excessive removal of vegetation, which leaves the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. Ranching involves the removal of natural vegetation for grazing, which can also lead to soil erosion. Clearing forests, or deforestation, removes the protective cover of trees, leading to increased soil erosion due to the loss of root systems that stabilize the soil.

8. Which of the following is the correct layers of the atmosphere starting with the layer closest to the Earth?

Troposphere, Thermosphere, Stratosphere, Exosphere, Mesosphere

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere

Exosphere, Stratosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Troposphere

Mesosphere, Troposphere, Stratosphere, Exosphere, Thermosphere

Explanation

9. The movement that creates day and night is:

Revolution

Rotation

Eccentricity

Coriolis Effect

ROTATION = Day and Night - sometimes we are facing the sun (Day) and sometimes we are not (Night)

REVOLUTION = YEAR - we revolve around the Sun once a year which is 365 days.... this create our seasons.

Explanation

ROTATION = Day and Night - sometimes we are facing the sun (Day) and sometimes we are not (Night)

REVOLUTION = YEAR - we revolve around the Sun once a year which is 365 days.... this create our seasons.

10. How is solar energy essential to plants?

The ultraviolet radiation of the sun generates ozone for plants to support all life.

The wavelengths of visible light stimulate plant cells to produce energy compounds by photosynthesis.

The microwaves emitted by the sun stimulate animal reproduction in the rainforest.

The infrared radiation reflected from the Earth’s surface drives the carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles.

Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth. It provides oxygen and food for living things and it takes in carbon dioxide. The Sun provides the necessary energy for photosynthesis to happen. See diagram below:

Explanation

Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth. It provides oxygen and food for living things and it takes in carbon dioxide. The Sun provides the necessary energy for photosynthesis to happen. See diagram below:

11. Where do most Earthquakes/Volcanoes occur?

In Japan

On the mid-ocean ridge

Around the Ring of Fire

In Hawaii

The ring of fire is surrounded by plate boundaries causing stress which lead to Earthquakes.

Explanation

The ring of fire is surrounded by plate boundaries causing stress which lead to Earthquakes.

12. If your water source has a pH of 4 what can that mean?

The lake is basic and no fish can survive

The lake is acidic and no fish can survive

Eutrophication has happened

The lake is polluted with sewage

A pH of 4 indicates that the water source is acidic. This low pH level can be harmful to fish, as it can disrupt their respiratory and metabolic processes, leading to their inability to survive in the lake.

Explanation

A pH of 4 indicates that the water source is acidic. This low pH level can be harmful to fish, as it can disrupt their respiratory and metabolic processes, leading to their inability to survive in the lake.

13. How does a cold front form?

Warm air advances and replaces cold air.

Cold air advances, forcing warm air to rise.

Warm and cold air masses meet and mix.

Warm and cold air masses have no relative advancement.

Explanation

14. Which change would most likely occur as a result of rapid increases in the global population?

The price of labor to harvest raw food supplies would decrease.

The price of transporting food would cause lowering of foodprices.

There would be a high demand for limited natural resources.

The present global management of natural resources would remain the same.

The more people there are on Earth the more resources we would use.

Explanation

The more people there are on Earth the more resources we would use.

15. Which alternative energy technology could take advantage of land and sea breezes in coastal North Carolina?

Biofuels production

Wind farms

Solar energy panels

Nuclear fusion

We are a coastal state so we live near the ocean and there is different air pressures over the water versus the land and this creates WIND.

Explanation

We are a coastal state so we live near the ocean and there is different air pressures over the water versus the land and this creates WIND.

16. Which direction is the wind blowing at this weather station?

Northeast

Northwest

Southeast

Southwest

Winds are named by where they come from. You look for the "staff" which is the line and what direction it is pointing ...in this case NE.

Explanation

Winds are named by where they come from. You look for the "staff" which is the line and what direction it is pointing ...in this case NE.

17. Where would the highest amounts of acid rain most likely be found?

Over the ocean

In the ocean

In urban areas

In the mountains

Acid rain forms from pollution like sulfur or nitrates that comes from factories or cars that are in urban or city areas.

Explanation

Acid rain forms from pollution like sulfur or nitrates that comes from factories or cars that are in urban or city areas.

18. Why does Earth experience precession?

Because the Earth revolves around the sun every 365 days

Because of the movement of the circumpolar stars and Polaris

Because the Earth is the third planet from the sun

Because the plane of the moon’s orbit is tilted from theEarth’s elliptical plane

The Earth's rotation axis is not fixed in space. Like a rotating toy top, the direction of the rotation axis executes a slow precession with a period of 26,000 years (see following figure).

Explanation

The Earth's rotation axis is not fixed in space. Like a rotating toy top, the direction of the rotation axis executes a slow precession with a period of 26,000 years (see following figure).

19. In which of he following climates will chemical weathering be most rapid?

Hot and dry

Hot and humid

Cool and dry

Cool and humid

Explanation

20. In what type of soil would seepage of groundwater into streams occur the slowest?

Fine sand

Gravel

Clay

Silt

Clay has the smallest particle size and thus when it is put together with other clay particles it will have a low porosity and permeability.

Explanation

Clay has the smallest particle size and thus when it is put together with other clay particles it will have a low porosity and permeability.

21. What is the major difference between weather and climate?

Air temperature

Air pressure

Humidity

Time

The major difference between weather and climate is time. Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions in a specific location at a particular moment, such as temperature, air pressure, and humidity. It can change rapidly and is short-term. On the other hand, climate refers to the average weather patterns in a region over a long period, typically 30 years or more. Climate takes into account long-term trends and variations in weather patterns. Therefore, time is the key factor that distinguishes weather and climate.

Explanation

The major difference between weather and climate is time. Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions in a specific location at a particular moment, such as temperature, air pressure, and humidity. It can change rapidly and is short-term. On the other hand, climate refers to the average weather patterns in a region over a long period, typically 30 years or more. Climate takes into account long-term trends and variations in weather patterns. Therefore, time is the key factor that distinguishes weather and climate.

22. Which of the following is an example of climate?

The current temperature in Pinehurst, NC

The relative humidity in Raleigh, NC

The average current temperature in a region

The average temperature in Raleigh, NC over the past 30years

Climate is the average temperature over 30 years.

Explanation

Climate is the average temperature over 30 years.

23. Of the following, which energy source produces the least amount of solid waste?

Coal

Natural gas

Oil

Peat

Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. It pollutes LESS than coal and oil and it creates less waste in general.

Explanation

Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. It pollutes LESS than coal and oil and it creates less waste in general.

24. Why does mining of coal and other natural resources often result in environment pollution?

Mining pollutes the air near streams.

Mining produces acid precipitation near streams.

Mining creates waste material which can flow into streams.

Mining strips the surface of the land near streams

Mining tailings (parts of the ground that aren't used.) Can eventually runoff from precipitation and end up either in the soil or in the surface water.

Explanation

Mining tailings (parts of the ground that aren't used.) Can eventually runoff from precipitation and end up either in the soil or in the surface water.

25. The amount of energy that is transferred up to the next trophic level in this food pyramid is?

1%

10%

50%

90%

Explanation

26. How are hurricanes and tornadoes related to air masses?

They form within air masses.

They form where air masses meet.

They form where air pressure is the same.

They form where air temperatures are the same

Explanation

27. Which of the following chemical reactions produce the sun's energy?

Helium nuclei are combined by nuclear fusion.

Oxygen is present to cause combustion of solar fuel molecules.

Hydrogen nuclei combine through nuclear fusion into helium.

Helium and oxygen break down through nuclear fission.

Explanation

28. Why should the farming industry adopt sustainable agriculture practices?

To increase the use of irrigation systems

To increase the number of non-point sources of water pollution

To increase the amount of erosion and deposition

To reduce the environmental degradation and economic losses

Sustainability is using resources responsibly so we have them in the FUTURE.

Explanation

Sustainability is using resources responsibly so we have them in the FUTURE.

29. What is the greatest cause for the loss of Biodiversity?

Habitat Destruction

Invasive Species

OverPopulation

Pollution

All of the above are reasons for Biodiversity Decline but HABITAT Destruction is number one. Think HIPPO and the H is first!

Explanation

All of the above are reasons for Biodiversity Decline but HABITAT Destruction is number one. Think HIPPO and the H is first!

30. How does the sun's energy affect food webs on Earth?

The ultraviolet radiation of the sun generates ozone for plants to support all life.

The wavelengths of visible light stimulate plant cells to produce energy compounds by photosynthesis.

The microwaves emitted by the sun stimulate animal reproduction in the rainforest.

The infrared radiation reflected from the Earth’s surface drives the carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles.

Explanation

31. How does the subduction of crustal plates influence the rock cycle?

The processes of heating and melting of rock layers form the parent material for igneous rock.

The processes of cementing and compaction form sedimentary rock.

The parent material is provided for weathering and erosion.

The intense heat and pressure forms metamorphic rock.

Explanation

32. How would several wells in a given area affect the balance of groundwater recharge and discharge?

The wells would provide dissolved oxygen.

The wells would increase the water table level by adding waterfrom runoff.

The wells would deplete the groundwater which is usually supplied by percolation from rain.

The wells would provide storage areas for groundwater to maintain the water level.

Water from wells comes from groundwater. Taking away water from the ground will lower the water table or the line where the water is underground.

Explanation

Water from wells comes from groundwater. Taking away water from the ground will lower the water table or the line where the water is underground.

33. The earth's atmosphere is mainly composed of which gases?

Argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen

Carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen and nitrogen

Argon, methane, CFC's and oxygen

Helium, oxygen and radon

Explanation

34. Which human activity would be most destructive to the biodiversity of the biosphere?

The burning of wood and coal in rural areas

The release of species of freshwater trout in lakes

The removal of plants from the food webs they support

The removal of erosion barriers from forest boundaries

Plants are the primary producers and provide food for everything!

Explanation

Plants are the primary producers and provide food for everything!

35. Which is more likely to prevent mass-movement events?

Constructing buildings in stream drainage paths

Clear-cutting trees from the side of a mountain

Paving roads next to sloping hills

Contour plowing of crop areas

The more vegetation or roots you have in the ground the less likely the soil will move. See diagram below. The plants will catch the water and hold the soil in place with contour plowing.

Explanation

The more vegetation or roots you have in the ground the less likely the soil will move. See diagram below. The plants will catch the water and hold the soil in place with contour plowing.

36. On an August afternoon in North Carolina, the barometric pressure is 29.92 inches and falling. What weather condition is likely to happen?

Clearing skies and cooler temperatures

Continued fair weather

An imminent storm

Conditions will slowly improve

If the air pressure is falling that means it will be less dense and start to rise. When air rises clouds form and precipitation can happen.

Explanation

If the air pressure is falling that means it will be less dense and start to rise. When air rises clouds form and precipitation can happen.

37. How is biodiversity essential to the environment?

Biodiversity decreases the chance that at least some living thingswill survive in the face of large changes in the environment.

Biodiversity decreases the stability of the ecosystem.

Biodiversity adds to the aesthetical value of the environment andreduces the amount of genetic material in the environment.

Biodiversity adds to the aesthetical value of the environment and increases the amount of genetic material in the environment.

Biodiversity is essential to the environment because it adds to the aesthetical value of the environment, making it more visually appealing and diverse. Additionally, biodiversity increases the amount of genetic material in the environment, which is important for the survival and adaptation of different species. This genetic diversity allows for a greater chance of some living things to survive in the face of large changes in the environment, ensuring the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

Explanation

Biodiversity is essential to the environment because it adds to the aesthetical value of the environment, making it more visually appealing and diverse. Additionally, biodiversity increases the amount of genetic material in the environment, which is important for the survival and adaptation of different species. This genetic diversity allows for a greater chance of some living things to survive in the face of large changes in the environment, ensuring the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

38. From a scientific perspective, which of the following sequences of action is the best way to solve the problem of wetland erosion?

Add sediments, plantings, monitor plantings

Dredging, sand bags, plantings

Dredging, hard stabilization, plantings

Hard stabilization, sediment transport, pesticide treatment

Explanation

39. Why are wind, water, and gravity major agents of erosion rather than weathering?

Because weathering is often limited to physical changes in earthmaterials

Because weathering is often limited to chemical changes in earthmaterials

Because erosion involves the stationary processes that break downrock

Because erosion involves movement of earth materials fromone location to another

Explanation

40. How is the balance of heat energy maintained in the oceans?

The sun’s energy is equally distributed throughout the oceans.

The tides transfer heat energy across the oceans.

The movement of waves transfers heat energy throughout theoceans.

Heat energy is cycled by currents between the equator and the polar regions.

The Poles are cold and they send cold water to the equator and the Equator (O degrees/ center of the Earth) is warm and it sends warm water to the poles which moderates the climate.

Explanation

The Poles are cold and they send cold water to the equator and the Equator (O degrees/ center of the Earth) is warm and it sends warm water to the poles which moderates the climate.

41. When is the subsurface phase of the water cycle complete?

When groundwater emerges in places where the water table interacts with the ground surface

When precipitation produces runoff into streams above the surface

When water remains in the ground as part of the water table

When water infiltrates the ground after rain, sleet, or snowaccumulate

Subsurface = below the ground.

All ground water will eventually flow into a river or stream, which is above the surface.

Explanation

Subsurface = below the ground.

All ground water will eventually flow into a river or stream, which is above the surface.

42. Many of the biomes that exist on Earth can be found in the western parts of North Carolina. What is the primary reason for the existence of such a wide range of biomes in this area?

The rivers and lakes in the mountain areas

The wide range of altitudes of the mountains

They types of rocks that make up the mountains

The wind and water erosion of the mountains

Different altitudes equal different temperatures. The higher you go up in altitude the colder the climate. North Carolina has the Appalachian mountains so we have a wide range of biomes. A biome is based on temperature, climate and the plants that live there.

Explanation

Different altitudes equal different temperatures. The higher you go up in altitude the colder the climate. North Carolina has the Appalachian mountains so we have a wide range of biomes. A biome is based on temperature, climate and the plants that live there.

43. How does the replacement of large land areas with concrete and asphalt affect the land?

It changes the bedrock of underlying layers of soil.

It prevents the dynamics of the rock cycle.

It increases the amount of groundwater in porous rock.

It increases erosion of sediments by increasing runoff.

First you are taking away soil by covering it in asphalt and then you increase the amount of water that is running off onto the remaining soil increasing erosion. (MOVEMENT of soil particles to another place.)

Explanation

First you are taking away soil by covering it in asphalt and then you increase the amount of water that is running off onto the remaining soil increasing erosion. (MOVEMENT of soil particles to another place.)

44. Approximately when did the fault occur?

After layer B was deposited

After layer C was deposited

After layer D was deposited

Prior to all the deposition of all sedimentary strata

All of the layers had to have been there first before a fault could develop through them. (Layer A was not an option so layer was the best answer.)

Explanation

All of the layers had to have been there first before a fault could develop through them. (Layer A was not an option so layer was the best answer.)

45. When a sewer pipe breaks near a stream which would most likely occur?

Increase in salinity

Decrease in dissolved nitrogen

Decrease in dissolved oxygen

Increase in pesticides

The bacteria that breaks down or "eats" the waste requires a lot of oxygen so there will be less of it in the water and fish will probably either die or leave that area.

Explanation

The bacteria that breaks down or "eats" the waste requires a lot of oxygen so there will be less of it in the water and fish will probably either die or leave that area.