Earth And Environmental Science EOC 9th Grade

The passage of water through a plant is called transpiration. Transpiration is the process by which water is lost from the leaves of a plant through small openings called stomata. This loss of water creates a suction force that pulls water up from the roots through the plant's vascular system. Evaporation, on the other hand, refers to the process of water turning into vapor and is not specific to plants.

Deforestation refers to the deliberate and widespread removal of trees from a wooded area. This process is often carried out to clear land for agricultural purposes, urbanization, or the extraction of natural resources. It leads to the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and contributes to climate change. The term "deforestation" accurately describes the action of removing trees and is the most appropriate answer among the given options.

Tectonic plate movement is the correct answer because it is responsible for the creation of new ocean seafloor. The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that are constantly moving. At the boundaries where these plates interact, such as at mid-ocean ridges, new seafloor is formed through a process called seafloor spreading. Magma rises up from the mantle, solidifies, and creates new crust, pushing the existing seafloor apart. This continuous movement and creation of new seafloor contribute to the expansion of the ocean basins.

The arrows in the diagram represent the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. The arrows indicate the direction and speed of plate movement, showing how they collide, separate, or slide past each other.

Sleet is a form of weather that occurs when raindrops freeze before reaching the ground, resulting in small ice pellets that fall from the sky. It is a type of precipitation that typically happens during colder temperatures and can create hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks. Unlike winter, spring, and autumn, which are seasons, sleet refers specifically to a type of weather phenomenon.

The correct answer is "Rain, Snow, Hail" because these three elements are all forms of precipitation. A stacked bar chart is used to show the composition of a whole category, in this case, precipitation. Each stack represents a different element within that category, and "Rain, Snow, Hail" are all different types of precipitation that can be included in the same stack. The other options listed do not fit this criteria as they include elements that are not forms of precipitation.

Acid rain forms when SOx (sulfur oxides) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) are released into the atmosphere from various sources such as factories, power plants, and vehicles. These pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the air to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids then fall to the Earth as acid rain, causing damage to plants, animals, buildings, and bodies of water.

The model best explains why the moon's appearance changes from day to day. This is because the moon orbits around the Earth, and as it does so, different portions of the moon are illuminated by the sun, causing different phases of the moon to be visible from Earth. This phenomenon is responsible for the changing appearance of the moon as observed from day to day.

The diagram above illustrates the heliocentric model of the solar system. This means that scientists now believe that the sun is at the center of the solar system, with the planets orbiting around it. This is a shift from the earlier geocentric model, which placed the Earth at the center.

An estuary is formed when a freshwater river meets the ocean. It is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where the river's freshwater mixes with the saltwater from the ocean. Estuaries are characterized by their brackish water, which is a mix of freshwater and saltwater. They are typically home to diverse ecosystems and serve as important habitats for various species of plants and animals. Estuaries also play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and sediment, as well as providing nursery grounds for many marine organisms.

Geothermal energy refers to the heat energy that is derived from the Earth's internal heat. This energy is harnessed from the Earth's hot rocks, magma, and hot water reservoirs beneath the surface. It is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can be utilized for various purposes such as heating, electricity generation, and hot water supply. The hot spring in the picture relies on this geothermal energy to maintain its heat, making "heat energy from the Earth" the best explanation of the term geothermal.

Eutrophication is the correct answer because it refers to the increase in plant growth due to added nutrients in the water. This process occurs when excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, enter a body of water, leading to an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants. As these plants die and decompose, they consume oxygen, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, which can harm aquatic life. Therefore, eutrophication is the most appropriate explanation for the given scenario of increased plant growth due to added nutrients in the water.

The term "carbon footprint" refers to the amount of carbon emissions that an individual or group is responsible for due to their daily activities. It is a measure of the impact that their actions have on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. This includes emissions from transportation, energy use, food consumption, and other activities that contribute to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Ecology is the study of the environment, including the relationships between organisms and their surroundings. It focuses on understanding how living organisms interact with each other and their physical environment. Psychology, on the other hand, is the study of the human mind and behavior. Geology is the study of the Earth's solid materials, while astrology is the belief that the positions of celestial bodies can influence human affairs. Therefore, ecology is the most appropriate answer as it specifically relates to the study of the environment.

The troposphere is the atmospheric layer closest to the Earth's surface and contains most of the Earth's water. This is because the troposphere is where weather occurs, and water vapor is a key component of weather systems. As air rises in the troposphere, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and precipitation. Therefore, the troposphere is responsible for the majority of the Earth's water cycle and is the atmospheric layer that contains the most water.

The canyon around the Snake River is a good example of erosion produced by water. Over time, the flowing water of the river has carved out the canyon, wearing away the rock and sediment. This type of erosion is known as fluvial erosion and is common in areas where rivers or streams have a significant impact on the landscape.

Diagram C represents a side view of a sand dune most commonly formed as a result of the prevailing wind direction shown. This can be inferred from the shape of the dune in Diagram C, which features a gentle slope on the windward side and a steeper slope on the leeward side. This is a characteristic feature of sand dunes formed by wind erosion and deposition.

An air mass refers to a large body of air that has similar characteristics in terms of temperature, humidity, and stability. These characteristics are acquired from the region where the air mass originates. Air masses can cover vast areas and can influence weather conditions as they move across different regions. Therefore, the term "air mass" is the most appropriate choice to describe a large body of air with similar characteristics.

A photovoltaic cell is a device that converts sunlight into electrical current. It is made up of semiconductor materials that absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current. The process is based on the photovoltaic effect, where the energy from photons is converted into electrical energy. This technology is commonly used in solar panels to harness solar energy and generate electricity for various applications. Ionic cell, collection cell, and retention cell are not specifically designed to convert sunlight into electrical current, making them incorrect answers.

If the Earth did not rotate, the sun would appear to stay in one fixed location of the sky. This is because the apparent motion of the sun is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet are exposed to the sun's light, creating the illusion of the sun moving across the sky. Without the Earth's rotation, the sun would always be in the same position in relation to an observer on the planet, resulting in a fixed location in the sky.

Water is most dense at 4 degrees Celsius. As the temperature of water decreases from 4 degrees Celsius, it expands and becomes less dense. Therefore, 10 degree C water is less dense than 4 degree C water.

Most of the river basins in North Carolina drain into the Atlantic Ocean because North Carolina is located on the east coast of the United States. The rivers in this region flow eastward towards the Atlantic Ocean, carrying water and sediment from the inland areas to the coast. The Atlantic Ocean is the closest major body of water to North Carolina, making it the most likely destination for the rivers to drain into. On the other hand, the Mississippi River is located on the opposite side of the country, in the central part of the United States, and does not drain into North Carolina.

An unconfined aquifer is open to receive water from the surface and its water table surface is free to fluctuate up and down. In contrast, a confined aquifer is surrounded by impermeable layers that prevent water from easily entering or leaving the aquifer, causing the water table to be confined and not fluctuate as freely. Therefore, the correct answer is unconfined.

The correct answer is more rounded, smoother, and smaller. When rock fragments are tumbled and carried over long distances by a stream, they undergo erosion and abrasion. This process causes the rocks to become more rounded and smoother as their sharp edges and rough surfaces are worn away. Additionally, the constant movement and collision with other rocks cause the fragments to break into smaller pieces. Therefore, the rock fragments in the stream will be more rounded, smoother, and smaller.

Volcanic eruptions are good examples of sudden changes to Earth's landscape because they involve the rapid release of magma, gases, and other materials from within the Earth's crust. This sudden release of pressure causes explosions and the ejection of volcanic ash, lava, and rock fragments, which can dramatically alter the surrounding terrain. Volcanic eruptions can create new landforms such as mountains, calderas, and volcanic cones, and they can also destroy existing landscapes through the deposition of ash, the formation of lava flows, and the potential for landslides and avalanches.

At a fault boundary, the movement of tectonic plates can cause the creation of new ocean floor. This occurs specifically at a feature called a ridge. Ridges are formed when two plates move apart, allowing magma to rise up from the mantle and solidify to form new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and is responsible for the continuous expansion of the ocean floor. Therefore, the correct answer is ridge.

A cone of depression is a conical shaped feature that occurs in an aquifer when groundwater is pumped from a well. As water is extracted from the well, the water table around the well drops, creating a cone-shaped depression in the groundwater level. This occurs because the pumping creates a localized lowering of the water table in the vicinity of the well. The cone of depression can extend outwards from the well, affecting the surrounding groundwater flow patterns and potentially causing nearby wells to experience a decrease in water availability.

The dew point is the temperature at which the moisture in the air condenses on surfaces. When the air cools down to the dew point, it becomes saturated and can no longer hold all the moisture it contains. As a result, the excess moisture condenses into tiny water droplets on surfaces, such as grass, leaves, or windows. Therefore, the dew point is the correct answer as it represents the temperature at which tropospheric moisture condenses on surfaces.

Block diagram D represents the plate motion that causes the earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault in California. The diagram shows two tectonic plates, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, with arrows indicating their relative motion. The plates are moving horizontally past each other, which is consistent with the strike-slip motion observed along the San Andreas Fault. This diagram accurately represents the plate motion that leads to earthquakes in this region.

The moon appears to move across the night sky in a similar manner to the sun because the earth rotates once every 24 hours. As the earth rotates, different parts of the earth's surface are exposed to the moon, causing it to appear to move across the sky. This rotation of the earth creates the illusion of the moon's movement, just as it does with the sun during the daytime. The moon itself revolves around the earth, but its movement across the sky is primarily due to the rotation of the earth.

The Ozone Layer is located within the stratosphere and plays a crucial role in absorbing and protecting Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth’s surface, the mesosphere is above the stratosphere, and the thermosphere is higher than the mesosphere.

The most gradual change in Earth's landscape among the options listed is "Mountain building."

Mountain building occurs over geological timescales and involves the slow uplift and creation of mountain ranges through tectonic processes. It typically happens due to the convergence of tectonic plates, where crustal materials are pushed upward and folded, leading to the formation of mountain ranges. This process unfolds over millions of years, making it a gradual change in Earth's landscape.

Large volcanic eruptions can release massive amounts of dust and ash into the stratosphere. These particles can block sunlight from reaching the Earth's surface, leading to a decrease in global air temperatures. The dust and ash act as a barrier, reducing the transparency of the atmosphere and preventing the sun's rays from warming the planet as effectively. Therefore, the correct answer is that global air temperatures are cooler than normal because the atmosphere is less transparent.

The seismic station recorded the P-waves, but not the S-waves, because the S-waves were weak and only detectable at nearby locations.

A gentle slope allows water to flow more slowly, giving it more time to infiltrate the ground. Additionally, a permeable surface (such as porous soil or gravel) allows water to easily penetrate into the ground. This combination of a gentle slope and a permeable surface promotes efficient groundwater recharge and allows water to seep into the ground effectively.

A drumlin is an elongated hill that is formed by the deposition of unsorted sediments by a glacier. These sediments are typically composed of clay, sand, and gravel. The shape of a drumlin is usually streamlined with a gentle slope on the upstream side and a steeper slope on the downstream side. This landform is commonly found in areas that were once covered by glaciers during the last ice age.

The Energy Star Program is a well-known EPA program that certifies equipment as energy efficient. This program aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying and promoting products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. The Energy Star label on products helps consumers make informed choices and save energy and money in the long run. This program has been successful in encouraging the development and adoption of energy-efficient technologies in various industries.

The correct answer is Pangaea because Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago. The movement of tectonic plates caused the breakup of Pangaea, leading to the formation of the continents we have today. The energy for continental drift comes from the Earth's interior, where heat and convection currents drive the movement of tectonic plates.

The correct answer is "Medilayer". The term "medilayer" refers to the layer between cold salt water and warm fresher water. This layer is characterized by a distinct difference in density, known as the pycnocline. The pycnocline acts as a barrier, preventing the mixing of the two layers and creating a stratified water column.

The removal of vegetation on a hillslope will result in less interception and evapotranspiration, allowing more rainwater to directly infiltrate into the soil. This increased infiltration capacity will lead to greater infiltration during the next heavy rainstorm. Additionally, without the vegetation to slow down the flow of water, runoff will be reduced, as there will be fewer obstacles to impede the movement of water downhill. Therefore, infiltration will be greater and runoff will be less.

The correct answer is the changing phases of the Moon. Ocean tides are primarily caused by the gravitational attraction between the Moon and Earth. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, its gravitational pull creates a tidal bulge on the side of the Earth facing the Moon, causing a high tide. On the opposite side of the Earth, there is also a high tide due to the centrifugal force caused by the Earth-Moon system's rotation. As the Moon goes through its phases, the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth changes, affecting the strength of the gravitational pull and resulting in variations in tidal patterns.

The most likely explanation for the correct answer is that the sample of igneous rock was produced by wind energy. This is because wind erosion can carry and deposit sediments, including igneous rocks, from one location to another. In areas near a volcano, strong winds can transport volcanic ash and other materials, which can then solidify and form igneous rocks. The other options, such as erosion, the Sun, and Earth's interior, are less likely to directly produce igneous rocks in this specific context.