7th Grade Science Quiz On Earth! Trivia

Explanation
The Earth is not a perfect sphere but rather an oblate spheroid. This means that it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. The shape of the Earth is influenced by its rotation, which causes the equatorial region to experience a centrifugal force that pushes outward, resulting in the bulging shape. This shape has been determined through various scientific measurements and calculations, including satellite observations and geodetic surveys.

Explanation
The earth bulges in the middle due to rotation. As the earth spins on its axis, the centrifugal force generated causes the equator to bulge outwards. This is because the rotation creates a greater force at the equator compared to the poles. The rotation causes the earth to be slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator, resulting in its oblate shape.

Explanation
The equator is the correct answer because it is the line of latitude that is located at 0 degrees. It is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The equator is equidistant from the North Pole and the South Pole, and it is the longest line of latitude on Earth. It is also a reference point for measuring latitude and is used as a baseline for determining other latitudes.

Explanation
Lines of longitude run north and south. Longitude lines are imaginary vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, dividing the Earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. They are used to measure the angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is located in Greenwich, England. The lines of longitude help in determining a specific location's longitude coordinates, which are essential for navigation and mapping purposes.

Explanation
90 degrees North latitude is another name for the North Pole. The North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth, located at the intersection of the Earth's surface with the axis of rotation. It is also known as 90 degrees North latitude because it is situated at the highest latitude possible, where all lines of longitude converge. The equator is the line of latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, while the prime meridian is the line of longitude that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Buffalo, NY is a city in the United States and is not related to the North Pole or latitude.

Explanation
Lines of latitude are also known as parallels because they run parallel to the equator. These lines are imaginary circles that are drawn around the Earth and are used to measure distances north or south of the equator. They are called parallels because they are always an equal distance apart from each other and never intersect. This naming convention helps to differentiate them from lines of longitude, which are also known as meridians and run from the North Pole to the South Pole, intersecting at the poles.

Explanation
Early explorers cannot be considered as evidence to indicate the shape of the earth because their observations and knowledge were limited to their own experiences and the areas they explored. The shape of the earth can be determined through scientific methods and measurements, such as pictures from space, which provide a global perspective, the shadow on the moon during lunar eclipses, which demonstrates the earth's spherical shadow, and the phenomenon of ships sinking into the horizon, which is a result of the earth's curvature.

Explanation
The correct answer is Hydrosphere. The question is asking for the vocabulary word that describes "the thin layer of water on or near the surface of the earth." The term "hydrosphere" refers to all the water on and near the Earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and even water vapor in the atmosphere. Therefore, it is the most appropriate term to describe the given description.

Explanation
Topographic maps measure elevation change, which refers to the difference in height between different points on the map. These maps use contour lines to represent the shape and elevation of the land, allowing users to understand the topography of an area. By studying the contour lines, individuals can determine the steepness of slopes, identify valleys and ridges, and plan routes for hiking, mountaineering, or other outdoor activities. This information is crucial for understanding the physical characteristics of a region and is particularly useful for geologists, surveyors, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Explanation
The coordinates 30 degrees South latitude and 135 degrees East longitude describe the location of Australia. The latitude of 30 degrees South places it in the Southern Hemisphere, while the longitude of 135 degrees East indicates its position to the east of the Prime Meridian. Australia is the only country among the options that is located in this region, making it the correct answer.