Sifting Through The Sands Of Time! Passage Trivia Quiz

The passage mentions two materials made by humans, which are glass and concrete.

Erosion is the process that helps shape sand grains into smooth, rounded particles over time. Erosion involves the movement of sand grains by wind, water, or ice, which causes them to rub against each other and wear down their sharp edges, resulting in smooth and rounded particles. This process occurs over a long period of time and is responsible for the formation of sandy beaches and dunes.

Sand particles can act as shields during certain natural disasters. This means that they can provide protection or cover against harmful elements or forces. In the context of the passage, it is likely that sand particles act as shields against strong winds or flying debris during storms or hurricanes.

The passage suggests that the color of sand on a beach is affected by sunlight exposure. This implies that the intensity and duration of sunlight can cause the sand to change its color. Temperature fluctuations, tectonic activity, and atmospheric pressure are not mentioned in the passage as factors that affect the color of sand on a beach. Therefore, sunlight exposure is the most appropriate answer.

The beach at Kamoamoa island was produced by a volcanic eruption. The new black sand beach formed as hot molten lava from the Kilauea volcano flowed into the ocean, where it cooled rapidly and shattered into millions of tiny fragments​.

Approximately 15% of Earth's land surface is covered by deserts. This means that a significant portion of the planet's land is arid and receives very little rainfall. Deserts are characterized by their extreme temperatures, lack of vegetation, and unique geological formations. They are found in various regions around the world, including the Sahara in Africa, the Arabian Desert in the Middle East, and the Mojave Desert in North America. The 15% figure highlights the significant presence of deserts on Earth's land surface.

Scientists have measured the thickness of a grain of sand. This measurement refers to the distance between the two opposite sides of the grain, providing valuable information about its size and structure. By determining the thickness, scientists can gain insights into the physical properties and behavior of sand particles, which is important for various fields of study such as geology, materials science, and engineering.

According to the passage, beaches made of very ancient sand can be found in South Africa.

The size and shape of a piece of sand are determined by the parent rock and water energy. Parent rock refers to the original rock from which the sand is derived, and different types of parent rocks can produce sand grains of varying sizes and shapes. Water energy, such as waves or currents, can also play a role in shaping the sand grains by causing them to collide and break apart, resulting in smaller and more rounded grains.

Environmentalists often claim that sand can have a more efficient function than coastal technology. They argue that natural solutions like sand dunes and beach nourishment can provide better and more sustainable protection for coastal areas compared to artificial structures.