Block 2 Earth Science A Pre-test

Explanation
A chart showing the amount of rain each month in a region is an example of a scientist's data. Data refers to the information or facts that are collected and analyzed in order to draw conclusions or make inferences. In this case, the scientist has collected data on the amount of rain each month, which can be used to analyze patterns, make predictions, or draw conclusions about the region's climate.

Explanation
A hypothesis is a scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment. It is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a scientific question that can be tested through experimentation or observation. A hypothesis is formulated based on prior knowledge and observations, and it serves as a starting point for scientific investigation. Through testing and analysis, a hypothesis can be either supported or rejected, leading to further scientific understanding and the development of new theories.

Explanation
A geologist studies the solid Earth, including its rocks, minerals, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. They analyze the composition, structure, and history of the Earth's crust, as well as study natural resources and hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes. Geologists use various tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, including fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computer modeling. They play a crucial role in understanding the Earth's past and present, and their findings help inform decisions related to resource management, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.

Explanation
Diamond is the hardest known mineral because it has a unique crystal structure that allows it to form strong covalent bonds between its carbon atoms. These bonds make diamond extremely resistant to scratching and give it a high level of hardness. Talc, quartz, and gold are all minerals, but they are not as hard as diamond. Talc is actually one of the softest minerals, while quartz and gold are relatively hard but still not as hard as diamond. Therefore, diamond is considered the hardest known mineral.

Explanation
Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma below the surface or lava at the surface. This process allows the rock to crystallize and form a solid structure. Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, while metamorphic rock is formed from the transformation of existing rock due to heat and pressure. Coarse-grained rock refers to the size of the grains within a rock, not the formation process. Therefore, the correct answer is igneous rock.

Explanation
The rock cycle is a series of processes that occur on Earth's surface and interior, which gradually transform rocks from one type to another. These processes include weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, melting, and crystallization. Through the rock cycle, rocks can be broken down into sediment, transported, and then compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks. These rocks can then be subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to metamorphose into metamorphic rocks. Finally, through melting and cooling, these rocks can be transformed into igneous rocks. The rock cycle is a continuous process that helps to recycle and reshape Earth's crust.

Explanation
Radioactive dating is the technique used by scientists to determine the age of a sample by measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes it contains. This method relies on the principle that certain isotopes decay at a predictable rate over time. By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the isotopes were last in equilibrium. This allows them to determine the age of the sample.

Explanation
The correct answer is a tsunami. When the Coast Guard warns of a giant wave of water approaching the shore as a result of a major earthquake, they are specifically warning of a tsunami. A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths that can travel across the ocean at high speeds. It is caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, usually due to an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. Tsunamis can cause significant damage and loss of life when they reach coastal areas.

Explanation
A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans is called a current. Currents are caused by various factors such as wind, temperature differences, and the rotation of the Earth. They play a crucial role in the circulation of heat and nutrients in the ocean, as well as influencing weather patterns and the distribution of marine life.

Explanation
The correct answer is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs. The stratosphere is above the troposphere and contains the ozone layer. The mesosphere is the third layer and is known for its low temperatures and where meteors burn up. The thermosphere is the outermost layer and is characterized by high temperatures and the presence of the auroras.