1.
The start of summer or winter, depending on which of the two times of year the sun shines directly overhead at noon at the farthest north or south?
Correct Answer
C. Solstice
Explanation
The correct answer is solstice. Solstice refers to the start of summer or winter, depending on which of the two times of year the sun shines directly overhead at noon at the farthest north or south. It marks the longest and shortest days of the year. During the summer solstice, the sun is directly overhead at noon at the Tropic of Cancer, marking the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. During the winter solstice, the sun is directly overhead at noon at the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the start of winter in the northern hemisphere.
2.
Each year, there are two days when day and night are equal in length: the first day of spring and the first day of fall?
Correct Answer
A. Equinox
Explanation
An equinox is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year, during which day and night are of equal length. This happens on the first day of spring and the first day of fall. The term "equinox" is derived from the Latin words "aequus" meaning equal and "nox" meaning night. It marks the transition between seasons and is significant in determining the Earth's axial tilt. The other options, solstice, biome, and ecosystem, are not directly related to the equal length of day and night.
3.
The state of the atmosphere at a specific moment and place?
Correct Answer
D. Weather
Explanation
The term "weather" refers to the state of the atmosphere at a specific moment and place. It encompasses various elements such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the long-term patterns and averages of weather conditions in a particular region. Convection is a process of heat transfer, while a tornado is a violent rotating column of air. Therefore, weather is the most appropriate answer as it directly relates to the given definition.
4.
The land on the leeward side of hills or mountains that get little rain from the descending dry air?
Correct Answer
B. Rain Shadow
Explanation
The correct answer is "Rain Shadow." A rain shadow is the land on the leeward side of hills or mountains that receive little rainfall due to the descending dry air. As moist air rises and passes over mountains, it cools and releases most of its moisture on the windward side, leaving very little moisture to reach the leeward side. This creates a "shadow" of dryness and results in arid or desert-like conditions in those areas. Permafrost refers to permanently frozen ground, precipitation refers to any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, and drought refers to an extended period of abnormally low rainfall.
5.
A powerful funnel-shaped column of spiraling air?
Correct Answer
D. Tornado
Explanation
A tornado is a powerful funnel-shaped column of spiraling air. It is a violent and destructive weather phenomenon characterized by a rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud. Tornadoes are often accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and hail. They can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in their path.
6.
A protracted time frame during which there has been little or no rain?
Correct Answer
A. Drought
Explanation
A drought is a prolonged period of time with little or no rainfall. This can lead to a shortage of water, which can have severe impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and human populations. Droughts can occur in various regions around the world and can last for months or even years. During a drought, there is a lack of precipitation, resulting in dry conditions and water scarcity.
7.
Heat transfer in the atmosphere caused by?
Correct Answer
B. Convection
Explanation
Convection is the correct answer because it refers to the heat transfer in the atmosphere due to the movement of air. Convection occurs when warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating a cycle of heat transfer. This process plays a significant role in weather patterns and the distribution of heat in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect, weather, and climate are also factors that influence heat transfer in the atmosphere, but they are not directly related to the movement of air like convection.
8.
The layer of gases produced when coal and oil are burned, which trap solar energy and raise global temperatures?
Correct Answer
B. Greenhouse effect
Explanation
The greenhouse effect refers to the layer of gases that are released when coal and oil are burned. These gases trap solar energy in the Earth's atmosphere, causing an increase in global temperatures. This phenomenon is responsible for climate change and the rise in average temperatures worldwide. The greenhouse effect is a crucial concept in understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.
9.
The ring of flat, treeless territory that surrounds the Arctic Ocean; the Arctic Ocean climate zone?
Correct Answer
B. Tundra
Explanation
The correct answer is Tundra. The tundra is a ring of flat, treeless territory that surrounds the Arctic Ocean. It is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, short growing seasons, and a layer of permanently frozen soil called permafrost. The tundra climate zone is found in the Arctic region and supports a unique ecosystem with low-growing vegetation, such as mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs. This environment is adapted to the harsh conditions of the tundra, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and limited nutrients.
10.
An interdependent community of plants and animals?
Correct Answer
B. Ecosystem
Explanation
An ecosystem is a community of plants, animals, and microorganisms that interact with each other and their environment. It is a complex network where each organism depends on others for survival. This term encompasses all living organisms in a specific area, as well as the non-living components of their environment, such as air, water, and soil. In an ecosystem, plants provide food and oxygen for animals, while animals help in pollination and seed dispersal. This interdependence ensures the balance and sustainability of the ecosystem.