Environmental Earth Science- Pracitce Exam
A practice exam to help study for an Environmental Earth Science exam.
Based on a 9th grade level.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Explain the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
- 2.
The Scientific Method includes:Problem Hypothesis _______ Conclusion
Explanation
The Scientific Method includes several steps that scientists follow to investigate and understand phenomena. After identifying a problem or question, scientists form a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation or prediction based on observations or prior knowledge. To test the validity of the hypothesis, scientists conduct experiments, where they carefully manipulate variables and collect data. By analyzing the results of the experiment, scientists can draw conclusions and determine whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "experiment," as it is a crucial step in the Scientific Method.Rate this question:
- 3.
What is true about the coastal plain of North Carolina?
- A.
It is wide and relatively flat
- B.
It was once covered by sea
- C.
Neither a nor b
- D.
Both a and b
Correct Answer
D. Both a and bExplanation
The coastal plain of North Carolina is wide and relatively flat, which is true about it. Additionally, it was once covered by the sea, indicating that both options a and b are correct.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which is not a land resource?
- A.
Soil
- B.
Land
- C.
Forests
- D.
Wind
Correct Answer
D. WindExplanation
Wind is not a land resource because it is an atmospheric phenomenon and not a physical component of the land. Land resources refer to the natural resources found on or within the land, such as soil, forests, minerals, and water bodies. Wind, on the other hand, is a result of the movement of air in the atmosphere and does not originate from the land itself.Rate this question:
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- 5.
After an igneous rock has formed, it can either
- A.
Be broken down into sediements
- B.
Turn into extrusive rock
- C.
Be heated and compacted into metamorphic rock
- D.
Both a and c
- E.
Both b and c
Correct Answer
D. Both a and cExplanation
After an igneous rock has formed, it can be broken down into sediments through weathering and erosion processes. These sediments can then undergo lithification to form sedimentary rocks. Alternatively, the igneous rock can be subjected to high temperatures and pressures, causing it to undergo metamorphism and transform into a metamorphic rock. Therefore, both options a and c are correct, as an igneous rock can either be broken down into sediments or be heated and compacted into a metamorphic rock.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Metamorphic rocks are formed from _______ from the Earth's core and _______ from other rocks.
Correct Answer
heat and pressureExplanation
Metamorphic rocks are formed from the combination of two factors: heat and pressure. Heat causes the minerals within existing rocks to recrystallize and change their chemical composition, while pressure causes the minerals to rearrange and form new structures. These processes occur deep within the Earth's crust, where high temperatures and intense pressure conditions exist. Therefore, the correct answer is heat and pressure.Rate this question:
- 7.
Sedimentary rocks are formed from ______ and _______.
- A.
Compaction and cementation
- B.
Cementation and fossilization
- C.
Erosion and weathering
Correct Answer
A. Compaction and cementationExplanation
Sedimentary rocks are formed through the processes of compaction and cementation. Compaction occurs when layers of sediment are compressed under the weight of overlying layers, causing the grains to become tightly packed. Cementation then takes place when minerals precipitate and fill in the spaces between the compacted grains, binding them together to form a solid rock. This process helps in the formation of sedimentary rocks like sandstone, limestone, and shale.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Examples of ________ resources include: Plants, water, wind, and sunlight.
Correct Answer
renewableExplanation
The given answer, "renewable," is correct because it accurately describes the type of resources mentioned in the question. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or replaced naturally over time, such as plants, water, wind, and sunlight. These resources are considered sustainable as they are not depleted or permanently exhausted with use.Rate this question:
- 9.
Examples of ____________ resources include: Coal, oil, and natural gas.
Correct Answer
non-renewableExplanation
Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of non-renewable resources because they are formed over millions of years and cannot be easily replaced once depleted. These resources are extracted from the Earth's crust and their extraction and use have significant environmental impacts. As they are consumed faster than they are naturally produced, non-renewable resources are not sustainable in the long term.Rate this question:
- 10.
What is the most common gas in the atmosphere?
- A.
Oxygen
- B.
Argon
- C.
Nitrogen
- D.
Carbon dioxide
Correct Answer
C. NitrogenExplanation
Nitrogen is the most common gas in the atmosphere, making up about 78% of the air we breathe. Oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide are also present in the atmosphere but in much smaller amounts compared to nitrogen. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas, accounting for around 21% of the atmosphere. Argon makes up about 0.93% of the atmosphere, while carbon dioxide is present in trace amounts, currently around 0.04%.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What is biomass?
- A.
Plant material
- B.
Deep underground heat
- C.
The mass of any living thing
Correct Answer
A. Plant materialExplanation
Biomass refers to plant material, including both living and recently dead plant matter, such as trees, crops, and grasses. It is a renewable energy source that can be used to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels. Biomass is considered a carbon-neutral energy source because the carbon dioxide released during its combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants during their growth.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is geothermal?
- A.
Plant material
- B.
Deep underground heat
- C.
The heat of the earth
Correct Answer
B. Deep underground heatExplanation
Geothermal refers to the heat that is found deep underground. This heat is generated by the Earth's core and is a renewable energy source. It can be harnessed and used for various purposes, such as heating buildings or generating electricity. Geothermal energy is considered sustainable and environmentally friendly as it produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
_______- states that, in an undisturbed area of rock, the layer of rock at the bottom of the area is the oldest.
Correct Answer
law of superpositionExplanation
The law of superposition states that, in an undisturbed area of rock, the layer of rock at the bottom of the area is the oldest. This principle is based on the idea that sedimentary layers are deposited in a chronological order, with the oldest layer at the bottom and the youngest layer at the top. As new layers of sediment accumulate over time, they form new layers on top of the existing ones. Therefore, the deeper the layer of rock, the older it is compared to the layers above it. This law is fundamental in determining the relative ages of different rock layers and fossils in geological studies.Rate this question:
- 14.
Which waves create the most surface damage?
- A.
Surface waves/land waves
- B.
P-waves
- C.
S-waves
Correct Answer
A. Surface waves/land wavesExplanation
Surface waves/land waves create the most surface damage because they travel along the Earth's surface and cause the ground to move in a rolling motion. These waves have the highest amplitude and longest wavelength compared to other seismic waves. As a result, they can cause significant destruction to buildings, infrastructure, and the surface of the Earth during earthquakes. P-waves and S-waves, on the other hand, are body waves that travel through the Earth's interior and cause less surface damage compared to surface waves.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Explain the different boundaries. Convergent, divergent, transfrom. Be sure to include the continental-continental, continental-oceanic, and oceanic-oceanic boundaries too.
- 16.
Where do mid-ocean ridges occur? Choose the best answer.
- A.
Divergent plate boundaries
- B.
In the ocean
- C.
Convergent plate boundaries
- D.
Transform plate boundaries
Correct Answer
A. Divergent plate boundariesExplanation
Mid-ocean ridges occur at divergent plate boundaries. Divergent plate boundaries are areas where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other, creating a gap. In the case of mid-ocean ridges, these boundaries occur underwater in the ocean. As the plates separate, magma rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic crust. Over time, this continuous volcanic activity forms a long, elevated feature called a mid-ocean ridge. Therefore, the correct answer is divergent plate boundaries.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The ______ is the actual point where the earthquake starts. The ______ is the point on the surface directly above the _______.
Correct Answer
focus, epicenter, and focus, focus epicenter and focusExplanation
The focus is the actual point where the earthquake starts. It is the location deep within the Earth's crust where the seismic energy is released. The epicenter, on the other hand, is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus. It is the location where the earthquake is most strongly felt and where the effects are usually the most severe. Therefore, the correct answer is focus, epicenter, and focus, focus epicenter and focus.Rate this question:
- 18.
The name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.
- A.
Pangaea
- B.
Earth
- C.
Titan
Correct Answer
A. PangaeaExplanation
Pangaea is the correct answer because it was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago. It was a large landmass that included all of the continents we know today, before they drifted apart due to plate tectonics. Pangaea is an important concept in the field of geology and helps us understand the Earth's history and the movement of continents over time.Rate this question:
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- 19.
______- where the continental shelf boundaries to the ocean floor
Correct Answer
continental slopeExplanation
The continental slope is the correct answer because it is the area where the continental shelf transitions to the ocean floor. It is a steep slope that extends from the edge of the continental shelf down to the deep ocean floor. This transition is an important boundary as it marks the end of the shallow, relatively flat continental shelf and the beginning of the deep oceanic basin. The continental slope is characterized by its steep gradient and is often associated with submarine canyons and other geological features.Rate this question:
- 20.
What is the salinity of the ocean?
- A.
Dissolved plankton
- B.
Dissolved salts
- C.
Dissolved volcanic ash
- D.
Dissolved carbon dioxide
Correct Answer
B. Dissolved saltsExplanation
The salinity of the ocean refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in the water. Salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride are dissolved in the ocean water, giving it a salty taste. These salts come from various sources, including weathering and erosion of rocks on land, volcanic activity, and hydrothermal vents. The salinity of the ocean is important for maintaining the balance of water and salt in marine organisms and plays a crucial role in ocean circulation and climate patterns.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Isotherms show areas of equal.....
- A.
Pressure
- B.
Temperature
- C.
Humidity
Correct Answer
B. TemperatureExplanation
Isotherms are lines on a map that connect points with the same temperature. They provide a visual representation of temperature patterns across a particular region. By analyzing isotherms, one can identify areas with similar temperature conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is temperature.Rate this question:
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Oct 21, 2024Quiz Edited by
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May 21, 2018Quiz Created by
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