1.
How does radiation travel through space?
Correct Answer
C. Energy travels as waves.
Explanation
Radiation refers to the emission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. When it comes to traveling through space, radiation primarily travels as waves. This is because electromagnetic waves, including visible light, radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays, do not require a medium to propagate and can travel through the vacuum of space. The wave nature of radiation allows it to travel in a straight line, enabling it to propagate over vast distances and reach different celestial bodies. Therefore, the correct answer is that energy travels as waves.
2.
Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect ?
Correct Answer
A. The warming of the earth's surface and lower atmospHere occurs when carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor and other greenhouse gases absorb and reradiate infrared radiation.
Explanation
The greenhouse effect refers to the process in which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. This is primarily caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, which absorb and reradiate infrared radiation. The correct answer accurately describes this process, while the second option incorrectly suggests that oxygen and nitrogen are responsible for the greenhouse effect.
3.
Venus has an atmosphere made up of 97% carbon dioxide. What type of temperatures would you expect to find in Venus?
Correct Answer
B. Extremely High temperatures.
Explanation
Venus has an atmosphere made up of 97% carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, causing a greenhouse effect. As a result, Venus experiences extreme temperatures, with surface temperatures reaching up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius), making it the hottest planet in our solar system. Therefore, the correct answer is extremely high temperatures.
4.
What would be the result of deforestation?
Correct Answer
A. An increase in carbon dioxide.
Explanation
Deforestation refers to the clearing of forests or trees in a particular area. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. When deforestation occurs, the trees that would have absorbed carbon dioxide are removed, leading to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This increase contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Therefore, the result of deforestation would be an increase in carbon dioxide levels.
5.
What happens to the temperature as pressure increases?
Correct Answer
A. As pressure increases, temperature increases
Explanation
As pressure increases, the molecules in a substance are forced closer together. This results in an increase in the average kinetic energy of the molecules, which is manifested as an increase in temperature. Therefore, as pressure increases, temperature also increases.
6.
This is a band of anomalously warm ocean water temperatures that occasionally develops off the western coast of South America and can cause climatic changes across the Pacific Ocean.
Correct Answer
B. El Nino
Explanation
El Nino refers to a band of anomalously warm ocean water temperatures that occasionally develops off the western coast of South America. This phenomenon can cause climatic changes across the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by the weakening of trade winds and the warming of surface waters, which disrupts normal weather patterns. This can result in droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events in various parts of the world.
7.
The causes of Global Warming can be split up into the following groups:
Correct Answer
C. Natural causes and Human causes
Explanation
Global warming is primarily caused by a combination of natural and human factors. Natural causes include volcanic eruptions, solar radiation, and natural variations in the Earth's climate system. Human causes involve activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Both natural and human causes contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases, leading to the greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming.
8.
What causes the seasons?
Correct Answer
B. The tilt of the earth at various stages of the earth's revolution around the sun
Explanation
The tilt of the earth at various stages of the earth's revolution around the sun causes the seasons. As the earth orbits the sun, its axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different parts of the earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the changing seasons. When one hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, it experiences summer, while the other hemisphere is tilted away and experiences winter. As the earth continues its orbit, the tilt gradually shifts, causing the seasons to change.
9.
Differences in _____are caused by unequal heating of the earth.
Correct Answer
B. Air pressure
Explanation
Differences in air pressure are caused by unequal heating of the earth. When the sun heats the earth's surface, the air above it also gets heated and expands, leading to a decrease in air pressure. In contrast, areas that receive less heat have cooler air, which is denser and leads to higher air pressure. These variations in air pressure create differences in atmospheric conditions, resulting in weather patterns and wind movements.
10.
A martitime polar air mass would bring what type of weather to that area?
Correct Answer
A. Cold and moist
Explanation
A maritime polar air mass is characterized by its origin over the ocean and its low temperature. As it moves over land, it brings cold air with high humidity, resulting in cold and moist weather conditions. The moisture in the air mass can lead to the formation of clouds, precipitation, and cooler temperatures in the affected area.
11.
____________humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor that air is holding compared to the amount needed for saturation at a specific temperature.
Correct Answer
C. Relative
Explanation
Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor that air is holding compared to the amount needed for saturation at a specific temperature. It is a ratio expressed as a percentage, indicating how close the air is to being saturated. It takes into account the specific temperature and the capacity of the air to hold water vapor at that temperature. Therefore, relative humidity is the correct term to describe this measure.
12.
What is the wind direction in the station model above?
Correct Answer
C. North Easterly
Explanation
The wind direction in the station model above is North Easterly. This is indicated by the arrow pointing towards the upper right corner of the station model, which represents the direction from which the wind is coming. The arrow is positioned between the North and East symbols, indicating that the wind is coming from the North East direction.
13.
What is the wind speed on the above station model?
Correct Answer
B. 15 knots
Explanation
The wind speed on the station model is indicated by a barb or a line coming out of a circle. In this case, the barb or line is not visible in the given question. However, since the correct answer is 15 knots, it can be inferred that there is a barb or line pointing towards the northeast direction on the station model, indicating a wind speed of 15 knots.
14.
The curved paths of global winds and surface currents are caused by
Correct Answer
B. The Coriolis effect
Explanation
The curved paths of global winds and surface currents are caused by the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is a result of the rotation of the Earth. As the Earth rotates, objects moving over its surface appear to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection causes the winds and currents to curve instead of moving in straight lines. The Coriolis effect is a crucial factor in shaping the patterns of global atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
15.
The quickest, cheapest, and most effective way to reduce the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is to
Correct Answer
B. Increase the efficiency of energy use.
Explanation
Increasing the efficiency of energy use is the quickest, cheapest, and most effective way to reduce the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. By using energy more efficiently, less energy is wasted, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions. This approach does not require a complete switch from fossil fuels to nuclear fuels or rely solely on planting trees or stopping deforestation. Additionally, slowing population growth may have long-term benefits, but it is not as immediate or directly effective in reducing carbon dioxide buildup as increasing energy efficiency.
16.
Global warming is likely to:
Correct Answer
E. it is impossible to predict how global warming will affect carrying capacity
17.
How does the El Nino cycle begin?
Correct Answer
B. Winds over the Pacific Ocean die down, and the ocean water warms.
Explanation
The El Nino cycle begins when winds over the Pacific Ocean die down and the ocean water warms. This change in wind patterns and ocean temperatures disrupts the normal climate patterns, leading to various impacts such as changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, and other weather extremes. The warming of the ocean water affects the distribution of heat and moisture in the atmosphere, which in turn affects global weather patterns. This phenomenon can have significant impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and weather conditions around the world.
18.
What does the term "Urban Runoff" mean?
Correct Answer
C. Water running over areas collecting pollutants as it flows
Explanation
The term "Urban Runoff" refers to the process of water flowing over urban areas and collecting pollutants along the way. This can include chemicals, debris, and other contaminants that are present on the surfaces of streets, sidewalks, and buildings. As the water flows, it picks up these pollutants and carries them into water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, potentially causing harm to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
19.
This occurs when circulation in the ocean brings deep, cold water to the ocean surface:
Correct Answer
D. Upwelling
Explanation
Upwelling is the correct answer because it refers to the process in which deep, cold water from the ocean rises to the surface. This occurs due to the movement of ocean currents, which bring nutrient-rich water from the depths to the surface. Upwelling is important for marine ecosystems as it provides nutrients for phytoplankton and supports the growth of fish populations. It is not caused by the rotation of the earth, density, or the Coriolis effect, which are unrelated factors in this context.
20.
What type of ocean motion is influenced by the moon and the sun?
Correct Answer
D. Tides
Explanation
Tides are the type of ocean motion that is influenced by the moon and the sun. The gravitational pull of the moon and the sun creates tidal forces that cause the ocean waters to rise and fall in a regular pattern. This phenomenon is responsible for the daily cycle of high and low tides. The moon has a stronger influence on tides due to its closer proximity to Earth. The gravitational pull of the sun also contributes to tides, although to a lesser extent.
21.
When the sun, moon, and earth are all aligned (in a straight line), you have a
Correct Answer
D. Spring tide
Explanation
A spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and earth are all aligned in a straight line. This alignment causes the gravitational forces of the sun and moon to combine, resulting in higher than average tidal bulges. This creates a greater difference between high and low tides, leading to more extreme tidal variations.
22.
The gravitational pull of the moon is strongest (Standard 1.1a):
Correct Answer
E. On the side nearest the moon
Explanation
The gravitational pull of the moon is strongest on the side nearest the moon because gravity is an attractive force that decreases with distance. The side nearest the moon is closer to the moon, so it experiences a stronger gravitational pull compared to the side farthest from the moon. This is why tides are higher on the side nearest the moon.
23.
Which of the following factors does not determine a region’s climate?
Correct Answer
E. Longitude
Explanation
Longitude does not determine a region's climate. Climate is primarily influenced by factors such as geography, wind patterns, ocean currents, and orographic effect. Longitude refers to the distance east or west of the prime meridian and does not directly impact climate. Instead, it helps in determining time zones and navigation purposes.
24.
Which process increases the salinity of ocean water?
Correct Answer
C. Evaporation
Explanation
Evaporation is the process that increases the salinity of ocean water. When water from the ocean surface evaporates, it leaves behind the salt and other minerals, resulting in an increase in salinity. As the water evaporates, the concentration of salt in the remaining water increases, making it more saline. This process is one of the main factors contributing to the high salinity levels in the ocean.
25.
Which of the following is an example of heat transfer by convection?
Correct Answer
C. Warm air at the equator rises toward the poles
Explanation
Warm air at the equator rises toward the poles is an example of heat transfer by convection. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids or gases. In this case, warm air rises from the equator due to its lower density and displaces cooler air, creating a convection current. This process is responsible for the circulation of air in the atmosphere and plays a significant role in weather patterns and climate.
26.
Areas with high pressure generally have
Correct Answer
C. Clear skies and dry weather
Explanation
Areas with high pressure generally have clear skies and dry weather. High pressure systems are associated with sinking air, which inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation. The sinking air also compresses and warms, leading to clear skies and dry conditions.
27.
Which of the following increases air's ability to hold water vapor?
Correct Answer
C. Increase in temperature
Explanation
An increase in temperature increases air's ability to hold water vapor because warm air has a higher capacity to hold moisture compared to cold air. As the temperature rises, the air molecules move faster and farther apart, creating more space for water vapor molecules to occupy. This leads to an increase in the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold, resulting in higher humidity levels.
28.
What kind of weather does a cold front usually bring?
Correct Answer
C. Stormy
Explanation
A cold front is a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass. When a cold front passes through an area, it typically brings stormy weather. This is because the cold air is denser and forces the warm air to rise rapidly, creating unstable atmospheric conditions that lead to the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Therefore, the correct answer is stormy.
29.
Which loses its heat faster, water or land?
Correct Answer
A. Land
Explanation
Land loses heat faster than water because land has a lower specific heat capacity compared to water. Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance. Since land has a lower specific heat capacity, it can heat up and cool down more quickly than water. Additionally, land is often exposed to more direct sunlight and has less insulation compared to water, which further contributes to its faster heat loss.
30.
A storm surge is a dangerous part of
Correct Answer
D. A hurricane
Explanation
A storm surge is a dangerous part of a hurricane because it refers to the abnormal rise in seawater level along the coast during a hurricane. It is caused by the strong winds and low atmospheric pressure associated with hurricanes, which push the ocean water towards the shore. This surge of water can result in devastating flooding and destruction of coastal areas, making it a significant hazard during hurricanes.
31.
What happens when Carbon Dioxide dissolves in ocean water?
Correct Answer
A. It becomes Carbonic Acid - Acidifying the ocean
Explanation
When carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean water, it reacts with water molecules to form carbonic acid. This process is known as ocean acidification. Carbonic acid increases the acidity of the ocean, which can have harmful effects on marine life and ecosystems. Therefore, the correct answer is that carbon dioxide becomes carbonic acid, acidifying the ocean.
32.
Climate change has which of the following effects on the weather?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
Climate change has multiple effects on the weather, including extreme heat waves, melting ice caps, stronger and more frequent storms, and drought. These effects are caused by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to rising temperatures. As a result, heat waves become more intense, ice caps and glaciers melt, leading to rising sea levels, storms become more powerful and frequent, and certain regions experience prolonged periods of drought. All of these effects contribute to the overall impact of climate change on the weather patterns around the world.
33.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (made up of the world's top scientists and climatologists) met for the first time in 1988 to discuss the threat of climate change and find the cause. In 2001 they came to a conclusion, what did they decide?
Correct Answer
C. Human activity is the primary cause for climate change
Explanation
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that human activity is the primary cause for climate change. This means that the actions and behaviors of humans, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are contributing significantly to the changes in the Earth's climate. The IPCC, comprised of top scientists and climatologists, conducted extensive research and analysis to reach this conclusion. Their findings have been widely accepted by the scientific community and have played a crucial role in shaping global policies and efforts to address climate change.
34.
As altitude increases
Correct Answer
D. Air pressure decreases and density decreases
Explanation
As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases because there is less air above pushing down. Additionally, the density of the air also decreases because there is less air molecules in a given volume at higher altitudes. Therefore, the correct answer is that air pressure decreases and density decreases as altitude increases.
35.
A description of the pattern of weather over many years in a region is ...
Correct Answer
C. Climate
Explanation
Climate refers to the long-term average weather patterns in a specific region. It takes into account factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other atmospheric conditions. Unlike weather, which can change on a daily or hourly basis, climate represents the overall trends and patterns observed over many years. Therefore, a description of the pattern of weather over many years in a region is best described as climate.
36.
Sea and land breezes happen because __________.
Correct Answer
B. The land heats and cools more quickly than the water.
Explanation
Sea and land breezes happen because the land heats and cools more quickly than the water. During the day, the land heats up faster than the water, causing the air above the land to also heat up and rise. This creates a low-pressure area over the land. Meanwhile, the water remains cooler, creating a high-pressure area. The air moves from the high-pressure area over the water to the low-pressure area over the land, creating a sea breeze. At night, the land cools down more quickly than the water, causing the air above the land to cool and sink. This creates a high-pressure area over the land and a low-pressure area over the water, resulting in a land breeze.
37.
Energy transferred as electromagnetic waves is called
Correct Answer
C. Radiation
Explanation
Energy transferred as electromagnetic waves is called radiation. Radiation is the process through which energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as heat, light, and radio waves. Unlike conduction and convection, which require a medium for energy transfer, radiation can occur in a vacuum. This transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves is a fundamental process in various natural phenomena, including the emission of heat from the sun, the transmission of radio signals, and the release of infrared radiation from objects.
38.
High pressure systems bring dry weather because ____________________.
Correct Answer
B. The air masses sink, making it difficult for clouds to form
Explanation
High pressure systems bring dry weather because the air masses sink, making it difficult for clouds to form. As the air sinks, it compresses and warms, causing the moisture in the air to evaporate. This prevents the formation of clouds and leads to clear skies and dry conditions.
39.
Lake-Effect Snowstorms occurs at or near ______________________.
Correct Answer
A. The Great Lakes
Explanation
Lake-Effect Snowstorms occur at or near The Great Lakes. This is because the Great Lakes, which are large bodies of water, can generate significant amounts of moisture. When cold air masses move over the relatively warm waters of the lakes, the warm moist air rises and cools, leading to the formation of clouds and snowfall. The prevailing winds blowing from the northwest also contribute to the formation of lake-effect snowstorms, as they carry the cold air over the lakes. Therefore, the Great Lakes region experiences heavy snowfall due to this unique weather phenomenon.
40.
Janet wanted to see if the height of a person affected the length of their handspan. She measured three people's heights, and measured their handspans. She found that the taller a person is, the longer their handspan is. What is wrong with her experiment?
Correct Answer
B. She did not test a large enough sample of people.
Explanation
The correct answer is that Janet did not test a large enough sample of people. This means that her findings may not be representative of the entire population, as the sample size was too small. To draw accurate conclusions, it is important to have a larger and more diverse sample size that is more likely to reflect the overall population.
41.
Which sentence best describes the importance of using a control group?
Correct Answer
C. Control groups allow you to compare those recieving the variable and those that are not.
Explanation
The use of a control group is important because it allows for a comparison between individuals or groups who are receiving the variable being tested and those who are not. This comparison helps to determine the true effect of the variable, as any differences observed can be attributed to the variable itself rather than other factors. By having a control group, researchers can isolate the impact of the variable and draw more accurate conclusions about its effects.
42.
Warm water is located at the oceans surface because
Correct Answer
A. It is less dense than cold water
Explanation
Warm water is located at the ocean's surface because it is less dense than cold water. Density is a measure of how much mass is packed into a given volume, and warm water molecules have more energy and move faster, causing them to spread out and take up more space. This makes warm water less dense than cold water, which means it tends to rise to the surface while cold water sinks.
43.
When carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is dissolved in the oceans, the water becomes more acidic causing trouble for corals, shell fish and other marine organisms with exoskeletons, preventing them from being able to maintain their shells. This process has been labeled:
Correct Answer
B. Ocean acidification
Explanation
Ocean acidification refers to the process of the oceans becoming more acidic due to the dissolution of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This increased acidity poses a threat to marine organisms such as corals, shellfish, and other organisms with exoskeletons. The acidification hinders these organisms' ability to maintain their shells, leading to various troubles. Therefore, the correct answer is "ocean acidification."
44.
What are the three main types of ocean currents?
Correct Answer
C. Thermohaline, Surface, Tidal
Explanation
The three main types of ocean currents are thermohaline, surface, and tidal. Thermohaline currents are driven by differences in temperature and salinity, and they play a crucial role in the circulation of heat and nutrients throughout the ocean. Surface currents are driven by wind and are responsible for the movement of the top layer of the ocean. Tidal currents are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, and they occur in coastal areas.
45.
As a result of El Nino,
Correct Answer
C. There may be more rainstorms in Peru.
Explanation
El Niño is a climate pattern that occurs when the ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator become unusually warm. This warming of the ocean can lead to changes in weather patterns around the world. In the case of Peru, which is located on the western coast of South America, El Niño can result in an increase in rainstorms. The warm ocean temperatures cause more moisture to evaporate into the air, leading to increased rainfall in the region. Therefore, the correct answer is that there may be more rainstorms in Peru as a result of El Niño.
46.
Many Scientists believe that the greater threat to the ocean's overall ecological health is
Correct Answer
D. Chronic, land-based pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff.
Explanation
Chronic, land-based pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff is considered a greater threat to the ocean's overall ecological health. This type of pollution includes the discharge of chemicals, fertilizers, and waste from industries and farms that make their way into water bodies through runoff. It can lead to the depletion of oxygen in the water, causing dead zones where marine life cannot survive. This pollution also introduces harmful substances into the ocean, affecting the health of marine organisms and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.
47.
As water gets denser, how does it move?
Correct Answer
C. Sinks toward the ocean floor
Explanation
As water gets denser, it sinks toward the ocean floor. This is because denser water is heavier and therefore more likely to sink. The sinking of denser water is also influenced by factors such as temperature and salinity. When water becomes colder and/or saltier, it becomes denser and sinks to lower depths. This movement of water is an important part of ocean circulation and helps to distribute heat and nutrients throughout the ocean.
48.
What type of pressure system results from warm air rising in a cyclonic storm such as a hurricane?
Correct Answer
B. Low pressure
Explanation
In a cyclonic storm such as a hurricane, warm air rises rapidly, creating an area of low pressure at the surface. As the warm air rises, it leaves behind a void that is filled by surrounding air, which also rises, creating a continuous cycle. This low pressure system is characterized by converging winds and unsettled weather conditions, with the air moving counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
49.
How is air pressure affected by density?
Correct Answer
C. Warm air is less dense thus it rises creating an area of low pressure
Explanation
Air pressure is affected by density because as air becomes more dense, its molecules are packed closer together, resulting in higher pressure. Conversely, when air is less dense, its molecules are spread out, leading to lower pressure. In the case of warm air, it tends to be less dense than cold air. When warm air rises, it creates an area of low pressure because the surrounding air is relatively denser. This movement of warm air rising and creating low pressure is a key factor in the formation of weather systems and atmospheric circulation.
50.
Which two gases produced by human activity can mix with water in the atmosphere to form acid precipitation?
Correct Answer
D. Sulfur Dioxides and Nitrogen Oxides
Explanation
Sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides are the two gases produced by human activity that can mix with water in the atmosphere to form acid precipitation. When these gases react with water vapor, they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the Earth's surface as acid rain, snow, or fog. This acid precipitation can have harmful effects on the environment, including damaging vegetation, aquatic life, and infrastructure.