1.
What disaster is a combo of downdrafts and updrafts?
Correct Answer
B. Tornado
Explanation
A tornado is a disaster that is caused by a combination of downdrafts and updrafts. Downdrafts are downward currents of air, while updrafts are upward currents of air. In a tornado, these two air movements interact to create a powerful rotating column of air. The downdrafts bring cool air from higher altitudes down to the ground, while the updrafts lift warm, moist air from the surface upwards. This collision of air masses leads to the formation of a tornado, which is characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending from the sky to the ground.
2.
What is the name for a 100 foot tall tidal wave?
Correct Answer
D. A Tsunami
Explanation
A tsunami is the correct answer because it refers to a series of ocean waves caused by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide. These waves can reach heights of up to 100 feet or more when they approach the shore, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The term "crash wave" is not commonly used or recognized as a specific term for a 100-foot tall tidal wave. Waterspouts and hurricanes are different weather phenomena unrelated to tidal waves.
3.
What are the three main categories of rock?
Correct Answer
A. Igneous, Sedimentary, MetamorpHic
Explanation
The three main categories of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten materials, sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and lithification of sediments, and metamorphic rocks are formed from the transformation of existing rocks through heat and pressure.
4.
What is another name for fossilized resin?
Correct Answer
C. Amber
Explanation
Amber is another name for fossilized resin. Fossilized resin is formed when tree sap hardens and fossilizes over millions of years. Amber is known for its beautiful golden color and is often used in jewelry and decorative items. It is also valued for its historical and scientific significance, as it can preserve ancient plant and animal specimens.
5.
What natural disaster is caused by earthquakes but could also be caused by an asteroid?
Correct Answer
B. Tsunami
Explanation
Tsunamis are natural disasters that are typically caused by earthquakes, but they can also be triggered by asteroids. When an earthquake or asteroid occurs beneath the ocean, it can displace a large amount of water, resulting in a tsunami. This powerful wave can then travel across the ocean, causing widespread destruction when it reaches coastal areas. Therefore, while earthquakes are the primary cause of tsunamis, the possibility of an asteroid causing one cannot be ruled out.
6.
What famed rock is 1396 feet high, 2.75 miles long, and .25 miles wide?
Correct Answer
C. Rock Of Gibraltar
Explanation
The Rock of Gibraltar is a famous rock formation located in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. It is 1396 feet high, 2.75 miles long, and 0.25 miles wide. The rock is known for its strategic location at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea and has been of great military and historical significance throughout history. It is a popular tourist attraction and symbolizes the strength and resilience of Gibraltar.
7.
What is the name of the submerged fringe of a continent?
Correct Answer
C. Continental Shelf
Explanation
The correct answer is Continental Shelf. The continental shelf is the submerged fringe of a continent that extends from the shoreline to the continental slope. It is a relatively shallow and flat area that gradually slopes down from the shoreline. The continental shelf is an important area for marine life and is often used for economic activities such as fishing, oil and gas exploration, and submarine cable laying.
8.
What makes Florida's Tampa Bay a unique aquatic environment?
Correct Answer
C. Mixture Of Fresh Water And Salt Water
Explanation
Tampa Bay is a unique aquatic environment because it is a mixture of fresh water and salt water. This combination of different types of water creates a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide variety of marine life. The mixing of fresh water from rivers and salt water from the Gulf of Mexico creates a brackish water environment, which is ideal for many species of fish, birds, and plants. This unique blend of water also provides important nursery habitats for juvenile fish and serves as a feeding ground for migratory birds.
9.
If the beach loses 3 feet of sand each year, how many feet will it lose in 15 years?
Correct Answer
A. 45
Explanation
If the beach loses 3 feet of sand each year, and we want to find out how many feet it will lose in 15 years, we can multiply the rate of sand loss (3 feet) by the number of years (15). This gives us 3 feet x 15 years = 45 feet. Therefore, the beach will lose 45 feet of sand in 15 years.
10.
Which tree can grow the tallest?
Correct Answer
B. California Redwood
Explanation
The California Redwood can grow the tallest among the given options. California Redwoods are known for their impressive height, often reaching over 300 feet. These trees have the ability to grow to such great heights due to their unique characteristics, including their ability to absorb large amounts of water and their thick, sturdy trunks. The Douglas Fir, Spruce Pine, and Maple trees are also tall, but not as tall as the California Redwood.
11.
In the United States, summer officially begins in which month?
Correct Answer
A. June
Explanation
Summer officially begins in June in the United States. This is because June 20th or 21st marks the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. During this time, the sun is at its highest point in the sky, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures. Therefore, June is the correct answer for when summer officially begins in the United States.
12.
What is the wearing away of parts of the Earth by water or wind called?
Correct Answer
D. Erosion
Explanation
Erosion refers to the process of wearing away parts of the Earth's surface by the action of water or wind. It involves the gradual removal of soil, rock, or sediment, resulting in the formation of valleys, canyons, and other landforms. This process is driven by the force of moving water or wind, which carries and transports particles and sediments, gradually eroding and reshaping the landscape over time.
13.
Which of the following is magnetic?
Correct Answer
A. Metal
Explanation
Metal is magnetic because it contains atoms with unpaired electrons in their outermost energy level. These unpaired electrons create a magnetic field around the atom, which can align with an external magnetic field. This alignment allows metal objects to be attracted to magnets and exhibit magnetic properties. Wood, plastic, and paper do not have the same atomic structure, so they are not magnetic.
14.
Which of these terms can be used to describe steam?
Correct Answer
C. Gas
Explanation
Steam is a vapor or gaseous form of water that is created when water is heated to its boiling point. It is not a liquid or solid, as it does not have a definite shape or volume. Additionally, steam is not a chemical itself, but rather a physical state of water. Therefore, the term "gas" accurately describes steam.
15.
What is a scientist who specializes in soil and crops called?
Correct Answer
D. Agronomist
Explanation
An agronomist is a scientist who specializes in the study of soil and crops. They focus on improving agricultural practices, such as crop production, soil management, and plant nutrition. Agronomists work towards increasing crop yields, improving soil fertility, and developing sustainable farming methods. They play a crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.