Earth and Environmental Science Final Exam

Front

What is the effect of increased volcanic activity on ocean pH?

Back

Increased volcanic activity raises CO2 levels in the atmosphere and ocean, leading to a reduction in pH levels.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another.

Front

What primarily causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are primarily caused by temperature differences in the water.

Front

What is a direct consequence of decreased water pH in a pond ecosystem?

Back

A decrease in the population of aquatic organisms that are sensitive to pH levels.

Front

How does over-extraction for irrigation affect groundwater supplies?

Back

Over-extraction for irrigation leads to depletion of groundwater resources.

Front

Define acid rain.

Back

Acid rain is precipitation that has a lower pH than normal, often due to pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

Explain the concept of biodiversity.

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species and genetic diversity.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is the significance of the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is crucial for maintaining ecosystems, regulating climate, and supporting life by distributing water.