Earth Systems Final Exam

Front

What is the main source of energy that drives Earth's weather and climate?

Back

Solar energy is the primary source of energy that drives Earth's weather and climate, influencing temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation.

Front

What natural process forms a cavern in rock?

Back

Caverns form as a result of the dissolution of minerals, often due to the action of water on soluble rocks like limestone.

Front

What do global wind patterns and ocean currents help redistribute globally?

Back

Global wind patterns and ocean currents help redistribute heat around the planet, affecting climate and weather systems.

Front

What geological feature suggests past tectonic activity in an area?

Back

Tilted layers of sedimentary rock suggest past tectonic activity, such as uplift and folding, indicating that the area has experienced significant geological changes.

Front

What is an iceberg?

Back

An iceberg is a large block of ice that breaks away from an ice shelf, floating in the ocean.

Front

Define 'sedimentary rock'.

Back

Sedimentary rock is a type of rock formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often found in layers.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is a key process in the water cycle, transforming liquid water into vapor.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive slab of Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural forces such as wind, water, and ice.