Climates are classified based on...

• winds and humidity

• annual temperature and precipitation

• plants and animals present

• location and elevation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How are tundra and desert climates similar?

• They both have little annual precipitation

• They are both hot

• They are both cold

• They are both located only on the equator.

Most of the United States is located in which climate zone?

• temperate

• polar

• tropical

• humid

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

When oceans first formed on Earth, the water wasn't as salty as it is today. Based on this information, which statement could logically follow?

• The temperature differences between the poles and the equator were not as great

• The average density of the ocean water was lower than it is today

• The global conveyor belt was not present

• There were fewer oceans than there are today.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Why does an increase in salinity cause a density current to form?

• Saltier water flows more slowly, creating drag on the water and forming a current

• The saltier water floats away on the surface. Water flows up from the bottom to replace it, forming a current.

• Saltier water is higher in density than fresh water. This water sinks to the bottom, forming a current.

• Saltier water freezes faster. This colder water is denser, and it sinks toward the bottom, forming a current.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Scientists think that ancient ocean travelers knew about Earth's ocean currents. Which would not have been a benefit of this knowledge?

• They would have been able to travel during the day.

• They would have been able to avoid dangerous waters.

• They could have gotten to their destinations faster.

• They could have avoided areas of bad weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

There are four students in your group. Each student has a different explanation for why it is colder at the poles than it is nearer to the equator. Which of your explanations is correct?

• Ryan says that it is colder at the poles because Earth is round, and the sun's energy is deflected by the curved surface.

• Esme says that it is colder at the poles because the Earth is not a perfect sphere. The uneven surface causes the sun's energy to be absorbed differently.

• Julio says that it is colder at the poles because Earth is titled on its axis, and the sun's energy is spread out over a larger area nearer the poles.

• Erica says that it is colder at the poles because the sun's energy has decreased by the time it reaches the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which element of weather is caused by a difference in air pressure between the two air masses?

• drought

• humidity

• wind

• fog

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the main energy source for the world's major ocean surface currents?

• the sun

• heat from inside the earth

• the Moon's gravity

• the movement of the Earth through space.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Generally, the higher the latitude (further away from the equator), the ______ the climate is.

• warmer

• colder

• more humid

• less windy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6