Physical Processes Quiz

Imagine you are a geologist studying the Earth's systems. Which four categories of physical processes would you say operate in these systems?

• Weather, tectonic forces, erosion, and soil-building

• Atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere

• Hurricanes, El Nino, earthquakes, and volcanoes

• Water, air, land, and plants/animals

Imagine you are a geologist studying the Earth's crust. What physical process would you say is responsible for the movement and interaction of the Earth's plates, also known as plate tectonics?

• Changes in weather patterns

• The forces exerted by tectonic activity

• The process of erosion by wind and water

• The formation of soil through weathering and decay

What is the term for the process of soil being carried away by wind or water?

• Weather

• Tectonic forces

• Erosion

• Soil-building

Which physical process is responsible for the circulation of the oceans, lakes, rivers, and glaciers?

• Weather

• Tectonic forces

• Erosion

• Hydrosphere

Which physical process is responsible for the development of plant and animal communities and ecosystems?

• Weather

• Tectonic forces

• Erosion

• Biosphere

How do physical processes affect the shape of the Earth's surface?

• By creating weather patterns

• By causing earthquakes and volcanoes

• By eroding and building soil

• By impacting the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere

Which physical process is responsible for hurricanes and weather patterns?

• Weather

• Tectonic forces

• Erosion

• Atmosphere

How do physical processes in one sphere affect other spheres?

• They have no impact on other spheres

• They cause changes in the lithosphere

• They create weather patterns in the atmosphere

• Changes in one sphere can impact the whole system

What is the term for the process of breaking down rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface?

• Weather

• Tectonic forces

• Erosion

• Soil-building

Which physical process is responsible for the formation of soil?

• Weather

• Tectonic forces

• Erosion

• Soil-building