Earth Science Final Exam May 2024

1). The map shows Iceland with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge running through it. This ridge is formed by two tectonic plates that are moving apart at an average rate of 2.5 centimeters per year. As the ocean crust spreads, magma rises up into the gap and hardens to form new crust. Along the ridge are strings of volcanoes, some of which formed islands such as Iceland. The magma convection currents within the earth are due primarily to the fact that fluids will rise if the surrounding fluid has a greater

• Density
• Atomic Number
• Temperature
• Volume

2). Free oxygen first appeared in Earth's atmosphere

• when the dinosaurs became extinct.
• when photosynthetic bacteria first evolved.
• at the same time that humans first evolved.
• about 4.6 billion years ago

3). Robbie found a rock in a stream. The rock was smooth and round. What MOST LIKELY caused this to happen?

• cold winters

• the summer sun

• Earth's magnetic poles

• weathering by water

4). How do light waves provide evidence of the Big Bang?

• Light waves from stars that are similar to the Sun are blueshifted, which is evidence that the orbits of stars are slowing down.

• Light waves from distant galaxies are blueshifted, which is evidence that the temperature of the Universe has been decreasing over time.

• Light waves from distant stars are redshifted, which is evidence that there is heat left over from the Big Bang.

• Light waves from all galaxies are redshifted, which is evidence that they are all moving away from each other.

8). Which of the following describes how stars produce elements during different stages of life?

• Hydrogen is produced from dust and gas during the protostar life stage.

• Radioactive elements are produced by small stars during a supernova.

• Iron is produced by black holes when a very massive star dies.

• Hydrogen is fused into helium by stars during the main sequence stage.

10). Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gasoline. According to climate scientists, average global temperatures are rising due to increasing levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Which of the following would best help decrease levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases over time?

• decreasing the availability of mass transportation options

• decreasing emissions from gasoline-burning automobiles

• increasing the production of oil-based products

• increasing the use of coal-burning heat sources

11). The ocean is a major reservoir of carbon dioxide gas. How would Earth's climate most likely be different if the ocean was unable to absorb carbon dioxide?

• The climate would be much cooler.
• The climate would be unaffected.
• The climate would be much drier.
• The climate would be much warmer.

21). The image below shows a model of a mid-ocean ridge. What must be true of the areas labeled X and Y in the model?

• A. Rocks in areas X and Y are moving apart from each other.

• B. Rocks in area Y are younger than rocks in area X.

• C. Rocks in areas X and Y are moving toward each other.

• D. Rocks in area Y are older than in area X.

23). The diagram below shows the life cycle of a "typical" star. In which stage will the star be characterized by nuclear reactions that produce all of the major elements on the periodic table up to iron?

• A. main-sequence star

• B. red giant

• C. protostar

• D. interstellar cloud

24). What element is the end product of the nuclear reactions taking place in the Sun's core?

• A. hydrogen

• B. plutonium

• C. helium

• D. carbon dioxide