WG Fall Final Exam Section 1

Which of these natural forces would most likely wear down a mountain?

• Folding

• Erosion

• Faulting

• El Niño

Answer explanation

Erosion is the natural process that wears down mountains over time through wind, water, and ice. Unlike folding and faulting, which are tectonic processes that shape mountains, erosion actively removes material from their surfaces.

A farmer sees an area he believes will be good for farming because of its rich topsoil. Which process contributed most to forming this rich topsoil?

• Sand storms

• Ocean current

• Decaying plant life

• Folding of Earth's crust

Answer explanation

Decaying plant life is crucial for forming rich topsoil as it adds organic matter and nutrients, enhancing soil fertility. Other processes like sand storms and ocean currents do not contribute significantly to topsoil formation.

Which of the following would be the best title for the information in the box?

• Boundaries formed by tectonic plate movement

• Variations of the Hydrosphere

• Political boundaries formed due to warfare

• Lines of demarcation on a map

Answer explanation

The correct title, 'Boundaries formed by tectonic plate movement', accurately reflects the geological processes that create physical boundaries, distinguishing it from political or hydrospheric variations.

How do earthquakes affect the biosphere?

• They reduce monsoons and volcanoes.

• They reverse global climate change.

• They cause tornadoes and hurricanes.

• They cause landslides and tsunamis.

Answer explanation

Earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis, which significantly impact the biosphere by altering landscapes and affecting ecosystems. Other options do not accurately describe the effects of earthquakes.

Which of the following has been a useful benefit of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology?

• GPS can store large amounts of digitized data for emergency situations.

• Consumers can use GPS to navigate their cars when traveling.

• GPS can prevent cars and trucks from having road accidents.

• GPS has made it easier for countries to desalinate sea water.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights a key benefit of GPS technology: it enables consumers to navigate their cars effectively while traveling, enhancing convenience and safety on the roads.

This statement BEST describes which type of region? "The region that encompasses much of the southern United States is often referred to as the Bible Belt because of the shared feelings and beliefs of so many in the area."

• Formal region

• Functional region

• Perceptual region

• Biometric region

Answer explanation

The statement describes a shared cultural identity based on beliefs, making it a perceptual region. Unlike formal regions defined by specific boundaries, perceptual regions are based on people's perceptions and feelings.

Why do these factors have a significant influence on geography? "Height above sea level, Distance from the equator, Amount of rainfall, Average daily temperature"

• They form natural boundaries between political units.

• They all help determine the climate of a region.

• They all help form the topography of a region.

• They help to maintain abundant mineral sources.

Answer explanation

Height above sea level, distance from the equator, amount of rainfall, and average daily temperature are key factors that influence climate, affecting ecosystems and weather patterns in a region.

What causes the sun to appear to rise and set?

• Earth’s tilt

• Earth’s revolution

• Earth’s rotation

• Earth’s satellite

Answer explanation

The sun appears to rise and set due to Earth's rotation on its axis. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet move into and out of sunlight, creating the illusion of the sun moving across the sky.

How does the tilt of Earth’s axis affect the seasons?

• The tilt allows the sun to only strike the southern hemisphere.

• The tilt means that sunlight strikes different parts of the planet more directly at certain times of the year.

• Since the earth only tilts at the edge of the rotation, only the eastern hemisphere has all 4 seasons.

• Since the earth only tilts at the edge of the rotation, only the western hemisphere has all 4 seasons.

Answer explanation

The tilt of Earth's axis causes sunlight to hit different areas more directly at various times of the year, leading to the changing seasons. This is why we experience different seasons in different hemispheres.

Which of the following is NOT an example of how human interaction affects the climate?

• Global warming

• Greenhouse effect

• Acid rain

• Equinox

Answer explanation

The equinox is a natural astronomical event that occurs twice a year, marking equal day and night. Unlike global warming, greenhouse effect, and acid rain, it is not influenced by human activities.