The Earth System Chapter 4

Which of the following abiotic factors, when graphed on the x-axis, leads to the curved line in the graph due to variation in the different layers of the atmosphere?

• Nitrogen (N2) concentration gradients

• Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration gradients

• Temperature gradients

• Ultraviolet radiation gradients

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A model of prevailing wind patterns around the world is shown on the diagram. Which of the following is the best explanation for the deflection of the trade winds in both hemispheres, as seen in the diagram above?

• The wind is deflected east because of varying landmasses at the latitudes.

• The wind is deflected east because of the waves in the ocean

• The wind is deflected west because of the mountains that the air encounters as the wind moves north or south

• The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation

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The Atacama Desert lies to the west of the Andes Mountains in northern Chile. It is the oldest, most consistently arid places in the world. Based on the map, which of the following best explains why the Atacama Desert has a consistently arid climate?

• It is on the windward side of the Andes Mountains

• It is in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains

• The cold Peru Current brings dry air to the west coast.

• Compared to the east coast, it has less water available.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Based on the map, which of the following best explains the area of the Andes Mountains that would have the greatest number of rivers?

• Equal numbers of rivers would be found on both the east and west sides of the Andes Mountains because the water flows downhill.

• More rivers would be located on the west side of the Andes Mountains because it is the leeward side.

• Most rivers would be located on the east side of the Andes Mountains because the trade winds are coming from the east.

• More rivers would be located on the south side of the Andes Mountains because it is protected from the drying sun.

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The map above shows the locations of known volcanoes and earthquakes. Which of the following explains what is being illustrated in the enclosed area in the northwest portion of the map?

• The enclosed area illustrates a convergent boundary with earthquakes and possibly volcanoes in the Hawaiian islands

• The enclosed area illustrates a transform boundary where two plates slide past one another, resulting in earthquakes of high magnitude in the Hawaiian islands

• The enclosed area illustrates a rift valley leading to seafloor expansion near the Hawaiian Islands

• The enclosed area shows a hot spot in the middle of the Pacific Plate in the Hawaiian Islands.

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The diagram represents how solar radiation strikes the surface of Earth differently, depending on location, during the June solstice. Which of the following combinations correctly identifies and explains the effects of the differences in the distribution of solar radiation on Earth as seen in the diagram?

• Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at high latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air masses.

• Global rain patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at high latitudes and cool air at low latitudes, resulting in evaporation and condensation differences between the air masses.

• Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at high latitudes and cool air at low latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air masses.

• Global rain patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at high latitudes, resulting in air masses that do not circulate because they are of equal density.

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The Mississippi watershed is the largest in North America, draining all or part of thirty-two states in the United States and two Canadian provinces. A new apartment complex is being built on a steep slope near the source of the Mississippi River outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Which of the following measures should be taken to best reduce erosion at the construction site to protect the Mississippi watershed?

• Add a paved surface at the top of the slope

• Remove trees and shrubs from the slope and the riverbank

• Move all of the topsoil from the site to the riverbank

• Plant grass and shrubs on the slope

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NGSS.MS-LS2-5

During a La Nina event, what environmental changes would the tropical Pacific Ocean and its surrounding landmasses most likely experience?

• Increased rainfall in the eastern Pacific Ocean leading to flooding and landslides off the coast of South America

• An area of high pressure forming over landmasses and increasing the chance of typhoons

• Cooler ocean water in the western Pacific Ocean leading to an increased chance of wildfires

• Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries

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In which of the following atmospheric layers does most weather occur?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

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Which of the following does not exert a major influence on Earth's overall climate?

• The annual amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth's surface

• The concentrations of the specific gases in Earth's atmosphere

• The distribution of land masses and oceans, in combination with Earth's topography

• The seasonal development of temperature inversions in geographical basins

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