Earth Science Regents Climate

A gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide would warm Earth’s atmosphere because carbon dioxide is a

• poor reflector of ultraviolet radiation

• good reflector of ultraviolet radiation

• poor absorber of infrared radiation

• good absorber of infrared radiation

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

The map shows an imaginary continent on Earth. Arrows represent prevailing wind directions. Letters A through D represent locations on the continent. Locations A and B are at the same latitude and at the same elevation at the base of the mountains.

Over the course of a year, compared to location B, location A will have

• less precipitation and a smaller temperature range

• less precipitation and a greater temperature range

• more precipitation and a smaller temperature range

• more precipitation and a greater temperature range

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The map shows an imaginary continent on Earth. Arrows represent prevailing wind directions. Letters A through D represent locations on the continent. Locations A and B are at the same latitude and at the same elevation at the base of the mountains. The climate at location C is much drier than at location D. This difference is best explained by the fact that location C is located

• farther from any mountain range

• closer to a large body of water

• at a latitude that experiences longer average annual daylight

• at a latitude where air is sinking and surface winds diverge

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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The cross section represents the windward and leeward sides of a mountain. The arrows show the direction of air movement over the mountain. Points X and Y represent locations on Earth’s surface.

Compared to the temperature and water vapor content of the air at location X, the temperature and water vapor content at location Y are most likely

• warmer and wetter

• warmer and drier

• cooler and wetter

• cooler and drier

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During explosive volcanic eruptions, large amounts of ash entering Earth’s atmosphere often rise to an altitude of 20 kilometers. What is the most likely effect of this ash cloud?

• a decrease in the insolation reaching Earth’s surface

• a decrease in the thickness of Earth’s stratosphere layer

• an increase in the insolation reaching Earth’s surface

• an increase in the thickness of Earth’s stratosphere layer

Which natural event periodically weakens western surface ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, resulting in a change in air temperature and precipitation patterns in the United States?

• El Nino

• transpiration

• ocean tides

• volcanic eruptions

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The table shows the latitude and the average yearly temperature for four different cities.

It can be inferred from this table that the cities at higher latitudes have

• lower average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a higher angle during the year

• lower average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a lower angle during the year

• higher average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a higher angle during the year

• higher average yearly temperatures because these cities receive insolation at a lower angle during the year

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which event temporarily slows or reverses surface ocean currents in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean, causing a disruption of normal weather patterns?

• tsunami

• volcanic eruption

• El Niño

• deforestation

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Two cities are located at the same latitude and elevation. One city, located in the center of the United States, has cooler winters and warmer summers than the other city, which is located near the coast. Which statement best explains these seasonal differences?

• The air over continents is drier than the air over oceans.

• Cold airmasses usually originate over continents.

• A large body of water modifies coastal air temperatures.

• Warm ocean currents flow along most coastlines.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The cross section shows how prevailing winds have caused different climates on the windwards and leeward sides of a mountain range. Why does the windward side of this mountain have a wet climate?

• Rising air compresses and cools, causing the water droplets to evaporate

• Rising air compresses and warms, causing the water vapor to condense.

• Rising air expands and cools, causing the water vapor to condense.

• Rising air expands and warms, causing the water droplets to evaporate.

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