Earth Science Review

Avery is studying Earth systems and wants to know which part includes the rocks and minerals found in the crust and upper mantle?

• Atmosphere

• Biosphere

• Geosphere

• Hydrosphere

Answer explanation

The geosphere includes all the rocks and minerals found in the Earth's crust and upper mantle, making it the correct choice. The atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere refer to air, life, and water, respectively.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which process is primarily responsible for the movement of tectonic plates?

• Solar radiation

• Ocean currents

• Convection in the mantle

• Gravitational pull of the Moon

Answer explanation

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by convection in the mantle, where hot material rises and cooler material sinks, creating currents that push the plates on the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

During a school field trip to a volcanic region, Oliver observed the formation of rocks from the cooling and solidification of magma. Which type of rock did Oliver observe?

• Sedimentary

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Fossiliferous

Answer explanation

Oliver observed the formation of rocks from cooling magma, which indicates he saw igneous rocks. Igneous rocks form directly from the solidification of molten material, unlike sedimentary or metamorphic rocks.

Aiden and Zoe are studying the effects of deforestation in their environmental science class. How does deforestation typically affect the carbon cycle?

• Decreases the greenhouse effect

• Reduces carbon emissions

• Increases atmospheric CO₂

• Increases carbon storage in trees

Answer explanation

Deforestation removes trees that absorb CO₂, leading to increased atmospheric CO₂ levels. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, as more CO₂ in the atmosphere enhances global warming.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

During a science class, James asked his teacher which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer. What would be the correct answer?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Nora and Benjamin are planning a sailing trip. They notice that the boat moves in a certain direction even when the engine is off. What is the primary cause of this ocean movement?

• Tides

• Wind and salinity differences

• Earthquakes

• Waterfalls

Answer explanation

The primary cause of ocean movement, even without engine power, is due to wind and salinity differences. Wind creates surface currents, while variations in salinity affect water density, contributing to overall movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Luna and her classmates are learning about different types of energy resources. During a class discussion, the teacher asks, "Which of the following best explains why coal is considered a nonrenewable resource?"

• It causes air pollution

• It is made from fossilized sunlight

• It forms too slowly to be replaced in a human lifetime

• It requires expensive equipment to extract

Answer explanation

Coal is considered a nonrenewable resource because it forms too slowly to be replaced in a human lifetime, meaning once it's used, it cannot be replenished quickly enough for future generations.

Mason and Luna are working on a school project about urban development. They want to know: What is the most effective way to reduce the urban heat island effect?

• Increase fossil fuel use

• Cut down trees in cities

• Plant more vegetation

• Build more roads

Answer explanation

Planting more vegetation helps cool urban areas by providing shade and releasing moisture through transpiration, effectively reducing the urban heat island effect. Other options would exacerbate the problem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

During a summer drought in Kai's town, what happens to the water table?

• It rises due to less rainfall

• It remains constant

• It drops due to less recharge

• It turns into surface water

Answer explanation

During a summer drought, there is less rainfall, leading to reduced water recharge. As a result, the water table drops due to insufficient replenishment of groundwater.

During a class project, William and Mia are investigating environmental issues. They discover that one particular human activity contributes most to acid rain. Which activity is it?

• Planting trees

• Burning fossil fuels

• Using solar energy

• Recycling plastic

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which contribute significantly to acid rain. Other activities like planting trees and using solar energy do not have this impact.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4