Unit Four Practice Questions
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 above? A) 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. B) 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. C) 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. D) 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.
A) 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. Explanation: Solar radiation is most direct at low latitudes and least at high latitudes. This results in the air masses having different densities and the Coriolis effect that deflects the air masses, creating winds. In other words, warm air is found at low latitudes (toward equator), not at high latitudes.
Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains charged gas molecules that glow and produce light when hit by solar energy, leading to glowing gases such as the northern lights, found over 90 kilometers above Earth's surface? A) Thermosphere B) Mesosphere C) Stratosphere D) Troposphere
A) Thermosphere Explanation: The thermosphere is found between 80 and 600 kilometers above Earth's surface. Here the charged gas molecules can glow and produce light when hit by solar energy and can be viewed from Earth. In the northern United States, Canada, and northern Europe, these glowing gases are known as aurora borealis.
Based on the diagram, which of the following describes why the summer solstice in Australia occurs in December and not in June? A) At this time of year, the Earth is closest to the Sun due to its elliptical path. B) At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes Australia to receive highly concentrated solar radiation. C) At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes Australia to be closer to the Sun. D) At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes solar radiation to reach Australia at a low angle of incidence.
B) At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes Australia to receive highly concentrated solar radiation. Explanation: At this time of year, the Earth is tilted in such a way that Australia receives solar radiation nearly perpendicular to the Earth's surface, resulting in highly concentrated rays during the summer season.
Which of the following best explains why the Atacama Desert has a consistently arid climate? A) It is on the windward side of the Andes Mountains. B) It is in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains. C) The cold Peru Current brings dry air to the west coast. D) Compared to the east coast, it has less water available.
B) It is in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains. Explanation: Because the trade winds come from the east (windward), the west side of the mountain, where the Atacama Desert is located, is the leeward side and will be dry and desert-like.
Peru's commercial anchovy industry would most likely be harmed during an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the decline in anchovy during an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event? A) Acidic ocean waters kill off larval anchovies. B) Less nutrient-rich water reaches surface waters, disrupting the food web. C) Ocean currents move toxic contaminants from the sediments into the water column. D) An increase in phosphate-based nutrients leads to an algal bloom, which would decrease available oxygen for animals like shrimp.
B) Less nutrient-rich water reaches surface waters, disrupting the food web. Explanation: When the upwelling of cold water is cut off, there will be a decrease in nutrients and primary productivity.
A developer wants to develop a large tract of land near a watershed, which will require the removal of several large trees. Which of the following statements best describes the impact that the development would have on the watershed? A) Removing large trees would decrease the amount of runoff in the watershed. B) Removing large trees would cause an increase in temperature and keep the surrounding water and soil warmer. C) Removing large trees would decrease the rate of erosion in a watershed. D) Removing large trees would increase the retention of water within the watershed.
B) Removing large trees would cause an increase in temperature and keep the surrounding water and soil warmer. Explanation: Removing large trees that are present near a watershed would increase the effects of sunlight, keeping the water and soil warmer. This would increase thermal pollution and provide a less stable temperature for organisms.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the formation of Hadley cells in the tropics, as seen in the diagram, between 30°N and 30°S latitude? A) Heat from the ocean warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to rise because of its lower density. As the air becomes cooler, it becomes less dense and sinks. B) The Sun warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to rise because of its lower density. As the warm air moves away from the equator, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks. C) Air cools over the land at the equator and then rises as it moves north or south. D) Rising air over the equator is heated by the Sun, moves north, and then moves south to create the jet stream and trade winds.
B) The Sun warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to rise because of its lower density. As the warm air moves away from the equator, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks. Explanation: Heat from the Sun warms moist air near the equator and causes it to rise. The moist air cools and dries as it moves away from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere the cooler air moves north to south, and in the Southern Hemisphere it moves south to north. This circulation is called a tropical (Hadley) cell. The process forms a high-pressure region at 30 degrees latitude where air sinks.
Which of the following correctly describes the Earth's atmosphere? A) The mesosphere is where temperatures get warmer B) The troposphere is where all weather is found C) The stratosphere contains most of the oxygen in our atmosphere D) The troposphere is where the ozone layer is found
B) The troposphere is where all weather is found
During an El Niño event, farmers in the southwestern United Stated often benefit from which of the following climatic changes? A) Longer and cooler summers that increase crop yield B) Wetter and warmer weather that increases soil moisture C) Cooler and drier conditions that help cold-weather crops D) Warmer and drier weather that reduces soil erosion and flooding
B) Wetter and warmer weather that increases soil moisture Explanation: The southwestern United States experiences warmer and wetter seasonal climates during an El Niño event. A strong El Niño event can benefit the Southwest by moistening nutrient-rich soils.
One way farmers can help to reduce soil erosion is by using soil conservation methods. Which of the following is an example of a soil conservation method? A) Clear cutting B) Deforestation C) Alley cropping D) Waterlogging
C) Alley cropping
The Chesapeake Bay is a watershed that is located in six states and the District of Columbia. Which of the following can cause an increase in water pollution in the watershed? A) An increase in the number of grasses, trees, and shrubs near a watershed B) An increase in the natural systems near a watershed C) An increase in stormwater runoff in urban areas D) A decrease in the number of impervious surfaces near the watershed
C) An increase in stormwater runoff in urban areas Explanation: Runoff from impervious surfaces (for example, stormwater that washes off of the road) can pollute the watershed and harm fish.
Based on the map, which of the following best explains the area of the Andes Mountains that would have the greatest number of rivers? A) Equal numbers of rivers would be found on both the east and west sides of the Andes Mountains because water flows downhill. B) More rivers would be located on the west side of the Andes Mountains because it is the leeward side. C) More rivers would be located on the east side of the Andes Mountains because the trade winds are coming from the east. D) More rivers would be located on the south side of the Andes Mountains because it is protected from the drying sunlight.
C) More rivers would be located on the east side of the Andes Mountains because the trade winds are coming from the east. Explanation: Trade winds come from the east, so the east side of the mountain will have air currents rising, cooling, and dropping precipitation before going over the mountain and descending on the other side, creating drier conditions. Increased precipitation on the eastern side supports the claim that more rivers would be expected on the eastern side of the mountain range.
The vast majority of ozone (O3) is found in a thin layer due to a lack of circulation in which of the following atmospheric layers? A) Thermosphere B) Mesosphere C) Stratosphere D) Troposphere
C) Stratosphere Explanation: The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which is thin because the air within the stratosphere does not circulate (unlike the air in the troposphere).
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? A) Nitrogen (N2) concentration gradients B) Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration gradients C) Temperature gradients D) Ultraviolet radiation gradients
C) Temperature gradients Explanation: The layers of the atmosphere are a consequence of temperature gradients.
Which of the following techniques help to limit soil erosion? A) Deforestation B) Overgrazing C) Terracing D) Clear-cut logging
C) Terracing
During a La Niña event, what environmental changes would the tropical Pacific Ocean and its surrounding landmasses most likely experience? A) Increased rainfall in the eastern Pacific Ocean leading to flooding and landslides off the coast of South America B) An area of high pressure forming over landmasses and increasing the chance of typhoons C) Cooler ocean water in the western Pacific Ocean leading to an increased chance of wildfires D) Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries
D) Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries Explanation: Upwelling in the eastern Pacific will be increased due to strong easterly winds pulling surface water to the west. This brings nutrient-rich cold water to the surface, which increases productivity and benefits fisheries.
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? A) Add a paved surface at the top of the slope. B) Remove trees and shrubs from the slope and the riverbank. C) Move all of the topsoil from the site to the riverbank. D) Plant grass and shrubs on the slope.
D) Plant grass and shrubs on the slope.
The Atacama Desert lies to the west of the Andes Mountains in northern Chile. It is the oldest, most consistently arid place in the world. Which of the following best identifies and explains the region of South America that would have a more moderate climate? A) The west coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Peru Current. B) The west coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Andes Mountains. C) The east coast would have a more moderate climate because of its proximity to the equator. D) The east coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Brazil Current.
D) The east coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Brazil Current. Explanation: The Brazil Current comes from the warm south equatorial current and equatorial waters, so this warmer water would influence the climate and make the east coast warmer than the west coast.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the deflection of the trade winds in both hemispheres, as seen in the diagram above? A) The wind is deflected east because of varying landmasses at the latitudes. B) The wind is deflected east because of the waves in the ocean. C) The wind is deflected west because of the mountains that the air encounters as the wind moves north or south. D) The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation.
D) The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation. Explanation: Earth rotates faster near the equator than at the poles, and therefore the path of the air current is deflected to the west as seen in the diagram above.
