Quick Checks
Which of these is a light element? a. carbon b. oxygen c. iron d. lithium
d
Which of these phrases describes the sun? a. class G yellow star b. class A white star c. class M red star d. class O blue star
a
True or False: In frost wedging, a crack expands when water freezes. When the water melts it can seep into new fissures in the rock.
True
What do Argo floats measure in the world's ocean currents? Select the two correct answers. a. temperature b. rainfall c. salinity d. carbon dioxide
a & c
During which type of solar weather would one predict power grid operations on Earth could degrade? a. solar energetic particles b. coronal mass ejections (CMEs) c. solar flares d. solar wind
b
How did reduced methane concentrations in the atmosphere affect Earth? a. Earth warmed b. Earth cooled c. Volcanic activity increased d. Volcanic activity decreased
b
Which is a possible sequence in the life cycle of a massive star? a. super red giant, protostar, nebula, neutron star, supernova b. supernova, star, black hole, planetary nebula, super red giant, protostar c. nebula, protostar, star, super red giant, supernova, neutron star d. planetary nebula, super red giant, protostar, supernova, star, black hole
c
Which is the origin of the sun's energy? a. solar flares b. charged particles c. nuclear fusion d. burning hydrogen
c
True or False: The increase in carbon dioxide since the year 1860 is similar to past increases. Atmospheric composition has remained constant throughout Earth's history.
false
True or False: Data from the Vostok ice core show that over the last 800,000 years the levels of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere never exceeded 300 parts per million. Today, carbon dioxide levels have exceeded 410 parts per million.
true
About how much of the solar energy that reaches Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the atmosphere? a. three-fourths b. one-tenth c. three-fifths d. one-fourth
d
About what percentage of atmospheric ozone is located in the stratosphere? a. 75% b. 10% c. 40% d. 90%
d
How do humans cycle carbon from the biosphere to the atmosphere? a. by planting vegetable crops b. by driving cars that use gasoline for fuel c. by eating plants d. by respiration
d
Ozone in which layer of the atmosphere is sometimes called good ozone? a. exosphere b. mesosphere c. troposphere d. stratosphere
d
What is an example of chemical weathering? a. a crack in rock growing larger as water freezes in it b. burrowing animals digging a home in rock c. rock breaking apart during a rock slide d. decomposition of rock when exposed to acidic plants
d
Which are examples of non-visible light? a. white light from a lightbulb and rainbows b. rainbows and x-rays c. white light from the sun and microwaves d. radio waves and ultraviolet light
d
Which of the following most probably formed Earth's sun? a. silicates and metals melting together from excessive heat b. the collision of two similar stars c. accretion of dust and gases d. the gravitational collapse of a cloud of cosmic dust and gases
d
Which of the following triggered large-scale growth of coral reefs millions of years ago? a. the evolution of new species of fishes b. the effect of tsunamis on marine life c. the extinction of some species of algae d. the relationship between corals and zooxanthellae
d
True or False: An asphalt surface absorbs more solar energy than a cement surface. This difference is chiefly due to differences in color.
true
True or False: Climate has changed naturally over Earth's history. Earth is currently in an interglacial period.
true
True or False: Earth's most recent glacial period ended about 11,500 years ago. The Great Oxygenation Event began about 2.3 billion years ago. About 160 years ago carbon dioxide began increasing exponentially to unprecedented levels.
true
True or False: In the greenhouse effect, far infrared radiation is emitted from Earth's surface and absorbed and reemitted by some gases in the atmosphere. These gases have increased in concentration over the past century.
true
True or False: Increased levels of oxygen in the atmosphere due to photosynthesis caused rates of weathering to increase, which aided in the formation of soil.
true
True or False: Scientists have found that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased from 280 parts per million to over 400 parts per million during the last 150 years.
true
Which agricultural practices result in methane emission? Select the two correct answers. a. clearing land for farms b. refrigeration c. manure management techniques d. rice cultivation
c & d
Which of these properties is the best measure of a star's brightness? a. age b. absolute magnitude c. size d. apparent magnitude
b
ended on solar weather impact quick check
finished all questions
What characteristic is shared by sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections? Select the two correct responses. a. They are caused by outward fluctuations of the sun's magnetic field. b. They appear as bright spots on the sun's surface. c. They tend to occur during active periods of the solar cycle. d. They appear as dark spots on the sun's surface.
a & c
Which statement are true of radiometric dating of rocks? Select the two correct answers. a. Radiometric dating of meteorites has led scientists to believe that the solar system formed about 4.5 billion years ago. b. Radiometric dating of rock suggests that Earth is older than the other rocky planets. c. This technique suggests that most of Earth's crust is not as old as material from meteorites. d. This technique has led scientists to rely on fossils to determine the age of Earth.
a & c
How does time affect the physical weathering of a rock? a. Over time, the rock will become flat, slowing the rate of physical weathering. b. The longer the rock has been exposed, the more it has weathered. c. Rock weathers the most when first exposed, then more slowly. d. Time does not affect physical weathering, only chemical weathering.
b
The reflection of light off a glacier is the interaction of which two systems? a. atmosphere and biosphere b. hydrosphere and atmosphere c. geosphere and atmosphere d. geosphere and hydrosphere
b
Which forms of life were dominant in the Mesozoic era? a. one-celled animals b. reptiles c. mammals d. birds
b
How is the sun classified on a Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram? a. as a main sequence star b. as a white dwarf star c. as a giant star d. as a supergiant star
a
In terms of climate change, what do cherry blossoms and sugar maple trees have in common? a. They are affected by earlier spring warmth. b. They are affected by increased oxygen in the air. c. They are affected by more frequent wildfires. d. They are affected by melting polar ice.
a
Categorize the following as either greenhouse gas or non-greenhouse gas. 1. ozone 2. methane 3. oxygen 4. carbon dioxide 5. nitrogen 6. nitrous oxide
greenhouse gas: 1, 2, 4, 6 non-greenhouse gas: 3, 5
Which of the following describe how water mixes in a thermohaline current? Select the two correct answers. a. Cold water sinks under warmer water. b. Less salty water sinks under saltier water. c. Warm water sinks under colder water. d. Saltier water sinks under less salty water.
a & d
Which information about objects in space can spectroscopy provide? Select the two correct answers. a. composition b. temperature c. timing of solar flares d. size
a b
What can scientists learn from the chemical isotopes in leftover shells of foraminifera about the climate at the time the foraminifera lived? a. They can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. b. They can estimate the ocean's temperature. c. They can calculate the amount of rainfall. d. They can estimate the air temperature.
b
Which action describes chemical weathering? a. water depositing beach sand b. water carving out a limestone cave c. water cutting downward to deepen a river channel d. water freezing thawing to widen cracks in rock
b
Which statements are true or meteorites? Select the two correct answers. a. The impact craters from meteorites help determine the ages of the gaseous planets. b. Inclusions in meteorites are the oldest material ever dated. c. The composition of meteorites reflects the composition of the cosmic material from which planets formed. d. Planets were formed by the accretion of meteorites.
b & c
How does solar weather affect Earth's magnetosphere? Select the two correct answers. a. It develops solar wind. b. It causes geomagnetic storms. c. It forms radiation belts. d. It generates auroras.
b & d
Which of the following factors made the land a place where the first land plants could thrive? Select the two correct answers. a. low levels of oxygen in the atmosphere b. abundant sunlight for photosynthesis c. evolution of animals d. new, nutrient-rich soil made of cyanobacteria and deteriorating rock
b & d
Which of these can a star become at the end of its evolution? Choose the three correct answers. a. a supernova b. a black hole c. a neutron star d. a white dwarf e. a brown dwarf
b, c, & d
How did the success of photosynthetic bacteria change Earth's atmosphere? a. increased hydrogen concentration b. decreased oxygen concentration c. increased oxygen concentration d. decreased hydrogen concentration
c
How does deforestation increase the warming of Earth? a. It increases the presence of methane in the atmosphere. b. It releases more oxygen into the atmosphere. c. It decreases the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. d. It decreases the production of ozone in the atmosphere.
c
How have astronomers formed their ideas about the layers of the sun? a. developing mathematical models based only on known data b. making direct observations of the sun's layers c. using theoretical models combined with known data d. observing all the layers during total solar eclipses
c
Ocean currents have a direct effect on climate primarily by an interaction of which systems? a. biosphere and hydrosphere b. geosphere and hydrosphere c. hydrosphere and atmosphere d. geosphere and atmosphere
c
What is a greenhouse gas? a. a gas at higher temperature than the surrounding atmosphere b. any gas in Earth's atmosphere c. any gas in the troposphere that absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation d. a gas that forms a physical barrier to block escaping heat
c
What is the importance of the Gulf Stream in terms of climate? a. It makes the climate of southern California milder. b. It makes the climate of Newfoundland milder. c. It makes the climate of western Europe milder. d. It makes the climate of the Canary Islands milder.
c
What makes up all stars? a. steam b. heavy elements c. plasma d. hydrogen gas
c
Which characteristic defines the Paleozoic era? a. Simple, one-celled life forms were dominant. b. Mammals and other warm-blooded animals became dominant. c. Animals with shells and hard parts were dominant for the first time. d. Reptiles became dominant after a mass extinction.
c
Which do meteorologists use to measure air pressure? a. a thermometer b. an anemometer c. a barometer d. a wind vane
c
Which layer of the atmosphere is most strongly affected by conditions on Earth's surface? a. thermosphere b. mesosphere c. troposphere d. stratosphere
c
Which type of electromagnetic radiation has more energy than visible light and can pass through the human body? a. ultraviolet light b. microwaves c. x-rays d. radio waves
c
Which type of weathering is responsible for the green patina that forms on the copper skin of the Statue of Liberty? a. dissolution b. carbonization c. oxidation d. hydrolysis
c
Why do higher temperatures often result in greater precipitation? a. higher temperatures stimulate acidification b. higher temperatures stimulate condensation c. higher temperatures stimulate evaporation d. higher temperatures stimulate respiration
c
Which of the following indicates that different rocks in the same area might weather differently? Select the two correct answers. a. the rock atop a newly formed mountain b. a smooth plain c. rock pillars in the middle of grassy plains d. cliffs with ridges
c & d
Which of these can help determine air pressure? Select the two correct answers. a. cloud patterns in the air b. wind speed of the air c. moisture in the air d. temperature of the air
c & d
Which are ways in which heat energy leaves the surface of land masses? Select the three correct answers. a. animal activity b. plant growth c. radiation of infrared energy d. evaporation e. conduction to air, which then rises in convection f. glacial motion
c & d & e
Which qualities of the oceans help it to absorb heat? Select the three correct answers. a. Water can be solid, liquid, or gas at Earth's surface. b. proximity to land c. large surface area d. a low evaporation point e. a high specific heat capacity compared to land or air f. transparency to electromagnetic radiation
c & e & f
Which describes a difference between solar wind and a geomagnetic storm? Select the three correct answers. a. Geomagnetic storms travel at the speed of light, while solar wind takes four days to reach Earth. b. Geomagnetic storms are constant; solar wind occurs only occasionally. c. Geomagnetic storms are associated with CMEs; solar wind is associated with the constant activity in the sun. d. Geomagnetic storms occur only occasionally; solar wind is constant. e. Solar wind sometimes results in geomagnetic storms; geomagnetic storms do not cause solar wind.
c, d, & e
Which statements are TRUE about energy and matter in stars? Select the three correct answers. a. Only matter is conserved within stars. b. Only energy is conserved within stars. c. Some matter is converted into energy within stars. d. Energy in stars causes the fusion of light elements. e. Energy and matter are both conserved in stars. f. All energy is converted into matter in stars.
c, d, e
How does global warming alter the albedo of the Arctic? Select the two correct answers. a. Changing migration patterns for sea life. b. Melting glaciers to reveal darker soil. c. Melting sea ice to reveal darker water. d. Replacing tundra with more rapid growth.
b & c
What is a major impact of climate change for fish species? a. too much carbon dioxide in water b. changes in ocean habitat c. shifting ocean currents d. food toxicity
b
Which stages do all stars have in common in their life cycles? a. white dwarf b. nebula c. protostar d. black hole
b & c
Which gas has increased in the mesosphere, creating a rise in water vapor which has led to the formation of high altitude clouds that are visible at night? a. carbon dioxide b. methane c. ozone d. hydrogen
b
Which is an example of physical weathering? a. bits or iron in rock rusting when exposed to oxygen and water. b. rock breaking apart when it falls from a cliff c. oxygen interacting with minerals in rock d. acid rain breaking down compounds in rock statues
b
Which is common to the formation of all fossil fuels? a. Fossils are converted into carbon-rich fuels. b. Once-living organisms are converted into carbon-rich fuels. c. Sedimentary rock is converted into carbon-rich fuels. d. Swampy forest plants are converted into carbon-rich fuels.
b
Which is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 380nm and 700nm? a. microwaves b. visible light c. ultraviolet light d. radio waves
b
Which is the cause of the sun's magnetic properties? a. upward movement of super-heated gases in the convective zone b. uneven churning of plasma c. uniform clockwise rotation of charged particles d. rapid spinning of metals in the core
b
Which is the heaviest element produced in large stars by nuclear fusion near the end of their life cycle? a. helium b. iron c. beryllium d. uranium
b
Which of the following is the main cause of increased burning of fossil fuels? a. agricultural innovations b. economic and population growth c. new types of energy production d. advancements in technology
b
Which of these is an agent of chemical weathering? a. iron b. acid rain c. iron oxide d. copper patina
b
Which statement about biodiversity in coral reefs is accurate? a. Coral reefs have much biodiversity, but most species that live there migrated from other habitats. b. More new species have evolved in coral reef habitats than in most other types of habitats. c. Species that evolved in coral reef habitats always stay in those habitats. d. Most organisms that live in coral reef habitats are zooxanthellae.
b
Which statement describes how the atmosphere gains energy by convection? a. The ground warms the air just above it. b. Air warmed by the ground rises. c. Energy moves from the clouds to the air. d. Solar energy warms gases that make up the air.
b
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) defines a constellation by its: a. boundary b. Greek name c. brightest star d. star pattern
a
Two astronomers are viewing temperature data from each of the sun's layers, but the layers aren't identified. Describe one way the scientists can use temperature to identify which layer they are studying. a. The lowest temperatures are from the photosphere b. The highest temperatures are from the radiative zone. c. The highest temperature are from the corona. d. The lowest temperatures are from the core.
a
Which piece of spectral data is necessary to determine the spectral class of a star? a. absolute magnitude b. apparent magnitude c. luminosity d. temperature
d
What does it mean when an emission line of helium from a galaxy is shifted toward red? a. The galaxy is moving away from the viewer. b. The galaxy contains a small percent of hydrogen. c. The galaxy contains a large percent of hydrogen. d. The galaxy is moving toward the viewer.
a
Which is the main fuel for nuclear fusion in all stars? a. hydrogen b. carbon c. nitrogen d. helium
a
Which layer of Earth's atmosphere is most strongly affected by conditions on the sun's surface? a. thermosphere b. troposphere c. mesosphere d. stratosphere
a
Which would register a drop in air pressure? a. going up a mountain b. a heavy rainstorm c. going down a mountain d. a drop in temperature
a
In which ways does the ocean reduce the effects of climate change? Select the two correct answers. a. It absorbs carbon dioxide. b. It absorbs heat. c. It absorbs oxygen. d. It absorbs nitrogen.
a & b
Sunlight is reflected, absorbed, and transmitted by Earth's atmosphere. Which are the chief constituents of the electromagnetic energy that reaches Earth's surface? Select the two correct answers. a. near infrared (higher energy infrared) b. visible light c. far infrared (lower energy infrared) d. ultraviolet light e. radio waves
a & b
Select the two correct statements that describe cyanobacteria. a. Cyanobacteria were the first photosynthesizing organisms. b. Cyanobacteria have complex cells containing a nucleus. c. Cyanobacteria decreased the levels of oxygen in the atmosphere. d. Cyanobacteria lived in the ocean.
a & d
Which do scientists study to determine air temperature at the time it was formed? Select the two correct answers. a. air bubbles trapped in ice b. chemical isotopes in foraminifera c. fossilized pollen d. tree rings
a & d
Which of these is one of the Milankovitch cycles? a. changes in the length of Earth's orbit b. changes in the distance between Earth and the sun c. changes in the time between Earth's seasons d. changes in Earth's tilt
d
Which option orders the events chronologically, from earliest to latest. a. Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Many new animal species evolve. b. Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. Many new animal species evolve. Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. c. Many new animal species evolve. Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. d. Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. Many new animal species evolve.
d
Which prediction is most likely to happen due to solar energetic particles during a solar radiation storm? a. Satellites will need to be repositioned due to satellite drag. b. Power will go out in cities across the world. c. Radio navigation and GPS systems will be inaccurate. d. Radio communications at high latitudes will be blocked.
d
Which protects Earth from harmful radiation from the sun? a. hydrogen atoms b. magnetosphere c. convection currents d. Earth's atmosphere
d
Which would scientists predict might happen due to solar flares? a. radio navigation systems and global positioning systems will be inaccurate b. electrical systems in satellites will fail c. power grid operations will go offline d. high-frequency radio waves used for radio communication will be blocked
d
