Unit 4 Review APES

At which of the following sites does seafloor spreading result in rifts and possible volcanoes? A A B B C C D D

A

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the locations marked by letters on the world map below. Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered questions or statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best answers each question or best fits each statement and then fill in the corresponding oval on the answer sheet. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set. The intraplate location where hot-spot volcanism is occurring A A B B C C D D E E

A

Which of the lettered choices in the soil profile above represents the region with the greatest concentration of organic material? A B C D E

A

Which of the following properties is most likely associated with soils that contain more sand-sized particles than soils that contain more clay-sized particles? A High permeability B Low erosion rate C High density D Low organic content

A High permeability

Scientists are looking for new locations to generate electricity using geothermal energy. Which of the following locations would be the best choice for a geothermal energy generating plant? A Near tectonic plate boundaries B Near fossil fuel resources C Near the equator D Near warm ocean currents

A Near tectonic plate boundaries

The city of London in the United Kingdom is found approximately at the same latitude as the city of Calgary in Canada. Calgary has an average high temperature in December of −4.6−4.6 degrees Celsius, while London has an average high temperature of 8.68.6 degrees Celsius. Which of the following statements best explains why the average temperature of London is warmer than that of Calgary in December? A Oceanic currents warm the atmosphere in London. B The solar radiation reaching London is more perpendicular than the solar radiation that reaches Calgary in December. C London is farther from the North Pole than Calgary is. D The Hadley cell converges over London and pushes warm air toward the surface.

A Oceanic currents warm the atmosphere in London.

The axis of Earth in relation to the Sun is tilted at a 23.5 degree slant, as illustrated in the diagram below. Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions. Which of the following correctly describes the season and length of day at the Tropic of Cancer at the time of year shown in the diagram? A The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun so it is winter at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is less than twelve hours per day. B The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, so it is winter at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is approximately twelve hours per day. C The Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, so it is summer at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is greater than twelve hours per day. D The Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun so it is summer at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is approximately twelve hours per day.

A The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun so it is winter at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is less than twelve hours per day.

An environmental engineer wants to examine the permeability of different soils to determine the best natural containment system to protect groundwater from pollutants. The engineer tests four different soil samples, places them into a wet column, and pours 50mL50mL of water over each sample. The engineer records the total amount of water that moves through the column as well as the total amount of time for the water to fully percolate through the soil. The data from the study are shown below. Which of the following best describes the independent variable in this research design? A The sample of material chosen as the potential container material is the variable being tested, so it is the independent variable. B The flow time, which is related to the porosity of each sample, is the variable that is measured, so it is the independent variable. C The total volume of water recovered is most likely to be affected by human error and is the variable with the largest range of values, so it is the independent variable. D The permeability of each soil sample, which is determined by dividing the total volume of water recovered by the flow time, is the variable that is calculated, so it is the independent variable.

A The sample of material chosen as the potential container material is the variable being tested, so it is the independent variable.

El Niño, a periodic warming of ocean surface waters, occurs in which of the following regions? A Tropical East Pacific B Gulf of Mexico C Arctic North Pacific D Temperate West Atlantic E Tropical Indian Ocean

A Tropical East Pacific

In which of the following atmospheric layers does most weather occur? A Troposphere B Stratosphere C Mesosphere D Thermosphere

A Troposphere

Which of the following agricultural practices would most likely lead to improved water quality in nearby streams and rivers? A Using crop rotation in fields B Using nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers C Converting crop fields to cattle pasture D Clear-cutting areas around crop fields

A Using crop rotation in fields

Brown pelicans are fish-eating birds. As a result of an El Niño event, the population of brown pelicans in southern California declines. Which of the following best explains the relationship between the El Niño event and the population decline? A Warmer ocean temperatures can cause fish to move to colder water farther from pelican nest sites. B Lower sea surface heights can result in pelican nest sites being isolated too far from their food supply in the ocean. C The female reproductive tract of birds does not function at the lower water temperatures of El Niño. D Male pelicans get disoriented due to the lack of moisture and fail to return to the nest with food. E Predatory seal populations increase dramatically due to decreased rainfall.

A Warmer ocean temperatures can cause fish to move to colder water farther from pelican nest sites.

The most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere is A nitrogen B oxygen C water vapor D carbon dioxide E hydrogen

A nitrogen

Most volcanism in the world is associated with A plate boundaries B midcontinental hot spots C faulting D aquifer depletion E desertification

A plate boundaries

Which soil horizon is best developed in areas with dense vegetation, such as forests and grasslands, since the horizon consists of decomposing leaves and other plant material? A (O-Horizon) B (A-Horizon) C (B-Horizon) D (C-Horizon)

A (O-Horizon)

At which of the following sites would activity result in volcanoes, island arcs, and mountains? A A B B C C D D

B

This area is most susceptible to erosion, leading to increased suspended solids and increased turbidity downstream. A B C D

B

Which of the following best describes a transform boundary? A An area where two tectonic plates move away from each other B An area where two tectonic plates slide past one another C An area where two or more tectonic plates collide D An area where two or more tectonic plates fuse together at a suture zone

B An area where two tectonic plates slide past one another

Which of the following is the correct order of soil particles in order of increasing size? A Clay—sand—silt B Clay—silt—sand C Sand—clay—silt D Sand—silt—clay E Silt—clay—sand

B Clay—silt—sand

The diagram below shows the tectonic plate activity on the West Coast of the United States. Which of the following statements correctly explains the tectonic plate activity on the West Coast of the United States? A The Cascade Mountains were formed when two continental plates converged. B Earthquakes occur at the San Andreas Fault when stored energy is released from locked plates. C The divergence of two plates has led to the formation of volcanoes in the Cascade Mountains. D Movement of plates along the San Andreas Fault created the Cascade Mountains.

B Earthquakes occur at the San Andreas Fault when stored energy is released from locked plates.

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the data table below that shows the annual anchovy catch and average sea surface temperature off the coast of Peru from 1995 through 2001. The high sea surface temperature in 1998 was most likely due to A global warming B El Niño C eutrophication D salinization E Pacific Annual Oscillation

B El Niño

The graph shows the relative solar energy received at local noon each day of the year at two different locations. Based on the graph, which of the following can be concluded about the latitudes of the two locations? A Both locations are at the same latitude. B Location 1 is close to the equator, and Location 2 is in the Northern Hemisphere. C Location 1 is in the Northern Hemisphere, and Location 2 is in the Southern Hemisphere. D Location 1 is in the Southern Hemisphere, and Location 2 is close to the equator.

B Location 1 is close to the equator, and Location 2 is in the Northern Hemisphere.

A team at a university in Pennsylvania has concerns about the health of streams in a watershed because of the various land uses in the area. There has been an increase in road repair work, and the area has many dairy farms. Which of the following would be most effective at preventing sediment runoff into the streams of the watershed? A Have construction crews steepen the slopes of the valleys of streams near roadwork zones. B Maintain zones of grass at least 100m wide on the sides of streams in the area. C Construct at least one dam on a stream in the watershed to improve flood control. D Shift from dairy farming to corn planted in agricultural fields located within 100m of streams.

B Maintain zones of grass at least 100mwide on the sides of streams in the area.

Which of the following is the source of energy driving the circulation pattern labeled C in the diagram? A The Coriolis effect B Solar radiation C Earth's magnetic field D The spinning core of Earth

B Solar radiation

The axis of Earth in relation to the Sun is tilted at a 23.5 degree slant, as illustrated in the diagram below. Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions. Which of the following areas receives the most intense solar radiation at the time of year shown in the diagram, and why? A The Antarctic Circle, because it is closest to the Sun. B The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation. C The equator, because it is the hottest region and therefore receives the most intense solar radiation. D The Tropic of Cancer, because solar radiation spreads out over a wider area at this latitude.

B The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation.

Which of the following factors is fundamentally responsible for seasons on Earth? A The varying distance of Earth from the Sun B The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation C The latitudinal variation in temperature and precipitation D The tidal pull of the Sun and Moon E The anthropogenic greenhouse effect

B The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation

Which soil horizon has very little organic matter and accumulates soluble metals and nutrients that are transported from other soil layers? A (O-Horizon) B (A-Horizon) C (B-Horizon) D (C-Horizon)

B (A-Horizon)

At which of the following sites is an earthquake most likely to occur as two plates slide sideways past each other? A A B B C C D D

C

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the locations marked by letters on the world map below. Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered questions or statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best answers each question or best fits each statement and then fill in the corresponding oval on the answer sheet. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set. The location where new crust is being created at a divergent plate boundary A A B B C C D D E E

C

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following would be the best control sample for the study? A A sample of water collected just downstream of the southern forest B A sample of water collected just downstream of the housing development C A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest D A sample of distilled water

C A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest

A farm is experiencing extensive crop loss due to high rains causing overly saturated soils. Which of the following approaches would best help the farmer alleviate the problem? A Fertilizing the area with manure to eliminate the need for inorganic chemical fertilizers B Amending the soil with clay to increase the water-holding capacity of the soil C Amending the soil with sand to increase the permeability of the soil D Using contour plowing to decrease soil erosion

C Amending the soil with sand to increase the permeability of the soil

El Niño and La Niña are natural phenomena associated with changing water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The occurrence of these events can result in changes in global weather and ocean circulation patterns. Which of the following changes in eastern Pacific Ocean food webs is typically associated with La Niña events? A Decreased populations of squid B Decreased populations of anchovies C Increased phytoplankton concentrations D Increased famine among sea lions and seals

C Increased phytoplankton concentrations

Which of the following best explains why the shaded area receives more snowfall than the other parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio? A Moisture-laden storms from the Gulf of Mexico release precipitation here because of the cool temperatures in the region. B Air pollutants from power plants and industrial emissions in the Midwest increase snowfall rates. C Moisture picked up from the warmer water in the Great Lakes is deposited as snow downwind. D Sea spray from the Atlantic Ocean is carried westward by prevailing winds.

C Moisture picked up from the warmer water in the Great Lakes is deposited as snow downwind.

Directions: The following question(s) refer to the diagram below, which shows 100 ml of water being poured through a soil sample. After the water has passed through the soil, 98 ml of water is measured in the collection tray below the sample. Which of the following properties of the soil sample most influences the flow of water through the sample? A Color B Fertility C Permeability D pH E Salinity

C Permeability

Of the following, which has the greatest permeability? A Clay B Loam C Sand D Silt E Humus

C Sand

Corn is a crop that grows best in soil that drains well. Which of the following soils is best suited to grow corn? A Clay because it has at least 45% clay so it absorbs water very well. B Silt loam because it is about 80% silt and has low amounts of sand. C Sandy loam because it has large amounts of sand and less than 20% clay. D Silty clay loam because it has all three soil components.

C Sandy loam because it has large amounts of sand and less than 20% clay.

Which of the following best describes why the engineer chose to calculate the permeability of the soil sample in the experimental design in order to evaluate a natural containment system to protect groundwater? A Soils that have high permeability would best help protect groundwater because they would allow for faster recharge of the aquifer. B Soils that have high permeability would best help protect groundwater because they have higher rates of nutrient and pesticide leaching. C Soils that have low permeability would best help protect groundwater because the soil traps pollutants so that chemical and biological breakdown can occur. D Soils that have low permeability would best help protect groundwater because the large pore spaces would provide space for pollutants to attach and would have rapid percolation of water.

C Soils that have low permeability would best help protect groundwater because the soil traps pollutants so that chemical and biological breakdown can occur.

Based on the diagram, which of the following statements best explains why the climate of the West Coast of Africa is drier than that of the East Coast of the United States, even though they are located at similar northern latitudes? A The warm ocean currents off the United States flow east, making the atmospheric temperatures warmer in Africa. B Africa is closer to the equator, which makes the temperatures warmer than those of the United States. C The cold ocean currents off Africa absorb heat from land and therefore cool the atmosphere. D The cold ocean currents evaporate more easily, releasing latent heat into the atmosphere.

C The cold ocean currents off Africa absorb heat from land and therefore cool the atmosphere.

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following is the dependent variable in the study? A The tract of land that was clear-cut for the housing development B A tract of land in a heavily forested area outside of town C The density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of the river D The flow rate of the river from north to south

C The density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of the river

Which of the following should be included in a watershed map to best determine the non-point source of a pollutant, such as fertilizer, found in a river? A The total volume of groundwater in the aquifer B The total area and the average yearly precipitation of the watershed C The land use upstream of the river and water quality indicators in streams that run downstream into the river D The total volume of surface water of the river and the land use downstream of the river

C The land use upstream of the river and water quality indicators in streams that run downstream into the river

The graph below shows the altitude and temperature for different layers of Earth's atmosphere. Based on the diagram, which of the following identifies a characteristic of the atmosphere between the stratopause and the tropopause? A Cloud formation occurs in the stratosphere. B The warmest air is found in the mesosphere. C The ozone layer is in the stratosphere. D The troposphere is the closest layer to the sun.

C The ozone layer is in the stratosphere.

Which of the following is a primary cause of El Niño climate variations? A Reversals of Hadley cell circulation in the Atlantic Ocean B Increased dust blowing into the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara desert C Warmer surface waters in the Pacific Ocean D Reduced deep-water upwelling in the Pacific Ocean

C Warmer surface waters in the Pacific Ocean

Most of the Earth's deserts are at approximately 30° latitude, north and south, because these latitudes are characterized by A generally warm ocean currents B predominantly low atmospheric pressure C descending dry air currents D slow-moving jet streams E enhanced solar radiation

C descending dry air currents

Most deserts on Earth are located near the 30° north and 30° south latitudes because humidity is lower at 30°. The best explanation for the lower humidity is that A warm air rises at 90° latitude, cools, and sinks at 30° B cool air rises at 30° latitude, warms, and sinks at the equator C warm air rises at the equator, cools, and sinks at 30° latitude D trade winds transfer moisture away from 30° latitude E rain-shadow effects are most pronounced at 30° latitude

C warm air rises at the equator, cools, and sinks at 30° latitude

At this site a 9.09.0 magnitude earthquake, which occurred at a nearby subduction zone, triggered one of the largest nuclear reactor disasters in history. A A B B C C D D

D

What are the proportions of sand, silt, and clay for the soil at point T? A B C D E

D

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following processes. (A) Photosynthesis (B) Eutrophication (C) Denitrification (D) Decomposition (E) Transpiration The rapid rate of this process in tropical forests results in low-nutrient soils A Photosynthesis B Eutrophication C Denitrification D Decomposition E Transpiration

D Decomposition

Which of the following is a biome found at 30° N and 30° S as seen in the diagram? A Rain forests B Tundras C Coniferous forests D Deserts

D Deserts

Which of the following correctly characterizes one of Earth's atmospheric layers? A Layer A is the stratosphere, where meteors are found. B Layer B is the troposphere, where weather occurs. C Layer C is the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is found. D Layer D is the thermosphere, where auroras are found.

D Layer D is the thermosphere, where auroras are found.

The water-holding capacity of soil is LEAST likely to be affected by the addition of which of the following? A Clay B Humus C Manure D Pesticide E Sand

D Pesticide

Which soil composition would be the best choice for lining a landfill? A Point T B Point U C Point V D Point W E Point X

D Point W

Students sampled several different gardens near their school and measured the percentages of silt, sand, clay, and humus content present in each sample. Their results are shown in the table below. Based on the data in the table above, which of the following samples would be the most prone to becoming waterlogged? A Sample A B Sample B C Sample C D Sample D

D Sample D

Based on the soil texture triangle, which of the following would describe soil that was 25%25% clay, 25%25% silt, and 50%50% sand? A Loam B Clay loam C Sandy loam D Sandy clay loam

D Sandy clay loam

Which of the following best describes why understanding a watershed and its boundaries is important in designing housing developments along a river? A The water contained in a watershed is more likely to become polluted if the soil has high permeability, so it is important to locate all point sources to reduce contamination. B Watersheds provide habitats for hundreds of marine species, so it is important to protect their feeding and nesting sites when designing housing for humans. C Watersheds provide space for cultivating land to produce food and other products, so it is important to avoid locating a housing development on the most fertile land. D Surface water and stormwater runoff will drain downstream within the watershed boundaries, so it is important to understand the flow of water through the watershed.

D Surface water and stormwater runoff will drain downstream within the watershed boundaries, so it is important to understand the flow of water through the watershed.

Which of the following is the best method for preventing soil erosion in an agricultural area? A Slash-and-burn agriculture B Integrated pest management C Monocrop farming D Terrace farming

D Terrace farming

The axis of Earth in relation to the Sun is tilted at a 23.5 degree slant, as illustrated in the diagram below. Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions. If the diagram illustrates Earth's relative position on December 21 of a given year, which of the following statements would be correct? A The Tropic of Cancer has a shorter day and higher solar radiation intensity because there is an inverse relationship between length of day and radiation intensity. B The Tropic of Capricorn has a shorter day and higher solar radiation intensity because there is a direct relationship between length of day and radiation intensity. C The equator has twelve hours of daylight and the greatest solar radiation intensity because there is no direct relationship between day length and radiation intensity. D The Tropic of Cancer has a shorter day and lower solar radiation intensity because there is a direct relationship between day length and radiation intensity.

D The Tropic of Cancer has a shorter day and lower solar radiation intensity because there is a direct relationship between day length and radiation intensity.

Which of the following best explains why City B regularly receives less precipitation than City A? A As air rises up the side of the mountain near City B, the temperature and the relative humidity increase, causing increased precipitation on the other side of the mountain over City A. B Air that is forced upward on the side of the mountain near City B leads to the formation of stratospheric clouds. C The urban heat island from City B causes a warmer climate that leads to reduced cloud formation. D The rain shadow effect causes City B to be drier because the mountain blocks precipitation from reaching the city.

D The rain shadow effect causes City B to be drier because the mountain blocks precipitation from reaching the city.

This layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the fewest molecules of the layers shown, and the low density of gas leads to very few molecules transferring heat to an object. In this layer, ultraviolet radiation causes photodissociation of molecules, creating ions. A Troposphere B Stratosphere C Mesosphere D Thermosphere

D Thermosphere

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following explains the variable that would be the best for students to measure to determine the direct impact of soil erosion caused by the construction project on the river? A Water temperature, because a decrease in shading in the area would indicate an increase in soil erosion. B Nutrient levels, because a decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus would indicate an increase in soil erosion. C The pH level, because an increase in pH would indicate an increase in soil erosion. D Turbidity, because a decrease in water clarity would indicate an increase in soil erosion.

D Turbidity, because a decrease in water clarity would indicate an increase in soil erosion.

The Sun's radiation provides the energy for all of the following EXCEPT A plant growth B ocean currents C hurricanes D plate tectonics E cloud formation

D plate tectonics

Which soil horizon is the least weathered horizon and contains rock that is starting to break down into soil? A (O-Horizon) B (A-Horizon) C (B-Horizon) D (C-Horizon)

D (C-Horizon)

Directions: The following questions(s) refer to the lettered areas of the map below. Area that exhibits island arcs A A B B C C D D E E

E

Which of the following shows the approximate concentration of CO2 , N2 , and O2 in dry air? A B C D E

E

Which of the following does NOT exert a major influence on Earth's overall climate? A The annual amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth's surface B The concentrations of the specific gases in Earth's atmosphere C The distribution of land masses and oceans, in combination with Earth's topography D The daily rotation of Earth on its axis, and its annual revolution around the Sun E The seasonal development of temperature inversions in geographical basins

E The seasonal development of temperature inversions in geographical basins