Environmental Science Test 2
Which greenhouse gas leaks out of old refrigerators and air conditioners? a) methane b) nitrous oxide c) tropospheric ozone d) CFCs
CFCs
Where was the most serious global nuclear power plant accident in 1986? a) San Onofre, CA b) Love Canal, NY c) Al-Jahra, Kuwait d) Chernobyl, Ukraine e) Three Mile Island, PA
Chernobyl, Ukraine
Use the diagram below to answer the following question. The Himalayas are continuing to increase in height because these two plates are being rammed together. a) African and Eurasian b) Eurasian and Indian- Australian c) Eurasian and Pacific d) North American and Eurasian
Eurasian and Indian- Australian
What conclusion can be drawn from analysis of the data shown below? a) If the current trend continues, the world wind energy-generating capacity in 2020 will doubled. b) The growth of global wind energy consumption is linked to global economy. c) Global wind energy-generating capacity has consistently increased in the last 10 years. d) Global wind energy-generating capacity has consistently decreased in the last 10 years. e) Global wind energy-generating capacity has fluctuated considerably in the last 10 years.
Global wind energy-generating capacity has consistently increased in the last 10 years.
Even if all burning of fossil fuels was stopped today, why will temperatures continue to increase? a) Fossil fuel emissions are not responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect. b) Greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for many years. c) Deforestation must also be stopped in order for temperatures to decline. d) Increased methane emissions will more than make up for the difference.
Greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for many years.
What subatomic particles are located in the area indicated by the arrow in the diagram below? I. Electrons II. Protons III. Neutrons a) I only b) II only c) I and III only d) I and II only e) II and III only
II and III only
Why is the layer of stratospheric ozone so important? a) Ozone breaks down greenhouse gases. b) Ozone shields the earth from infrared radiation. c) It shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation. d) Ozone contributes to albedo, which cools the earth.
It shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation.
According to the U.S. map below of average daily total of annual solar energy, which state is least suited for producing electricity from solar energy? a) Nebraska b) Michigan c) New Mexico d) North Carolina e) North Dakota
Michigan
What is the fate of solar radiation that reaches the Earth? a) Most solar radiation is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere. b) Most solar radiation is reflected by snow, ice, and light colored land. c) Most solar radiation is absorbed by the land and ocean. d) An equal amount of soar radiation is absorbed by land, air, and water as is reflected back into space.
Most solar radiation is absorbed by the land and ocean.
What type of solar system, illustrated below, is supplying 10% of Georgetown University's electricity? a) Photovoltaic cell system b) Passive solar heating system c) Forced air re-circulating system d) Nonrenewable radiant energy system e) Biomass conversion solar system
Photovoltaic cell system
The graph below shows atmospheric concentration of CO2 as recorded at the Mauna Loa Observatory. From the graph we can see that there are seasonal fluctuations in CO2 concentrations that correspond with: a) Plants taking up more carbon dioxide in the growing season. b) Temperatures fluctuating between day and night. c) Plants releasing more carbon dioxide in the growing season. d) Cattle producing more methane in the summer when they are grazing.
Plants taking up more carbon dioxide in the growing season.
The scale typically used by seismologists to measure the magnitude of an earthquake is the: a) Richter scale. b) subduction scale. c) earthquake scale. d) moment e) seismologist's earth movement indicator scale.
Richter scale.
All of the following statements are true about surface mining except a) Strip mining is an example of surface mining. b) It accounts for 60% of the coal mined in the U.S. c) Surface mining is the most hazardous type of mining for workers. d) Surface mining is a less expensive mining process than subsurface mining. e) Mountaintop removal is an example of surface mining.
Surface mining is the most hazardous type of mining for workers.
Which of the following statements is false? a) The burning of both oil and coal produce nitrogen oxides. b) The burning of both oil and coal leads to acid deposition. c) The burning of both oil and coal produce almost no sulfur oxides. d) The burning of both oil and coal provide sources of energy. e) The burning of both oil and coal produce CO2.
The burning of both oil and coal produce almost no sulfur oxides.
Which of the following statements about sea level rise is false? a) As the Antarctic ice cap melts the amount of water in the oceans increases. b) As ocean water heats up, it expands causing sea levels to rise. c) The melting of continental glaciers does not contribute to changes in sea levels as this melt water is contained in river systems. d) Sea levels have already risen 10-20 cms putting island nations like the Maldives at risk.
The melting of continental glaciers does not contribute to changes in sea levels as this melt water is contained in river systems.
Which of the following best describes the change occurring to the Uranium-235 nucleus at #2 in the nuclear fission process? a) U-235 nucleus rearranges the configuration of its electrons, releasing energy b) the enrichment of U-235 into U-255 c) the combustion of U-235 into U-238 d) positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons are attracting each other e) U-235 nucleus splits into two smaller radioactive fragments and several free neutrons
U-235 nucleus splits into two smaller radioactive fragments and several free neutrons
Which of the following statements about nuclear energy is false? a) One advantage of nuclear energy is lack of air pollution. b) The coolant used in a nuclear reactor is water. c) Uranium is a renewable resource. d) Radioisotopes in spent fuel remain radioactive for thousands of years. e) The long-term, safe storage of radioactive waste must be overcome to realize the potential of nuclear energy.
Uranium is a renewable resource.
__ refers to conditions in the atmosphere at a given place and time. a) Climate b) Weather c) Precipitation d) Wind speed
Weather
The 2009 Obama administration has withdrawn support for the _______site that the 1987 Nuclear Waste Policy Act identified as a permanent underground storage location for high-level radioactive wastes. a) Arctic National Wildlife Refuge b) Murmansk, Russia c) Yucca Mountain, NV d) Gulf coast offshore platforms e) Commercial nuclear reactor facilities
Yucca Mountain, NV
Tidal energy cannot become a significant resource worldwide because a) the accompanying tidal waves cause too much environmental destruction. b) the equipment required to harness this energy is not yet c) few areas have large enough differences in water level between high and low tides to make power generation feasible. d) sand damages the equipment e) tidal energy can become a significant resource worldwide.
few areas have large enough differences in water level between high and low tides to make power generation feasible.
The greatest hurdle that must be overcome to fully embrace nuclear power to generate electricity is a) safe storage of radioactive waste. b) monitoring low-level radiation continuously being released into the surrounding region. c) filtering the release of CO2 contributing to greenhouse gasses. d) deactivating radioactive water flushed from cooling towers. e) increased safety measures to decrease the potential for nuclear explosion releasing radiation into the atmosphere.
filtering the release of CO2 contributing to greenhouse gasses.
Aquaculture is: a) fish farming. b) growing plants without soil. c) using desalinated water for irrigation. d) a type of germplasm storage. e) fishing without hooks.
fish farming.
The major advantage of a fuel cell over a standard battery is that a) fuel cells are less expensive to produce and operate than standard batteries. b) a fuel cell generates electricity without the need for positive or negative electrodes but batteries have these electrodes. c) fuel cells produce power as long as they are supplied with fuel whereas batteries store a fixed amount of energy. d) fuel cells generate small amounts of CO2 and sulfur oxide emissions compared to the large amounts emitted by standard batteries. e) fuel cells do not have any advantages over standard batteries
fuel cells produce power as long as they are supplied with fuel whereas batteries store a fixed amount of energy.
Which of the following is not an effect of acid deposition? a) mutations and skin cancer b) decreased hatching success in some birds c) forest decline d) destruction of monuments and buildings
mutations and skin cancer
According to the data below, which of these technologies has the highest cost per kilowatt-hour? a) hydropower b) solar thermal c) nuclear power d) photovoltaics e) coal
nuclear power
A device that initiates and maintains a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction to produce energy for electricity is a a) geothermal nuclear apparatus. b) nuclear combustion chamber. c) nuclear reactor. d) nuclear electric engine. e) electrical fusion device.
nuclear reactor.
Although widespread thermometer records have only been kept since the mid-19th century, scientists can reconstruct historical temperature data in the following ways except: a) tree ring analysis b) air bubbles in ancient ice c) ocean sediment d) fossilized dinosaur bones
ocean sediment
According to the data below, a) people in developing countries consume more commercial energy per person than people in developed countries. b) Egypt's population has the lowest per person commercial energy consumption. c) people in the United States use 25% less commercial energy than in Canada. d) people in Mexico use 50% less commercial energy than the United States. e) people in Nigeria and Mexico have the same levels of commercial energy consumption.
people in the United States use 25% less commercial energy than in Canada.
An example of a building design taking advantage of passive solar potential is a) installing energy efficient central cooling and heating systems. b) positioning window overhangs to shade in summer while allowing winter sun to penetrate the building. c) removing insulation from walls and attic. d) replacing decorative lawns with drought tolerant landscaping. e) painting the building a light color in the summer and a dark color in the winter.
positioning window overhangs to shade in summer while allowing winter sun to penetrate the building.
Which of the following is not important in determining the distribution of organisms in aquatic biomes? a) light penetration b) mineral nutrient concentrations c) precipitation d) salinity e) waves and currents
precipitation
Which of the following is a nonmetallic mineral? a) ore b) chromium c) salt d) nickel e) silicon
silicon
What is the fossil fuel cost of powering a wind turbine? a) 75% b) 50% c) 25% d) 10% e) 0%
0%
What can be interpreted from the following graph? 1. The graph shows that the Earth's surface temperatures do naturally fluctuate. 2. The graph shows that there has been a warming trend in the last several decades. a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1&2only d) None of these choices
1&2only
How much does the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict global temperature might increase by the year 2100? a) 0º to 1.4ºC. b) 1.8º to 4.0ºC. c) 3º to 5.7ºC. d) 3.5º to 10.4ºC. e) none, they didn't actually make such a prediction.
1.8º to 4.0ºC.
Fuel cells produce electricity 1. that cannot be stored and must be used immediately. 2. indefinitely, as long as they are supplied with fuel (hydrogen). 3. from fossil fuel added to the chemical reaction. 4. from solar energy that has been stored as chemical energy. a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 3 only d) 4 only e) 2 and 4
2 only
According to the global data below, oil and natural gas provided _______ of the world's energy. a) 8.5% b) 23.5% c) 37.1% d) 45.1% e) 60.6 %
60.6 %
The computer-generated image below depicts a part of the southern hemisphere in December 2007. What is the source of the purple-colored region on the image represent? a) A zone with high concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide b) A zone with high concentration of tropospheric ozone. c) A zone with low concentration of stratospheric ozone. d) A zone with high CFC concentrations.
A zone with low concentration of stratospheric ozone.
Soil is composed of: a) mineral particles. b) organic materials. c) air. d) water. e) All of the above
All of the above
What is the relationship between locations of earthquakes and plate tectonics? a) Earthquakes frequently happen where landmasses are on the boundary between two plates. b) Earthquakes release energy as seismic waves. Energy accumulates from the push and stretch of rocks as plates move horizontally across Earth's surface. c) Earthquakes occur along faults. Fault zones are often found at plate boundaries. d) Earthquakes are common in volcanic regions. Volcanoes are common where two plates meet. e) All of the above constitute a relationship between earthquakes and plate tectonics.
All of the above constitute a relationship between earthquakes and plate tectonics.
The figure below is of a new innovation in electricity generation from coal. If this technology works as indicated in the figure, we could accomplish the following: a) Acid rain would be reduced as sulfur from coal is removed prior to combustion. b) Carbon management would be accomplished as carbon dioxide would be separated and sequestered. c) The main waste products released from coal combustion would be water vapor. d) All of these choices would be accomplished.
All of these choices would be accomplished.
What causes ozone depletion? a) Flying airplanes especially at high altitudes. b) Combustion of a sulfur containing fuel like coal. c) CFCs leaking from old refrigerators and air conditioners. d) Deforestation especially in mountainous regions.
CFCs leaking from old refrigerators and air conditioners.
What did/will the Montreal Protocol achieve? a) It banned all use of CFCs by 1998 in highly developed countries, with indefinite use allowed in developing countries. b) It achieved very little, because it was signed by only 50 countries. c) It has not resulted in any measurable change in the amount of ozone-depleting chemicals in the atmosphere. d) It is expected that ozone-thinning will gradually decline over time with recovery occurring after 2050.
It is expected that ozone-thinning will gradually decline over time with recovery occurring after 2050.
Which of the following best describes how this geothermal heat pump works? a) the pressure of hot water from a deep well turns a turbine and generates electricity. b) Steam separated from hot water pumped from underground turns a turbine and generates electricity. c) water is transferred from a deep well to a coil exposed to solar radiation to heat the water sufficiently to generate steam, which turns a turbine and generates electricity d) a pipe with heated oil is sent deep into Earth to initiate a volcanic eruption then is tapped so that the energy can be used to generate electricity. e) water is transferred from a deep well into a hot water tank, which is kept at a constant temperature by combustion of natural gas.
Steam separated from hot water pumped from underground turns a turbine and generates electricity.
What is a major issue with the type of mining illustrated below? a) fluidized-bed combustion b) acid precipitation c) risk of earthquakes d) safety risk to mine employees e) land degradation
land degradation
What does the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 legislate for environmental disasters such as the one pictured below? a) hazardous pay for clean-up workers b) tidal barriers to help prevent the spread of oil slicks c) a remediation protocol for impacted wildlife populations d) requires that, by 2015, oil be transported by land and not sea e) a trust fund that pays to clean up oil spills when the responsible party cannot
a trust fund that pays to clean up oil spills when the responsible party cannot
All of the following are health issues resulting from exposure to the Chernobyl fallout except a) abnormally large birth weights of newborns. b) increased incidences of leukemia. c) increased incidences of thyroid cancer. d) abnormalities of the immune system. e) greater frequency of birth defects.
abnormally large birth weights of newborns.
Acids and other toxic substances that cause problems when they enter streams and the groundwater system are called: a) tailings. b) slag. c) spoil banks. d) acid mine drainage. e) overburden.
acid mine drainage.
El Niño and La Niña are similar in that both events a) originate in the Atlantic Ocean b) affect weather patterns c) are predictable every year d) cause global cooling e) are associated with Christmas
affect weather patterns
Problems associated with large hydropower dams and reservoirs include all of the following except a) relocation of peoples' homes b) ecosystem destruction c) loss of biodiversity d) air pollution e) disruption of fish migration
air pollution
Besides temperature records, evidence that points to an increase in global temperatures includes: a) rise in sea levels b) retreating of the worlds glaciers c) in the northern hemisphere, spring now arrives a little early and autumn now starts a little late d) all of these choices
all of these choices
Why is biomass an attractive source of energy? a) a shift to biofuels from petroleum-based fuels would be seamless b) it makes use of waste products, reducing waste disposal problems c) it reduces our dependence on fossil fuels d) it produces lower levels of sulfur and ash than coal combustion e) all of these choices
all of these choices
Compared to burning coal and oil, the combustion of natural gas releases a) almost no sulfur. b) far less CO2. c) fewer hydrocarbons. d) almost no particulate matter. e) all of these choices.
all of these choices.
El Niño—Southern Oscillation events: a) are responsible for dramatic increases in the productivity of fisheries off South America. b) reach coastal areas of Peru around mid-summer. c) occur once or twice every century. d) alter both ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns. e) have little impact on marine organisms, but devastating effects on terrestrial weather patterns.
alter both ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns.
Which of the following is not an important mineral? a) sulfur b) nitrogen c) iron d) aluminum e) mercury
aluminum
Adaptations found in inhabitants of the rocky intertidal zone include: a) soft bodies. b) an anchor or some other means of attachment. c) streamlining. d) warning coloration. e) delicate outer coverings or bodies.
an anchor or some other means of attachment.
What type of renewable energy source is being gathered by the women pictured below? a) geothermal b) active solar c) herbivory d) biomass e) biogas
biomass
At oil refineries, heated crude oil is separated into different products based on ______. a) water solubility b) density c) boiling points d) sulfur content e) energy potential
boiling points
To optimize the quality and productivity of their "crops," aquaculture farmers rely on: a) predation. b) breeding cycles. c) market prices. d) diets. e) abundant cheap labor.
breeding cycles.
Nuclear energy is released a) by splitting two electrons. b) by joining a proton with a neutron. c) by breaking a chemical bond between two atoms. d) by splitting an atomic nucleus into two smaller fragments. e) by combustion of uranium ore.
by splitting an atomic nucleus into two smaller fragments.
Where is the rain shadow located in this picture? a) X b) Y c) Z d) There is no rain shadow illustrated here.
c) Z
The ocean currents illustrated here are a) called gyres. b) called trade winds c) caused by the movement of water from the poles to the equator. d) part of the ocean conveyor belt.
called gyres.
Geothermal energy a) is derived from solar energy. b) is rises is sea surface temperature. c) is a byproduct of subsurface mining operations. d) capitalizes on Earth's internal temperature. e) is generated through earthquakes
capitalizes on Earth's internal temperature.
Which of the following transportation alternatives would achieve the greatest energy conservation at the end of one week? a) carpooling to work with 3 other people b) driving by yourself, but at lower than posted speeds c) driving by yourself in a smaller, more fuel-efficient car d) driving yourself using a low octane gas in the car e) driving yourself in a new hybrid car
carpooling to work with 3 other people
Which of the following greenhouse gases has no natural source? a) carbon dioxide b) chlorofluorocarbons c) nitrous oxide d) methane
chlorofluorocarbons
Gyres are: a) prevailing winds. b) circular ocean currents. c) an effect of El Niño. d) an upwelling of deeper waters. e) major climate zones.
circular ocean currents.
Burning coal causes a more severe CO2 problem than burning other fossil fuels because a) coal is composed of C, H and O and other fossil fuels do not contain C, H, or O. b) coal is burned in a mass burn incinerator, which is open air, whereas other fossil fuels are burned in closed systems. c) the technology does not exists that would filter CO2 from the emissions, but it has been developed for other fossil fuels. d) it takes a greater volume of coal to produce one unit of heat energy than other fossil fuels. e) coal releases more CO2 per unit of heat energy produced than other fossil fuels
coal releases more CO2 per unit of heat energy produced than other fossil fuels
Assuming the absence of air pollution control devices, which of the following is a major source of sulfur dioxide? a) refrigeration and air conditioning b) coal-burning power plants c) motor vehicles d) fertilizers
coal-burning power plants
Which of the following parts of a typical nuclear power plant is incorrectly matched with its function? a) reactor core : where fission occurs b) steam generator : heats liquid water from energy produced by nuclear fission c) combustion engine : enrichment of uranium ore d) turbine : uses steam to generate electricity e) condenser : cools the steam converting it back to liquid
combustion engine : enrichment of uranium ore
Solar thermal energy systems are inherently more efficient than photovoltaic solar cell systems because solar thermal systems a) diminish reliance on fossil fuel systems. b) reduce the potential of global warming. c) do not have any moving parts. d) concentrate the sun's energy. e) do not produce any air pollution.
concentrate the sun's energy.
Which of the following is the most promising solution to our current and future energy needs? a) tapping into fossil fuel reserves b) revert to using only biomass fuels c) federal economic stimulus money to purchase newer cars d) conservation and increased efficiency e) deciding on one renewable resource for investment and development
conservation and increased efficiency
Increased soil erosion may be caused by all of the following except: a) construction of buildings. b) construction of roads. c) construction of shelterbelts. d) clearcutting large forested areas. e) agriculture.
construction of shelterbelts.
Natural gas is considered a "better" fossil fuel than oil because natural gas a) is easier to transport. b) is a renewable resource. c) contains almost no sulfur and releases less CO2 when burned. d) is less plentiful. e) has no potential to cause explosions.
contains almost no sulfur and releases less CO2 when burned.
At which point in this process is solar radiation absorbed by the land and ocean? a) A b) B c) C d) D
d) D
Which position in the Earth's orbit around the sun represents summer in the southern hemisphere? a) P b) Q c) R d) S
d) S
Humus is composed of: a) weathered rocks. b) glacial debris. c) iron and aluminum compounds. d) decaying organic matter. e) various inorganic minerals.
decaying organic matter.
What is a clean coal technology designed to do? a) reduce acid mine drainage b) decrease the cost of electricity c) decrease air pollution d) protect the health of coal miners e) restore the environment after coal has been mined
decrease air pollution
Per person energy consumption in highly developed nations is a) increasing as oil prices continue to climb. b) increasing as alternative energies are introduced into the mainstream. c) decreasing as technological advances increase the energy efficiency. d) decreasing as population levels rise. e) remaining steady over time, because of immigration
decreasing as technological advances increase the energy efficiency.
The major reason that global energy consumption is increasing is that a) the world's population growth is slowing. b) global energy reserves are increasing. c) highly developed countries are using more energy as products are electronic. d) developing countries are using more energy as standards of living improve. e) decreases in energy efficiency of products result in greater energy consumption.
developing countries are using more energy as standards of living improve.
In the year 2030, it is projected that a) developing countries will consume twice as much energy as highly developed countries. b) developing countries will consume half of the energy as highly developed countries. c) developing countries' energy consumption will decrease slightly. d) highly developed countries' energy consumption will increase slightly. e) developing countries will consume the same amount of energy as highly developed countries.
developing countries will consume twice as much energy as highly developed countries.
Which of the following is a form of climate change adaptation? a) planting and maintaining forests b) developing varieties of drought resistant trees c) increase fuel efficiency of vehicles d) replacing coal burning power plants with natural gas
developing varieties of drought resistant trees
All of the following are options to conserve energy at home except a) improve insulation. b) install double paned windows. c) keep a beverage refrigerator in the garage. d) use thermal lined curtains. e) caulk cracks on exterior of home.
keep a beverage refrigerator in the garage.
Which of the following activities will not mitigate global climate: a) developing energy alternatives like wind and solar b) switching to hybrid cars c) planting and maintaining forests d) eating more beef
eating more beef
Which of the following is not an environmental impact of mining? a) enrichment of waterways b) groundwater depletion c) erosion d) acid mine drainage e) air pollution
enrichment of waterways
All of the following are products of petroleum refining except _______. a) ethanol b) jet fuel c) heating oil d) asphalt e) lead free gasoline
ethanol
Offshore drilling to tap the large oil deposits that exist under the continental shelves has the potential a) to provide habitat for wildlife. b) to break the U.S. dependence on imported oil. c) to be exploited by foreign commercial oil companies. d) to be a renewable energy resource. e) for catastrophic oil spills.
for catastrophic oil spills.
The disadvantages of using wind energy to generate electricity include all of the following except a) windmills kill birds. b) generation of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. c) degradation of an area's scenic beauty. d) tying up large parcels of land. e) distance to urban centers where electricity is most needed.
generation of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
Comparatively, which of the following energy resources has the overall lowest operating costs, lowest environmental impact, and highest efficiency? a) tidal energy b) geothermal energy c) photovoltaics d) nuclear power e) fossil fuels
geothermal energy
Based on the information in the table below, processing of which mineral generates the greatest total waste in million tons? a) iron b) copper c) gold d) lead e) aluminum
gold
In rural areas of developing countries, photovoltaic cells are used for all of the following purposes except a) charging batteries. b) heating hot water heaters. c) providing refrigeration for vaccines. d) grinding grain. e) pumping water.
heating hot water heaters.
Electric meters can run backward for homeowners participating in net metering. What does this mean? a) homeowners receive meter credit for excess energy they generate and supply to the utility's power grid b) the up front costs for installing renewable energy is recovered by rewinding the home's electric meter c) if a homeowner uses less energy in one month than the previous month, then the difference is subtracted from the electric meter d) homeowners who voluntarily cut back on air conditioning use are granted a electric credit e) a radio controlled electric meter for remote monitoring allows the utility company to stop the meter during peak demand periods
homeowners receive meter credit for excess energy they generate and supply to the utility's power grid
In the United States, what sector consumes the greatest portion of the nation's total energy? a) transportation b) homes and offices c) industry d) mining e) solid waste management
homes and offices
According to the definition of biomass, which of the following cannot be considered a biomass fuel? a) charcoal b) hydrogen c) wood d) animal dung e) peat
hydrogen
Which of the following is more efficient (90%) than any other energy source for producing electricity? a) hydropower b) wind energy c) photovoltaic d) passive solar e) geothermal
hydropower
What is the best long-term option for the storage of high-level radioactive waste in the U.S.? a) in compartments at the bottom of cooling towers at nuclear power plants. b) deep burial in steel waste canisters at distant sites from population centers c) injection underground between layers of clay in remote areas d) storage in concrete casks at the bottom of the ocean e) export it to foreign locations
in compartments at the bottom of cooling towers at nuclear power plants.
Which of the following is not a source of human impact on the marine environment? a) coastal development, both residential and industrial b) global warming c) trash d) increased levels of O2 e) chemical pollution from pesticides, heavy metals, and synthetic chemicals
increased levels of O2
Planting the same crop year after year: a) increases damage by insects and disease. b) decreases soil erosion. c) does not deplete essential nutrients from the soil. d) will slowly increase crop yields. e) is a new and innovative agricultural practice.
increases damage by insects and disease.
The area shown below that is occupied by acorn barnacles, etc is part of the a) benthic zone b) intertidal zone c) neritic zone d) supratidal zone
intertidal zone
A major problem with conservation tillage is: a) the soil becomes compact. b) soil erosion increases. c) it increases insect populations. d) it requires greater use of herbicides to control weeds. e) the soil contains less organic matter.
it requires greater use of herbicides to control weeds.
How is the home illustrated below an example of energy efficiency? a) several small furnaces rather than one large one will be used to heat the home. b) less energy is need to heat the home because of the superinsulation. c) the thermostat of the home will be set lower to save energy. d) fossil fuels will be used to provide central heating to the home. e) the roof will not allow any solar energy to enter the home.
less energy is need to heat the home because of the superinsulation.
Even though the data linking climate change to disease outbreak is still circumstantial, diseases such as are predicted to increase due to changes associated with global warming. a) malaria b) cancer c) polio d) AIDS
malaria
Which of the following does not affect ocean currents? a) position of the continents b) marine organisms c) atmospheric temperatures d) prevailing winds e) varying density of seawater
marine organisms
Which of the following greenhouse gases is released from the intestinal tracts of cattle? a) methane b) nitrous oxide c) tropospheric ozone d) CFCs
methane
Photovoltaic systems are characterized by all of the following except a) directly converting sunlight into electricity. b) minimal maintenance. c) producing no pollution. d) functioning on cloudy or rainy days. e) minimal space requirement for large-scale use.
minimal space requirement for large-scale use.
Moderation or postponement of global climate change through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions is called: a) mitigation b) sequesteration c) adaptation d) insulation
mitigation
A rock that contains a large enough concentration of a particular mineral to profitably mine and extract it is called a/an: a) atom. b) slag. c) metal. d) ore. e) compound.
ore.
Biomass is composed of a) nonrenewable materials. b) liquid chemicals. c) greenhouse gases. d) soil and water. e) organic material from plants and animals.
organic material from plants and animals.
The magma that rises to the surface comes from which of the layers of the Earth shown here? a) asthenosphere b) lithosphere c) lower mantle d) outer core
outer core
Aquatic organisms that are small or microscopic and carried by currents and waves are called: a) benthos. b) nekton. c) pelagic inhabitants. d) zooxanthellae. e) plankton.
plankton.
What is acid mine drainage? a) pollution caused when rainwater seeps through iron sulfide minerals exposed in mine wastes b) photochemical reactions between particulates and water vapor c) residue from sulfur and nitrogen compounds found in coal dust d) acid precipitation caused by emissions from burning coal e) a low pH fuel that is synthesized from natural gas
pollution caused when rainwater seeps through iron sulfide minerals exposed in mine wastes
Topsoil is lost annually (soil erosion), primarily due to: a) poor agricultural practices. b) global warming. c) ozone depletion. d) the soil rustler's black market. e) conservation tillage.
poor agricultural practices.
Of the various factors that determine an area's overall climate, the two most important are: a) precipitation and temperature b) distance from the sea and types of vegetation c) latitude and altitude d) wind speed and cloud cover
precipitation and temperature
As illustrated below, the electrodes in a fuel cell system a) provide oxygen for energy-releasing chemical reactions. b) provide a flow of negatively charged electrons to generate electricity. c) extract hydrogen atoms from a variety of chemical substrates. d) convert diatomic hydrogen into water. e) convert diatomic oxygen into water.
provide a flow of negatively charged electrons to generate electricity.
Which of the following is a good energy efficiency practice for those with existing homes? a) replace the existing insulation with a higher quality product. b) board up windows on the north, east and west sides of the house. c) install a gas-burning fireplace in the family room. d) pour a concrete foundation between the ground and subfloor of the home e) dial down the water heater's thermostat to knock 3-5 percent off your energy bill
replace the existing insulation with a higher quality product.
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act a) sets national energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and other appliances. b) mandates the recycling of "waste" heat in all domestic devices such as refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves. c) offers rebates to homeowners who install renewable energy sources such as solar panels in their homes. d) changes the regulations that govern electric utilities allowing these companies to make more money by generating less electricity. e) provides for infrastructure improvement of electric grids to recover 10 percent of electricity lost during transmission.
sets national energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and other appliances.
What type of cancer is expected to increase due to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere? a) skin b) liver c) brain d) lung
skin
Which of the following identifies a method used to separate impurities from molten metal? a) tailings b) phytoremediation c) mine drainage d) smelting e) recycling
smelting
The picture below shows (tree) a) areas in which soil organisms live. b) how humus is formed c) how leaching occurs d) soil profile
soil profile
What type of solar heating system would be most efficient at producing high-temperature water for industrial applications or steam to run turbines that generate electricity? a) fuel cells that directly convert chemical energy into electricity. b) biomass generators that burn natural materials to generate heat. c) solar thermal electric generation systems using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to heat water. d) passive solar systems that use building design to maximize winter sunlight to heat water. e) convection solar heating systems that circulate warm air throughout the liquid.
solar thermal electric generation systems using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to heat water.
Which of the following activities is mismatched with its environmental consequence? a) surface mining : acid mine drainage polluting rivers b) coal-burning electric plants : acid deposition destroying forests c) mountaintop removal mining : mine tailings and debris filling valleys d) strip mining : oil spills killing wildlife e) burning fossil fuels : release of CO2, a potent greenhouse gas
strip mining : oil spills killing wildlife
There is a coal burning electric power plant in the vicinity of this forest. What is most probably responsible for the dead trees? a) transportation of coal to the electric plant has physically harmed the trees' roots b) the heat from the power plant raises the ambient temperature in the forest, which stresses the trees c) particulate matter emissions associated with the combustion of coal can reduce photosynthesis resulting in forest decline d) sulfur and nitrogen oxides from power plant's emissions react with water vapor resulting in acid deposition which contributes to forest decline e) the dead trees are the natural result of a mature forest
sulfur and nitrogen oxides from power plant's emissions react with water vapor resulting in acid deposition which contributes to forest decline
Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas: a) carbon dioxide b) nitrous oxide c) methane d) sulfur dioxide
sulfur dioxide
What does the reaction of water, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides produce? a) ozone and carbonic acid b) hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid. c) sulfuric acid and nitric acid. d) sulfur nitrate and nitrogen sulfate.
sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
Passive solar heating refers to using a) the sun's energy, collected by solar panels, to generate electricity b) plant and animal material as fuel to generate heat c) sun's energy to heat building without pumps or fans to distribute the heat d) recycled water to cool the nuclear reactor in power plants e) solar-generated hydrogen to produce water and heat
sun's energy to heat building without pumps or fans to distribute the heat
More than half of the world's total estimated oil and natural gas reserves are located in _______. a) the Persian Gulf region b) the Siberia region c) South America d) Central America e) the Gulf of Mexico
the Persian Gulf region
All of the following are disadvantages of photovoltaic solar cell technology except a) the manufacturing process requires toxic industrial chemicals. b) the amount of land needed to hold the number of solar panels required for large-scale use. c) each panel's low efficiency at converting solar energy to electricity. d) the steadily decreasing manufacturing cost per watt over the last 35 years. e) the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to greenhouse gases.
the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to greenhouse gases.
Whereas the energy from some renewable sources come from physical processes (moving wind or water), the energy from biomass ultimately comes from a) the sun's radiant energy driving photosynthesis. b) a nonrenewable energy source. c) fossil fuels. d) man made chemicals. e) nuclear reactions.
the sun's radiant energy driving photosynthesis.
All of the following have potential to produce geothermal energy except a) volcanoes b) geysers c) hot springs d) tides e) deep ocean hydrothermal vents
tides
Energy efficiency is defined as a) energy that escapes in an unusable form. b) energy in bonds broken (minus) energy in bonds formed. c) using fossil fuels instead of renewable alternative energy. d) using less energy to accomplish a given task, by using new technology, for example. e) using less energy by reducing energy use and waste, for example.
using less energy to accomplish a given task, by using new technology, for example.
What technology can make coal a cleaner fuel? a) fluidized-bed combustion b) building smoke stacks taller c) implementing a prewash of coal prior to combustion d) using lower quality, high sulfur coal e) mixing coal with natural gas to create a hybrid fuel
using lower quality, high sulfur coal
Which of these appliances' annual use is the most energy efficient? a) television b) water heater c) refrigerator d) washing machine e) clothes dryer
washing machine
Scientists collect current data about the Earth's surface temperatures in all the following ways except: a) land-based meteorological stations b) air bubbles that form in winter ice c) weather balloons d) sea-surface buoys with temperature sensors
weather balloons
Soil is formed from parent material by biological, chemical, and physical: a) digestion processes. b) weathering processes. c) composting. d) terracing. e) leaching.
weathering processes.
Subduction occurs: a) when ozone is struck by cosmic radiation. b) when one tectonic plate descends below another. c) because of the Coriolis effect. d) on the leeward side of a mountain. e) as the result of volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.
when one tectonic plate descends below another.