Final Exam
The reliable paleoclimate record from the Antarctic and Greenland ice cores provides information back to approximately .... years ago. A.700,000 B.150,000 C.5 million D.65 million
A.700,000
At depths of greater than 60 m, ice moves by plastic deformation. What causes this transition from brittle to ductile behavior? A.An increase in the pressure allows for only minute deformation. B.An increase in temperature causes the glacier to melt and slide. C.An increase in pressure increases friction and melts the ice. D.A decrease in the amount of trapped sediments allows more flow.
A.An increase in the pressure allows for only minute deformation.
How are pollen species used to interpret ancient environments? A.Different plant species live in different climates. B.The ratio of oxygen isotopes can be measured in pollen. C.Each plant species is found in many different climates. D.Specific plant species directly track the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.
A.Different plant species live in different climates.
A runaway greenhouse effect is an example of .... A.a positive feedback mechanism B.a negative feedback mechanism C.the hydrologic cycle D.a steady-state condition
A.a positive feedback mechanism
The greenhouse effect is caused by .... A.atmospheric gases, which trap heat radiated from Earth's surface B.solar energy reflected back into space by clouds C.the oceans, which absorb heat from the sun D.anthropogenic gases, which absorb heat from the sun
A.atmospheric gases, which trap heat radiated from Earth's surface
The form and topography (depth profile) of the ocean floor is termed .... A.bathymetry B.orogeny C.allocthony D.aquitopography
A.bathymetry
Coastal region deserts are most likely near ocean currents that are .... A.cold B.warm C.flowing west D.flowing east
A.cold
In uniform sediments with a relatively constant and gentle slope at the surface, a ... drainage network is expected. A.dendritic B.trellis C.rectangular D.radial
A.dendritic
Conversion of productive land to desert is known as .... A.desertification B.degradation C.deflation D.saltation
A.desertification
An intermediate product in the transformation of snow to glacial ice is .... A.firn B.deposition C.ablation D.terminus
A.firn
As a rule, groundwater always flows from areas of .... A.greater hydraulic head to those of lesser hydraulic head B.greater water pressure to those of lesser water pressure C.greater elevation to those of lesser elevation
A.greater hydraulic head to those of lesser hydraulic head
During heavy rainstorms, rates of physical weathering and erosion are .... A.greater in deserts than in humid climates because soil tends to be more easily eroded in deserts than in humid regions B.about equally fast in both deserts and humid climates C.greater in humid climates than in deserts because dry desert soils soak up all the available moisture D.greater in humid climates than in deserts because vegetation tends to break up the soil
A.greater in deserts than in humid climates because soil tends to be more easily eroded in deserts than in humid regions
Because of wave refraction, erosion along an irregular coastline is .... A.greatest along headlands B.the same as it would be along a regular coastline C.greatest in bays D.even along the length of the coast
A.greatest along headlands
High tide will be ... during a full moon than normally. A.higher B.lower C.reversed D.the same
A.higher
After extensive erosion of a hill in a desert environment, the small remnant surrounded by alluvium-filled basins is known as a(n) .... A.inselberg B.hogback C.questa D.mesa
A.inselberg
Fine-grained, wind-blown sediments are eventually deposited as .... A.loess B.ventifacts C.dunes D.desert pavement
A.loess
The sea surface salinity is ... at the mouth of the Amazon River and ... in the Dead Sea. A.low; high B.high; high C.high; low D.low; low
A.low; high
The rate of groundwater flow per unit area through a body of rock or sediment depends .... A.on the slope of the water table and the permeability of the rock or sediment B.only on the porosity of the rock or sediment C.only on the slope of the local water table D.on the slope of the water table and the porosity of the rock or sediment
A.on the slope of the water table and the permeability of the rock or sediment
Milankovitch cycles describe variation in Earth's .... A.orbit and tilt B.cosmic-ray flux C.atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations D.sea level
A.orbit and tilt
The long-term buildup of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere is a result of .... A.photosynthesis B.volcanic outgassing C.solar radiation splitting molecules of ozone in the stratosphere D.limestone formation in the ocean
A.photosynthesis
Glaciers form as fresh ... falls to the ground and accumulates. The accumulation adds pressure, which compresses the ... until they form a packed granular material called .... Some material melts and then ... in the pore spaces to create a solid mass of ice. A.snow; snowflakes; firn; refreezes B.firn; glacier; ice; gets trapped C.ice; ice; firn; refreezes D.snow; snowflakes; cirques; dissolves
A.snow; snowflakes; firn; refreezes
Which of the following is most representative of Earth's hydrosphere? A.surficial freshwater, oceans, groundwater, and atmospheric water B.lakes and rivers only C.oceans, but not rivers or lakes D.a layer of hydrogen gas in the outer reaches of the atmosphere
A.surficial freshwater, oceans, groundwater, and atmospheric water
A biogeochemical cycle refers to the .... A.transitioning and the residence of specific chemicals among living and nonliving systems B.long-term movement of biogeochemical minerals through the rock cycle C.exchange of chemicals between landmasses and the oceans D.exchange of chemicals among magmatic and solid-phase systems
A.transitioning and the residence of specific chemicals among living and nonliving systems
Which of the following is an important long-term (i.e., spans tens of millions of years) factor in global climate change? A.variation in Milankovitch orbital parameters B.variation in the abundance of sunspots C.a decrease in albedo because of aerosols from volcanic eruptions D.the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide
A.variation in Milankovitch orbital parameters
Approximately what percentage of Earth's surface is covered with water? A.30% B.70% C.85% D.50%
B.70%
Why is a spring tide so much higher than a normal high tide? A.Because the moon is aligned with Earth B.Because the Sun is aligned with the moon C.Because the moon is directly over the north pole D.Because the Sun is directly over the north pole
B.Because the Sun is aligned with the moon
Imagine you have a layer of limestone with high porosity but low permeability. What can you do to increase its permeability to allow water to be pumped from the layer and used as a source of drinking water? A.Remove the overburden so that there will be less pressure trapping the water. B.Drill down to the layer and set off explosives in the hole to fracture the rock. C.Add acid to the layer to dissolve the rock and create connections between the pores. D.Increase the hydraulic conductivity by adding metals to the water.
B.Drill down to the layer and set off explosives in the hole to fracture the rock.
Which greenhouse gas has the greatest total importance in retaining radiant energy from Earth? A.O3 (ozone) B.H2O (water) C.CO2 (carbon dioxide) D.CH4 (methane)
B.H2O (water)
The entire state of Florida is composed of fossiliferous limestone, what does this imply about Florida during the recent past? A.It was an emergent coast. B.It was a submergent coast. C.It was in the mountains. D.It was covered with caves.
B.It was a submergent coast.
If the wind is blowing parallel to a coast, will it create an upwelling current or downwelling current? A.It will create an upwelling current. B.Neither; it will enhance the longshore current. C.It will create a downwelling current. D.Neither; it will create a rip current.
B.Neither; it will enhance the longshore current.
You have a choice to drill your water well into a more shallow unconfined aquifer or a deeper artesian aquifer. Drilling deeper will cost more money, however you chose to drill into the artesian aquifer. Why? A.The artesian aquifer will have a higher permeability. B.The artesian aquifer will flow on its own, without a pump. C.The artesian aquifer will contain more water for your use. D.The artesian aquifer will not be subject to overpumping.
B.The artesian aquifer will flow on its own, without a pump.
As an air mass rises, it generally experiences .... A.either an increase or a decrease in pressure, depending on temperature B.a decrease in pressure C.no change in pressure D.an increase in pressure
B.a decrease in pressure
Which type of coastline would most likely contain estuaries or fjords? A.a divergent coastline B.a submergent coastline C.a subductive coastline D.an emergent coastline
B.a submergent coastline
A glacier will always advance from its source area if the rate of accumulation is greater than the rate of .... A.erosion B.ablation C.uplift D.subsidence
B.ablation
To qualify as a desert, a region must .... A.have a mean annual temperature greater than 25°C and less than 5 cm annual rainfall B.be arid, with less than 15% of the ground surface vegetated C.be hot, with a mean annual temperature greater than 25°C (77°F) D.have no rainfall three out of four seasons
B.be arid, with less than 15% of the ground surface vegetated
The majority of large cave and karst systems have resulted from ... etching into .... A.sea water; rock salt B.carbonic acid; limestone C.ascorbic acid; dolostone D.phosphoric acid; shale
B.carbonic acid; limestone
The shallowest portions of an ocean found along the margins of continents are the .... A.abyssal plains B.continental shelves C.continental rises D.continental slopes
B.continental shelves
When the sea level rises, causing the ocean to fill a glacially carved valley, a ... results. A.smorgasbord B.fjord C.ford D.tarn
B.fjord
The discharge of a river traveling through a temperate region will typically ... downstream; the discharge of a river traveling through an arid region will typically ... downstream. A.decrease; increase B.increase; decrease C.increase; increase D.decrease; decrease
B.increase; decrease
The majority of caves are formed by the dissolution of bedrock .... A.greater than 10 m above the water table B.just below the water table C.greater than 10 m below the water table D.above the water table
B.just below the water table
Which of these is the longest-lasting sink for carbon dioxide? A.the atmosphere B.limestones C.plant tissues and cellulose (the "woody" parts of plants) D.air bubbles within glacial ice
B.limestones
The elevation of the water table .... A.may rise during times of drought and sink during rainy periods B.may rise during rainy periods and sink during droughts C.is completely unpredictable D.is a constant for a given area so long as the topography remains the same
B.may rise during rainy periods and sink during droughts
Which two gases are most abundant within Earth's modern atmosphere? A.hydrogen and helium B.nitrogen and oxygen C.carbon dioxide and methane D.water vapor and sulfur dioxide
B.nitrogen and oxygen
In a region with prominent orthogonal sets of joints, a ... drainage network is expected. A.trellis B.rectangular C.radial D.dendritic
B.rectangular
Ultimately, the base level of a stream valley can be no lower than .... A.the maximum elevation of the local catchment B.sea level C.the average elevation of the continent on which it is found D.the average elevation of the local catchment
B.sea level
As air rises, why do clouds form? A.water vapor heats up and creates steam B.the air cools to its dew-point temperature and condenses into liquid water C.snow forms in the upper troposphere and becomes visible as clouds D.raindrops converge in the lower troposphere
B.the air cools to its dew-point temperature and condenses into liquid water
Sediments deposited directly by glaciers as they melt are termed .... A.outwash B.till C.firn D.loess
B.till
The primary stream fed by tributaries within a dendritic drainage network is termed a ... stream. A.pirate B.trunk C.taproot D.lead
B.trunk
The presence of liquid water on Earth's surface is .... A.unique in the Solar System but an inherent feature of Earth that would be found regardless of the Earth-Sun distance B.unique in the Solar System; liquid water would not have developed had Earth been much closer to or much farther from the Sun C.not surprising because most other bodies in the Solar System have liquid water D.not surprising because all planets in the Solar System have liquid water
B.unique in the Solar System; liquid water would not have developed had Earth been much closer to or much farther from the Sun
Increasing ratios of oxygen-18 to oxygen-16 in glacial ice indicate .... A.increased volcanic emissions B.warming temperatures C.advancing ice sheets D.uplift of land surfaces
B.warming temperatures
Which two gases are most abundantly emitted in volcanic outgassing? A.nitrogen and oxygen B.water vapor and sulfur dioxide C.carbon dioxide and methane D.hydrogen and helium
B.water vapor and sulfur dioxide
At the present, glaciers cover about ... of the surface of the continents. A.20% B.5% C.10% D.1%
C.10%
What is the percentage of dissolved salt in seawater? A.6.5% B.1.5% C.3.5% D.5.5%
C.3.5%
How does the formation of oil shale deposits, coals, and limestones affect the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in Earth's atmosphere? A.All three increase the total CO2 in the atmosphere. B.The formation of limestones decreases total CO2, while the formation of oil shale and coal increases total CO2. C.All three decrease the total CO2 in the atmosphere. D.The formation of oil shale deposits, coals, and limestones has very little effect.
C.All three decrease the total CO2 in the atmosphere.
How are carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere affected by tectonic uplift of rocks and their resultant chemical weathering? A.They have no net effect on CO2. B.CO2 is added to the atmosphere. C.CO2 is removed from the atmosphere. D.CO2 is removed from the atmosphere by uplift, but returned to the atmosphere by chemical weathering.
C.CO2 is removed from the atmosphere.
How are greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane different from other atmospheric gases like nitrogen and oxygen? A.Greenhouse gases absorb thermal energy from the Sun and re-radiate it, whereas other atmospheric gases do not. B.Greenhouse gases are found at lower levels of the atmosphere, where ozone is found. C.Greenhouse gases are more efficient at absorbing thermal energy and re-radiating it than the other atmospheric gases. D.Greenhouse gases are found at higher levels of the atmosphere, where ozone is found.
C.Greenhouse gases are more efficient at absorbing thermal energy and re-radiating it than the other atmospheric gases.
In many areas with karst terrain, people use sinkholes as places to dump garbage. What effect might this practice have on the groundwater supply? A.It clogs the sinkholes so that water cannot percolate into the groundwater. B.It could contaminate the groundwater in any or all aquifers in the area. C.It could contaminate the groundwater in unconfined aquifers only. D.None; sinkholes are not connected to groundwater sources.
C.It could contaminate the groundwater in unconfined aquifers only.
How does water get from the atmosphere into the groundwater system? A.Water from the ocean is sucked up into the groundwater system due to a pressure difference. B.Precipitation falls into rivers and then flows downriver into the groundwater system. C.Precipitation falls on the ground and infiltrates the ground surface to the groundwater system. D.Plants secrete water into the groundwater system in a process called evapotranspiration.
C.Precipitation falls on the ground and infiltrates the ground surface to the groundwater system.
You have a choice to drill your water well into a shallower unconfined aquifer or a deeper confined aquifer. Drilling deeper will cost more money; however, you chose to drill into the confined aquifer. Why? A.The confined aquifer will contain more water. B. The confined aquifer will most likely have a higher permeability. C.The confined aquifer will most likely have a higher water quality. D.The confined aquifer will not be subject to overpumping.
C.The confined aquifer will most likely have a higher water quality.
If you wander around Central Park in New York City, you will eventually encounter random, large boulders that are made of a type of rock not found in the area. How did these large boulders get to Central Park? A.The Parks and Recreation Department placed them there for kids to play on. B.They were carried by rivers and deposited in point bars. C.They were carried by glaciers and dropped to form glacial erratics. D.They were placed there by a giant tsunami millions of years ago.
C.They were carried by glaciers and dropped to form glacial erratics.
Valleys carved by glaciers tend to be shaped like the letter ..., whereas valleys carved by water tend to be shaped like the letter .... A.V; I B.V; U C.U; V D.V; C
C.U; V
A(n) ... consists of sand and gravel deposited by ephemeral distributary channels that occur where a gully or a canyon discharges from its mouth. A.wadi B.yardang C.alluvial fan D.ventifact
C.alluvial fan
Sediments deposited directly by glaciers as they melt are characterized by .... A.uniformly coarse grain size B.graded bedding C.an absence of sorting D.uniformly fine grain size
C.an absence of sorting
An impermeable layer of rock or sediment is termed a(n) ... in hydrogeologic contexts. A.unconfined aquifer B.unsaturated zone C.aquitard D.confined aquifer
C.aquitard
If an intrusive igneous rock is unfractured, it serves as a(n) ... in local hydrogeology. A.perched aquifer B.artesian well C.aquitard D.aquifer
C.aquitard
During the last ice age, a ... glacier covered much of the northern United States. A.piedmont B.cirque C.continental D.mountain
C.continental
To an observer traveling outward from Earth's surface into outer space, the temperature of the atmosphere .... A.uniformly decreases because of atmospheric thinning B.uniformly increases because of increasing proximity to the Sun C.decreases, stabilizes, increases, stabilizes, decreases, stabilizes, and, finally, increases until the edge of the atmosphere is reached D.remains relatively constant until the very edge of the atmosphere, where the observer would experience the very cold vacuum that is interplanetary space
C.decreases, stabilizes, increases, stabilizes, decreases, stabilizes, and, finally, increases until the edge of the atmosphere is reached
The density of seawater increases with ... temperature and ... salinity. A.increasing; increasing B.decreasing; decreasing C.decreasing; increasing D.increasing; decreasing
C.decreasing; increasing
Compared with the continental crust, the oceanic crust is .... A.about the same density B.less dense C.denser D.about half as dense
C.denser
When the sea level rises, an ocean may invade a river valley, producing a nearshore body of water of mixed and variable salinity termed a(n) .... A.jetty B.lagoon C.estuary D. atoll
C.estuary
Which type of global change is reversible? A.melting and crystallization of sedimentary rock to form igneous rock B.orogenic uplift C.flooding of the continents because of global warming D.evolution of life on Earth
C.flooding of the continents because of global warming
Stratified sorted sand and gravel are deposited by .... A.continental glaciers B.mountain glaciers C.glacial outwash streams D.windstorms
C.glacial outwash streams
The very first Earth atmosphere, forming with Earth itself, was probably dominated by the cosmically abundant gases ... and .... A.carbon dioxide; methane B.water vapor; sulfur dioxide C.hydrogen; helium D.nitrogen; oxygen
C.hydrogen; helium
The deepest segments of the ocean floor are found .... A.in trenches associated with passive margins B.in the geographic centers of abyssal plains C.in trenches associated with subduction zones D.along mid-ocean ridges
C.in trenches associated with subduction zones
Rates of groundwater flow are ... than stream flow because the water .... A.higher; does not have any obstacles to overcome B.lower; contains dissolved ions that slow it down C.lower; must make its way through tiny pore spaces D.higher; can flow through large caverns
C.lower; must make its way through tiny pore spaces
Desert climate associated with a rain shadow is found .... A.on the windward side of mountain ranges B.in the middle of flat plains C.on the leeward side of mountain ranges D.along continental coastlines
C.on the leeward side of mountain ranges
A hanging valley is formed when a .... A.smaller stream-cut valley intersects with a larger stream-cut valley B.smaller stream-cut valley intersects with a larger glacially carved valley C.smaller glacially carved valley intersects with a larger glacially carved valley D.stream-cut valley is on the upthrust side of a normal fault
C.smaller glacially carved valley intersects with a larger glacially carved valley
Rock or sediment between the water table and the land surface represents a(n) .... A.confined aquifer B.aquitard C.unsaturated zone D.unconfined aquifer
C.unsaturated zone
Rock or sediment between the water table and the land surface represents a(n) .... A.unconfined aquifer B.aquitard C.unsaturated zone D.confined aquifer
C.unsaturated zone
The current interglacial interval began a little more than ... years ago. A.1 million B.100,000 C.1,000 D.10,000
D.10,000
How are bicarbonate and carbon dioxide (CO2) related to one another? A.CO2 forms when bicarbonate migrates from the atmosphere into soils. B.Bicarbonate and CO2 are the same thing. C.CO2 forms when bicarbonate minerals break down. D.Bicarbonate forms when CO2 molecules dissolve in water.
D.Bicarbonate forms when CO2 molecules dissolve in water.
Mid-ocean ridges (MORs), which are the sites of new oceanic crust formation, are linear mountain chains that run along divergent plate boundaries. Why does an MOR sit up higher than the surrounding oceanic crust? A.Hot materials are less dense and shrink, thus the new crust will sit higher than the surrounding crust. B.As the hot magma exits the MOR, it shoots up higher than the surrounding crust. C.Hot, geothermal waters cause the new crust to expand and sit higher than the surrounding crust. D.Hot materials are less dense and expand, thus the new crust will sit higher than the surrounding crust.
D.Hot materials are less dense and expand, thus the new crust will sit higher than the surrounding crust.
Why do ocean water and sea ice have very different effects on air temperatures? A.Ocean water reflects solar energy much more effectively than sea ice. B. Ocean water is more difficult to heat than sea ice. C.Ocean water is easier to heat than sea ice. D.Ocean water absorbs solar energy much more effectively than sea ice.
D.Ocean water absorbs solar energy much more effectively than sea ice.
As the velocity of flow decreases, which of the following is NOT true? A.The saltation of the bed load may cease. B.The flow tends to become more laminar. C.Suspended sediment starts to be deposited. D.The competence increases.
D.The competence increases.
The porosity of vesicular basalt is about 30%; however, when water is poured on it, the water does not come out the other side. How is this possible? A.The vesicles in basalt are filled with sediments and thus cannot hold water. B.Vesicular basalt is similar to a sponge and will soak up all the water. C.The minerals in the basalt react chemically with the water to produce gases. D.The vesicles in basalt are not connected, so it has no permeability.
D.The vesicles in basalt are not connected, so it has no permeability.
An impermeable layer of rock or sediment is termed a(n) ... in hydrogeologic contexts. A.confined aquifer B.unsaturated zone C.unconfined aquifer D.aquitard
D.aquitard
Glacial ice exhibits ... behavior near the top but ... behavior beneath a depth of 60 m. A.solid; liquid B.plastic; brittle C.plastic; elastic D.brittle; plastic
D.brittle; plastic
Which two gases are most important in producing the greenhouse effect on Earth? A.nitrogen and oxygen B.nitrogen and sulfur dioxide C.hydrogen and helium D.carbon dioxide and methane
D.carbon dioxide and methane
Most hot deserts .... A.gain additional heat at night because the desert air rises B.cool off by no more than 8°C on most nights C.retain their high temperatures throughout the night because there is no vegetation to absorb heat from the sediment at the surface D.cool off greatly at night because of sparse vegetation, dry air, and little cloud cover
D.cool off greatly at night because of sparse vegetation, dry air, and little cloud cover
At 30° north latitude, at the northern edge of tropical (Hadley) cell convection in the northern hemisphere, .... A.cool moist air sinks, providing abundant rainfall B.warm, moist air rises, increasing in relative humidity as it rises C.warm, dry air rises, becoming cooler D.cool, dry air sinks, becoming drier as it heats up
D.cool, dry air sinks, becoming drier as it heats up
A(n) ... in eustatic sea level is ultimately the result of a .... event. A.decrease; subsidence B.increase; global cooling C.increase; local uplift D.decrease; global cooling
D.decrease; global cooling
The slope of a stream surface measured between two points along its course is the .... A.base level B.thalweg C.floodplain D.gradient
D.gradient
As a rule, groundwater always flows from areas of .... A.greater elevation to those of lesser elevation B.greater water pressure to those of lesser water pressure C.lower hydraulic head to those of greater hydraulic head D.greater hydraulic head to those of lesser hydraulic head
D.greater hydraulic head to those of lesser hydraulic head
The majority of liquid freshwater within Earth exists in .... A.atmospheric clouds B.lakes C.rivers and streams D.groundwater
D.groundwater
Meandering streams .... A.consist of a series of intertwined channels that are overloaded with sediment B.are those that divert flow from streams they have intersected through stream erosion C.have flowing water either episodically or during only a portion of the year D.have a channel that is highly sinuous (curvy)
D.have a channel that is highly sinuous (curvy)
Ephemeral streams .... A.consist of a series of intertwined channels that are overloaded with sediment B.have a channel that is highly sinuous (curvy) C.are those that divert flow from streams they have intersected through stream erosion D.have flowing water either episodically or during only a portion of the year
D.have flowing water either episodically or during only a portion of the year
A regular kitchen sponge has ... porosity but permeability. A.no; high B.low; high C.high; high D.high; low
D.high; low
Wind blows finer particles long distances from glacial environments, where they settle out to form .... A.firn B.outwash C.till D.loess
D.loess
At the equatorial ocean basins, the sea surface temperatures may reach 25°C or greater. What is the range of temperatures for the seafloor, approximately 4−5 km below? A.about room temperature (25°C) B.slightly warmer (33°C) C.cool (10°C−15°C) D.near freezing (1°C−2°C)
D.near freezing (1°C−2°C)
You are hiking in Illinois and notice several ringlike hills composed of till. You climb to the top of one, look toward the south, and see several more hills in the distance. In which direction did the glacier advance? A.east B.west C.north D.south
D.south
The most expansive hot deserts on Earth occur in the .... A.tropics, at or near the equator B.latitudes higher than 50° north or south of the equator C.temperate zone, between 30° and 50° north or south of the equator D.subtropics, between 20° and 30° north or south of the equator
D.subtropics, between 20° and 30° north or south of the equator
The hydrologic cycle includes which of these? A.photosynthesis B.the accumulation of methane in the atmosphere C.the secretion of carbonate shells by marine organisms D.the advance and retreat of glaciers
D.the advance and retreat of glaciers
Which of the following best describes the hydrologic cycle? A.the cycle that water passes through when going from solid to liquid to gas B.the movement of water through the ground to form aquifers C.the circular motion due to density differences created when water boils D.the movement of Earth's water through a series of reservoirs
D.the movement of Earth's water through a series of reservoirs
Atmospheric convection of heat radiated from Earth's surface and the variety of phenomena we call weather occur within which layer of the atmosphere? A.the thermosphere B.the mesosphere C.the stratosphere D.the troposphere
D.the troposphere
Compared with the continental lithosphere, the oceanic lithosphere is .... A.exactly five times thinner B.approximately the same thickness C.thicker D.thinner
D.thinner
In a region characterized by a parallel series of ridges and valleys, a ... drainage network is expected. A.rectangular B.dendritic C.radial D.trellis
D.trellis
Which geologic event is NOT suspected as a source of major climate change and mass-extinction events? A.the eruption of supervolcanoes B.the massive eruption of flood basalts C.the impact of asteroids D.very large earthquakes
D.very large earthquakes
Which of the following processes releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? A.photosynthesis B.The burial of organic matter C.the weathering of silicate rocks D.volcanism
D.volcanism
The deserts found in the western United States are primarily the result of being located .... A.near the center of a large continent B.in the subtropics C.next to a cold ocean current D.within the rain shadow of one or more mountain ranges
D.within the rain shadow of one or more mountain ranges
Most atmospheric ozone occurs in which layer of Earth's atmosphere? A.the stratosphere B.the mesosphere C.the thermosphere D.the troposphere
Most atmospheric ozone occurs in which layer of Earth's atmosphere? A.the stratosphere B.the mesosphere C.the thermosphere D.the troposphere