APES: Unit 4
At which of the following sites does seafloor spreading result in rifts and possible volcanoes? A: A B: B C: C D: D
A: A This is a divergent boundary, where seafloor spreading would occur.
Which of the following combinations correctly identifies and explains the effects of the differences in the distribution of solar radiation on Earth as seen in the diagram above? A: Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at high latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air masses. B: Global rain patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at high latitudes and cool air at low latitudes, resulting in evaporation and condensation differences between the air masses. C: Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at high latitudes and cool air at low latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air masses. D: Global rain patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at high latitudes, resulting in air masses that do not circulate because they are of equal density.
A: Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at high latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air masses. Solar radiation is most direct at low latitudes and least at high latitudes. This results in the air masses having different densities and the Coriolis effect that deflects the air masses, creating winds.
A group of students wanted to determine if soil texture can vary by location. Several students brought in a sample of soil from their backyards. Each student added their soil sample of equal mass to a jar with exactly the same amount of water, shook the contents so that all soil particles were suspended in the water, and left the jars covered overnight. The next morning, the soil particles had settled out into layers and students could determine the percentage of each type of particle. The results of their soil test are shown below. Which of the following describes the dependent variable in this investigation? A: Percentage of each particle size in each soil sample B: Soil samples taken from different locations C: Time required for each soil sample to settle D: Addition of water to each soil sample
A: Percentage of each particle size in each soil sample The percentage of each particle size in the soil samples was calculated based on the layers that settled out in the jars and was dependent on each soil sample. This is the dependent variable.
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. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from Sun, which causes shorter days and less intense solar radiation, which makes it colder (winter).
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 50mL 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
A: The sample of material chosen as the potential container material is the variable being tested, so it is the independent variable. In this study, the container sample materials are the experimental groups that are tested for permeability. This is the independent variable because the materials are being controlled or changed by the experimenter.
In the desert regions of the southwestern United States, daily high and low temperatures will frequently fluctuate by 40°F (33°C) or more. Which statement below best explains the large variation in temperature? A: There are no bordering oceans or large bodies of water to provide a stabilizing humidity to the air. B: The nearby Rocky Mountain range provides a rain shadow effect in the evenings to the west. C: The flat, light-colored sand formations typical in deserts reflect light from the Sun during the day, but not at night. D: Desert plants have long tap roots that pull water from deep in the soil, cooling the desert at night.
A: There are no bordering oceans or large bodies of water to provide a stabilizing humidity to the air. Humidity in the air tends to stabilize temperature and prevent large fluctuations. Temperatures in regions with dry air will increase and decrease rapidly.
Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains charged gas molecules that glow and produce light when hit by solar energy, leading to glowing gases such as the northern lights, found over 90 kilometers above Earth's surface? A: Thermosphere B: Mesosphere C: Stratosphere D: Troposphere
A: Thermosphere The thermosphere is found between 80 and 600 kilometers above Earth's surface. Here the charged gas molecules can glow and produce light when hit by solar energy and can be viewed from Earth. In the northern United States, Canada, and northern Europe, these glowing gases are known as aurora borealis.
Based on the diagram, which of the following describes why the summer solstice in Australia occurs in December and not in June? A: At this time of year, the Earth is closest to the Sun due to its elliptical path. B: At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes Australia to receive highly concentrated solar radiation. C: At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes Australia to be closer to the Sun. D: At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes solar radiation to reach Australia at a low angle of incidence.
B: At this time of year, the tilt of Earth causes Australia to receive highly concentrated solar radiation. At this time of year, the Earth is tilted in such a way that Australia receives solar radiation nearly perpendicular to the Earth's surface, resulting in highly concentrated rays during the summer season.
At which of the following sites would activity result in volcanoes, island arcs, and mountains? A: A B: B C: C D: D
B: B Convergent boundaries may be responsible for all three formations as a result of pressure, friction, and plate movement.
Based on the map above, which of the following best explains why the Atacama Desert has a consistently arid climate? A: It is on the windward side of the Andes Mountains. B: It is in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains. C: The cold Peru Current brings dry air to the west coast. D: Compared to the east coast, it has less water available.
B: It is in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains. Because the trade winds come from the east (windward), the west side of the mountain, where the Atacama Desert is located, is the leeward side and will be dry and desert-like.
Peru's commercial anchovy industry would most likely be harmed during an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the decline in anchovy during an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event? A: Acidic ocean waters kill off larval anchovies. B: Less nutrient-rich water reaches surface waters, disrupting the food web. C: Ocean currents move toxic contaminants from the sediments into the water column. D: An increase in phosphate-based nutrients leads to an algal bloom, which would decrease available oxygen for animals like shrimp.
B: Less nutrient-rich water reaches surface waters, disrupting the food web. When the upwelling of cold water is cut off, there will be a decrease in nutrients and primary productivity.
A group of students wanted to determine if soil texture can vary by location. Several students brought in a sample of soil from their backyards. Each student added their soil sample of equal mass to a jar with exactly the same amount of water, shook the contents so that all soil particles were suspended in the water, and left the jars covered overnight. The next morning, the soil particles had settled out into layers and students could determine the percentage of each type of particle. The results of their soil test are shown below. Which of the following describes the independent variable in this investigation? A: Percentage of each particle size in each soil sample B: Soil samples taken from different locations C :Time required for each soil sample to settle D: Addition of water to each soil sample
B: Soil samples taken from different locations This is the variable that is being tested in this experiment and is what changes between each experimental group. It is the independent variable.
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 light warms Earth's surface, creating rising air currents, as seen in the diagram.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the formation of Hadley cells in the tropics, as seen in the diagram, between 30°N and 30°S latitude? A: Heat from the ocean warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to rise because of its lower density. As the air becomes cooler, it becomes less dense and sinks. B: The Sun warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to rise because of its lower density. As the warm air moves away from the equator, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks. C: Air cools over the land at the equator and then rises as it moves north or south. D: Rising air over the equator is heated by the Sun, moves north, and then moves south to create the jet stream and trade winds.
B: The Sun warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to rise because of its lower density. As the warm air moves away from the equator, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks. Heat from the Sun warms moist air near the equator and causes it to rise. The moist air cools and dries as it moves away from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere the cooler air moves north to south, and in the Southern Hemisphere it moves south to north. This circulation is called a tropical (Hadley) cell. The process forms a high-pressure region at 30 degrees latitude where air sinks.
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. The Tropic of Capricorn is tilted in such a way that incoming solar radiation is perpendicular to the surface of Earth and highly concentrated, making the radiation more intense there.
Which of the following would be most helpful to determine the soil texture of a sample? A: A pH meter and conductivity meter B: A soil core kit and a seismograph C: A density gradient tube and a soil triangle D: A quadrat and a transect line
C: A density gradient tube and a soil triangle Both the soil triangle and density gradient tube are used to determine the texture of a soil sample. A soil density gradient tube, which separates particles by density, would help determine a soil profile. Using a soil triangle, the soil texture can be determined using the percentage of sand, silt, and clay from the soil profile.
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 water sample collected from just downstream of the northern forest has not been contaminated by runoff from the construction project, since it is upstream from the construction site, and therefore would be less subject to erosion from the clear-cut area of forest.
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 is a positive effect likely to result from an El Niño event? A: Increased droughts in Central and South America B: Reduced chance of winter floods in California and the Pacific Northwest C: Fewer hurricanes forming in the Central Atlantic basin D: Fewer heat waves in Australia
C: Fewer hurricanes forming in the Central Atlantic basin El Niño results in cooler Atlantic water temperatures and strong winds, which reduce hurricane formation.
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 La Niña events increase both phytoplankton concentrations and, as a result, numbers of species higher up the food web because of increased nutrient levels.
Students want to determine how vegetation affects soil erosion. They collect four soil samples of equal starting mass with different types of vegetative cover, as seen in the table below. Each sample is placed in a three-sided plastic dish that can drain into a beaker and is exposed to the same amount of consistent, steady rainfall for ten minutes. The water and soil runoff are collected in the beaker and separated. The average values for each sample are provided below. Which of the following is a dependent variable in the experiment? A: The type of soil B: Initial mass of the soil sample C: Percent change in mass of the soil sample D: Amount of rainfall the soil receives
C: Percent change in mass of the soil sample Percent change in mass is a calculation determined from the amount of soil collected in the runoff.
Which of the following statements best describes the boundary between the two tectonic plates seen in the map? A: The map illustrates a convergent boundary, where tectonic plates collide, and the North American Plate is sliding under the Pacific Plate. B: The map illustrates a divergent boundary, where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other, creating a rift valley. C: The map illustrates a transform boundary, where tectonic plates slide past each other as the Pacific Plate moves northwest and the North American Plate moves southeast. D: The map illustrates a subduction zone at the boundary, leading to the formation of long chains of volcanoes.
C: The map illustrates a transform boundary, where tectonic plates slide past each other as the Pacific Plate moves northwest and the North American Plate moves southeast. The San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary. The plates slide past each other in opposite directions, which can result in an earthquake.
Which of the following is the most likely effect of a strong El Niño event on the weather patterns in the United States? A: Wetter weather and cooler temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and warmer temperatures with more snow in the northeastern states B: Drier weather in the western states and wetter weather in the eastern states C: Wetter weather and cooler than average temperatures in the southeastern states and warmer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest D: Overall warmer temperatures and drier conditions throughout the entire United States
C: Wetter weather and cooler than average temperatures in the southeastern states and warmer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest In an El Niño event, the reduced upwelling off the South American coast affects wind patterns as the warmer water and air move toward South America. This leads to cooler and wetter conditions in the southeastern United States and warmer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest.
During a La Niña event, what environmental changes would the tropical Pacific Ocean and its surrounding landmasses most likely experience? A: Increased rainfall in the eastern Pacific Ocean leading to flooding and landslides off the coast of South America B: An area of high pressure forming over landmasses and increasing the chance of typhoons C: Cooler ocean water in the western Pacific Ocean leading to an increased chance of wildfires D: Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries
D: Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries Upwelling in the eastern Pacific will be increased due to strong easterly winds pulling surface water to the west. This brings nutrient-rich cold water to the surface, which increases productivity and benefits fisheries.
The Mississippi watershed is the largest in North America, draining all or part of thirty-two states in the United States and two Canadian provinces. A new apartment complex is being built on a steep slope near the source of the Mississippi River outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Which of the following measures should be taken to best reduce erosion at the construction site to protect the Mississippi watershed? A: Add a paved surface at the top of the slope. B: Remove trees and shrubs from the slope and the riverbank. C: Move all of the topsoil from the site to the riverbank. D: Plant grass and shrubs on the slope.
D: Plant grass and shrubs on the slope. Planting grass and shrubs on the steep slope will help to prevent erosion.
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 The high percentage of clay makes the sample prone to becoming waterlogged, since its porosity would be low.
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. In a watershed, the boundary follows the highest ridge line, and water flows downstream. Water from rainfall and stormwater runoff can be contaminated with mining, agriculture, and urban wastes, and it is important to know watershed boundaries to understand water flow.
Based on the map above, which of the following best identifies and explains the region of South America that would have a more moderate climate? A: The west coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Peru Current. B: The west coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Andes Mountains. C: The east coast would have a more moderate climate because of its proximity to the equator. D: The east coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Brazil Current.
D: The east coast would have a more moderate climate because of the Brazil Current. The Brazil Current comes from the warm south equatorial current and equatorial waters, so this warmer water would influence the climate and make the east coast warmer than the west coast.
The map above shows the locations of known volcanoes and earthquakes. Which of the following explains what is being illustrated in the enclosed area in the northwest portion of the map? A: The enclosed area illustrates a convergent boundary with earthquakes and possibly volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands. B: The enclosed area illustrates a transform boundary where two plates slide past one another, resulting in earthquakes of high magnitude in the Hawaiian Islands. C: The enclosed area illustrates a rift valley leading to seafloor expansion near the Hawaiian Islands. D: The enclosed area shows a hot spot in the middle of the Pacific Plate in the Hawaiian Islands.
D: The enclosed area shows a hot spot in the middle of the Pacific Plate in the Hawaiian Islands. A hot spot is a short section of volcanoes without earthquakes found away from plate boundaries. The Hawaiian Islands are an example of a hot spot.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the deflection of the trade winds in both hemispheres, as seen in the diagram above? A: The wind is deflected east because of varying landmasses at the latitudes. B: The wind is deflected east because of the waves in the ocean. C: The wind is deflected west because of the mountains that the air encounters as the wind moves north or south. D: The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation.
D: The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation. Earth rotates faster near the equator than at the poles, and therefore the path of the air current is deflected to the west as seen in the diagram above.
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. Soil erosion would directly increase the suspended and dissolved particulates in water, leading to an increase in turbidity and a decrease in water clarity. This would indicate that there is more soil erosion as a result of the construction site.
