GEOG 1112 Exam 1 study guide

The following map ​[24] shows the World Time zones. Fill in the blanks using the map. The Earth is an ellipsoid that can be split into 360 meridians. There are (1) hours in a day. Dividing 360° by 24 hours we obtain the value (2) degrees of longitude per hour. Now, from the Prime meridian (0°, or UTC line), moving eastward and counting to meridian 180° you have passed through (3) time zones. The time in this area is (4) hours later than the time at the prime meridian. Repeating this process westward, you find that the 180° meridian is number (5). This means that the time at this location is (6) hours (7) than in the prime meridian.

1. 24 2. 15 3. 12 4. 12 5. 12 6. 12 7. earlier

The angle measured by Eratosthenes of ( ) degrees is also useful to calculate the circumference of the Earth. A circle has ( )degrees. The 7.2° measured represents a fraction of a circle that corresponds to ( ) (e.g. 1/3,1/4, etc). The distance between the two cities that were used in this calculation is ( ) kilometers. We know that in 7.2° degrees the distance traveled along the circumference was 800 km. In 360° the distance should be ( ) kilometers. This is not bad compared to the actual measure of the meridional circumference measured with satellites that give us a distance of 40,074 km!

1. 7.2 2. 360 3. 1/50 4. 800 5. 40000 km

Fill in the Blanks (1)'s main focus is to study how Earth's phenomena are distributed and understand their interrelationships. (2) is also a spatial science that answers questions about why phenomena patterns vary across the Earth's surface.

1. geography 2. geography

Fill in the Blanks The setting and rise of the sun are an effect of Earth's - (1) - around its imaginary- (2) -. When the Earth's imaginary rotational - (3) - meets the surface, we call these locations- (4) -. As Earth is rotating it is also circling around the Sun. This is called - (5) -. Earth's rotational​ axis is not perpendicular to its orbit. This rotational axis is - (6) -, with one part leaning towards the Sun and another part leaning away. The result is that different parts of our planet get different amounts of heat depending on the time of the year. We call these changing patterns of weather conditions throughout the year the - (7) -. The season ​when your part of the world leans towards the Sun is called - (8) -, the season when it is leaning away is called - (9)

1. rotation 2. axis 3. axis 4. poles 5. revolution 6. tilted 7. seasons 8. summer 9. winter

Fill in the blanks. You are in a plane, about to take off from Atlanta to New Zealand. Taking advantage of the rotation of the Earth, the pilot will fly the plane toward the (1). As you cross time zones toward New Zealand, you will begin to gain hours, e.g. noon to 11 am. During the flight, you will pass through (2) time zones. Remember not to include Atlanta's time zone in your total, consider only the time zone boundaries you are crossing. Say your watch read 10 pm in Atlanta right before take off. You decide to adjust your watch to New Zealand time. To be on local New Zealand time, you adjust your watch to (3).

1. west 2. seven 3. three p.m.

How many are 100 W bulbs represented in each square meter of earth's surface?

10.0

What is the temperature in Death Valley in degrees Celsius?

46.0

Per year in metric tons, how much greenhouse gas is added to the atmosphere per car?

5

Select the CORRECT options from the following (hint: more than one answer is correct) a. Geodesy provides clear evidence into Earth's shape b. Magellan provided indisputable evidence of Earth's shape by circumnavigating the planet c. Throughout history, most thinkers, and scientists have described near spherical Earth model d. Mathematics allowed for accurate calculations of the Earth circumference even before our current era

All of them are correct

Between 8 and 10 micrometers, there is a reduction in atmospheric radiation absorption, which includes lower values for this notorious greenhouse gas related to fossil fuel combustion. (1)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The direct transfer of heat energy from atom to atom through a substance along a temperature gradient.

Conduction

Cite one skill that is important in Dr. Kerski's point of view.

Critical thinking, knowledge, citizenship

Steam erosion is an example of a physical geography process. T/F

True

The solar constant is the a. average amount of radiation received at the top of Earth's atmosphere. b. average number of sunspots. c. approximate circumference of the Sun. d. amount of the Sun's radiation absorbed by Earth's surface.

a average amount of radiation received at the top of Earth's atmosphere. b average number of sunspots. c approximate circumference of the Sun. d amount of the Sun's radiation absorbed by Earth's surface.

Which of the following are true of the equinoxes (select all that apply)? a. 12-hour daylength at all latitudes b. Solar declination at the equator c. Solar declination at the Tropic of Cancer d. Midnight Sun or constant light at the North Pole during the March equinox e. Daylength decreases after autumnal equinox

a. 12-hour daylength at all latitudes b. Solar declination at the equator. e. Daylength decreases after autumnal equinox

Which of the following is false? a. Air pressure decreases through the troposphere though increases in the stratosphere. b. Air molecules exert air pressure through their motion, size, and number. c. The atmosphere exerts an average force of 1 kg/cm2 at sea level. d. Air pressure decreases with increasing altitude. e. Over half of the total mass of the atmosphere lies below 5.5 km (3.14 mi).

a. Air pressure decreases through the troposphere though increases in the stratosphere.

Which of the following best describes air pollution? a. Both natural and anthropogenic gases, particles, and other substances in amounts that cause damage to the environment or are harmful to humans. b. Solely anthropogenic gases, particles, and other substances in amounts that cause damage to the environment or are harmful to humans. c. Solely natural gases, particles, and other substances in amounts that cause damage to the environment or are harmful to humans. d. A distinct class of gases, particles, and other substances that the EPA has deemed worthy of regulating.

a. Both natural and anthropogenic gases, particles, and other substances in amounts that cause damage to the environment or are harmful to humans.

Mature lodgepoles will form an umbrella-like structure called a(n)_ that shades the forest floor. a. Canopy b. Parachute c. Awing d. Gable

a. Canopy

What is the source of longwave (infrared) radiation? a. Energy emitted from Earth's surface b. Radiated energy from the sun c. Radiation from fossil fuel burning d. Radiation from atomic weapon usage

a. Energy emitted from Earth's surface

Which of the following is true regarding acid deposition? a. Hundreds of lakes are incapable of supporting life due to high acidity. b. Acid deposition is a deposition that measures more than 7.0 on a pH scale. c. No lakes or streams have been damaged by acid precipitation. d. Natural precipitation typically falls between pH 7.5 and 8.0.

a. Hundreds of lakes are incapable of supporting life due to high acidity.

Which of the following is true regarding acid deposition? a. Hundreds of lakes are incapable of supporting life due to high acidity. b. Acid deposition is deposition that measures more than 7.0 on a pH scale. c. No lakes or streams have been damaged by acid precipitation. D) Soil processes generally are not affected by acid precipitation. d. Soil processes generally are not affected by acid precipitation e. Natural precipitation typically falls between pH 7.5 and 8.0.

a. Hundreds of lakes are incapable of supporting life due to high acidity.

If the subsolar point is located at the equator after the Southern Hemisphere's summer, which day of the year is it? a. March 21 b. September 21 c. June 21 d. December 21

a. March 21

The atmosphere is __ to radio waves with a 1-meter wavelength. a. Mostly transparent b. Mostly opaque

a. Mostly transparent

The atmosphere is __ to visible light. a. Mostly transparent b. Mostly opaque

a. Mostly transparent

Select all of the following statements that relate best to climate: Multiple answers: a. Much of the Southwester US is desert. b. January is the coldest month in Tennessee c. Winters are normally dry in South Florida d. Record rainfall was recorded in Iowa yesterday.

a. Much of the Southwester US is desert. b. January is the coldest month in Tennessee c. Winters are normally dry in South Florida

What map shows the location of geographic boundaries, physical features of Earth, or cultural features such as places, cities, and roads a. Reference map b. Thematic map

a. Reference map

Consider the global impacts associated with the greenhouse effect. Select the three statements below that are true: a. The greenhouse effect is responsible for Earth's temperature range b. The greenhouse effect is fueled by solar energy c. The greenhouse effect is completely a human-driven process d. Reducing greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere would reduce temperatures e. Renewable energy sources are a major cause of increased greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere

a. The greenhouse effect is responsible for Earth's temperature range b. The greenhouse effect is fueled by solar energy d. Reducing greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere would reduce temperatures

Air consists of a. a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas. b. unevenly mixed gases that act independently. c. oxygen only. d. mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor. e. primarily oxygen and several trace gases, such as carbon dioxide

a. a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas.

Air consists of? a. a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas. b. unevenly mixed gases that act independently. c. mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor. d. primarily oxygen and several trace gases, such as carbon dioxide.

a. a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas.

A hypothesis is best to describe as a. a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon. b. an explanation of the natural world based on extensive testing. c. the experimental phase of the scientific process. d. observations of particular phenomena

a. a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) a. accurately allows determination of longitude and latitude. b. is a metric version of longitude and latitude. c. is not available to the public; they are only available to the military. d. is a type of database management system.

a. accurately allows determination of longitude and latitude.

What happens when protons collide? a. an explosion b. they don't collide c. nothing d. they break

a. an explosion

Based on temperature, the atmosphere is divided into a. four regions, ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere. b. two broad regions. c. two functional areas that absorb radiation from the Sun. d. two regions based on composition. e. four regions based on composition

a. four regions, ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere.

The Clean Air Act a. has resulted in the significant reduction in various atmospheric pollutants. b. is proposed legislation to address climate change. c. was ratified by the U.S. Congress in 1987. d. has not met its stated objectives. e.has a low benefit/cost ratio.

a. has resulted in the significant reduction in various atmospheric pollutants.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) a. inflame the human respiratory tract, destroy lung tissues, and damage plants. b. are yet to be of consequence in North America. c. are produced only after photochemical reactions. d. are more of a concern in nonurban areas than urban. e. are unrelated to acid deposition.

a. inflame the human respiratory tract, destroy lung tissues, and damage plants.

Which of the following is correctly matched? a. insolation = shortwave radiation = UV, visible, and near infrared b. insolation = longwave radiation = thermal infrared radiation c. terrestrial radiation = shortwave radiation = UV, visible, and near infrared d. terrestrial radiation = shortwave radiation = thermal infrared radiation

a. insolation = shortwave radiation = UV, visible, and near infrared

When water is transformed from a gas into a liquid, a. latent heat is released from the gas. b. latent heat is released from the liquid. c. latent heat is neither released from nor added to either phase. d. sensible heat is advected into the atmosphere.

a. latent heat is released from the gas.

Which of the following cannot be attributed to the effects of Earth's rotation? a. latitudinal variations in net radiation b. deflection of the ocean currents c. daylength d. rise and fall of the tides e. deflection of the winds

a. latitudinal variations in net radiation

Q14) Which aspects of seasonality are caused by either revolution or rotation? (Select the three that apply) a. length of a tropical year b. duration of the seasons c. shortening of the year d. perpetual daylight at equator e. daily pattern of days and nights

a. length of a tropical year b. duration of the seasons e. daily pattern of days and nights

Relative to the five themes of geographic science, latitude, and longitude refers to a. location. b. place. c. human-Earth relationships. d. movement. e. region.

a. location

According to the scientific method, an experiment a. must produce data that allows the prediction to be evaluated. b. must always be performed in a laboratory setting. c. must always be performed by researchers with good reputations.

a. must produce data that allows the prediction to be evaluated.

The reaction of automobile exhaust and ultraviolet light a. produces photochemical smog. b. produces industrial smog. c. is affecting the stratospheric ozone concentration. d. is considered beneficial because of the production of O3.

a. produces photochemical smog.

Based on the figure, which of the following bandwidths of the electromagnetic spectrum is the longest? a. radio b. ultraviolet c. infrared d. gamma e. visible

a. radio

The movement of heat energy from low to high latitudes by conduction, convection, and advection is known as a. sensible heat flux. b. evaporation heat flux. c. atmospheric heat flux. d. surface heat flux.

a. sensible heat flux.

The basic idea behind the planetesimal hypothesis is that a. small grains of cosmic dust and other solids gradually accrete to form planetesimals that may grow to become protoplanets and eventually planets. b. cosmic debris from the Big Bang coalesced to form planets as they neared the gravitational pull of the Sun. c. planets form as a direct result of the nuclear fusion of nebular gases. d. early in the Solar System's history, a star passed near the Sun and pulled off gases that eventually condensed to form planets.

a. small grains of cosmic dust and other solids gradually accrete to form planetesimals that may grow to become protoplanets and eventually planets.

What two pollutants react with water to produce acid rain? a. sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides b. sulfur oxides and ozone c. nitrogen oxides and ozone d. ozone and VOCs

a. sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides

The greenhouse effect is caused by a. the atmosphere's allowing shortwave radiation to pass through while absorbing longwave radiation. b. the oceans' absorbing more heat than the continents. c. the continents' absorbing more heat than the oceans. d. scattering at the top of the Earth's atmosphere.

a. the atmosphere's allowing shortwave radiation to pass through while absorbing longwave radiation.

Which of the following is not one of the reasons for Earth's seasonality? a. the moon's rotation around Earth b. Earth's sphericity c. Earth's daily rotation on its axis d. Earth's axial tilt e. rotation of Earth around the Sun

a. the moon's rotation around Earth

The word "spatial" refers to a. the nature and character of physical space and the distribution of things within it. b. the organization of human societies in relationship to the physical environment. c. the point at which a system can no longer maintain its character and lurches into a new operational level. d. the chronological organization of Earth's major geological events. e. system operations, such as feedback loops, that influence its own operations.

a. the nature and character of physical space and the distribution of things within it.

Experimental and observational evidence is an example of... a. theory b. hypothesis c. educated guess d. speculation

a. theory

Which of the following is a natural source of atmospheric pollution? a. volcanic eruptions b. transportation c. energy production d. burning forests to create agricultural land

a. volcanic eruptions

Which atmospheric variable can exist naturally in all three phases in Earth's atmosphere? a. water b. oxygen c. nitrogen d. All of the above can exist naturally in all three phases in Earth's atmosphere.

a. water

After watching the video and studying the presented options, select the correct statements regarding time zones. (hint: more than one option is correct) a. 24 different time zones were initially defined along 360 degrees longitude b. Time zones are not universally accepted. Each country picks its geographical time zones c. France uses 12 different time zones d. China has 5 different time zones but only one is used

all of them are correct

Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere what would be the Earth's temperature? a. 0 C b. 0 F c. 0 K d. The same

b. 0 F

The top of the Earth's atmosphere is approximately a. 3,200 km (1,988 mi) above the Earth's surface. b. 480 km (300 mi) above the Earth's surface. c. 1,000 km (621 mi) above the Earth's surface. d. 10 km (6.21 mi) above the Earth's surface.

b. 480 km (300 mi) above the Earth's surface.

Which of the following best defines latent heat? a. Energy associated with radiation. b. Energy associated with phase changes. c. Heat energy is no longer available for use by the atmosphere. d. Energy from the sun that remains stored in the ground after sunset.

b. Energy associated with phase changes.

What is the source of shortwave radiation within the Greenhouse Effect diagrams? a. Radiated energy from Earth's surface b. Incoming energy from the Sun c. Trapped energy from the greenhouse gases d. Radiation from fossil fuel burning

b. Incoming energy from the Sun

What is the significance of Greenwich, England, in the context of latitude and longitude? a. The North Pole is at this location. b. It is the historically agreed-upon starting point for longitude. c. It is the historically agreed-upon starting point for latitude. d. The South Pole is at this location. e. It is the location of the intersection of the 0 degree line of latitude and the 0 degree line of longitude.

b. It is the historically agreed-upon starting point for longitude.

The atmosphere is __ to gamma rays. a. Mostly transparent b. Mostly opaque

b. Mostly opaque

Why are we not crushed by the pressure of the atmosphere? a. Atmospheric pressure increases with altitude and is, therefore, lowest near the Earth's surface b. Our internal body exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure. c. The tropopause serves as a buffer against the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. d. The pressure exerted by the atmosphere is not great enough to crush them.

b. Our internal body exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure.

Which of the following statements about ozone (O3) is false? a. Ozone in the stratosphere protects human health. b. Ozone in the lower atmosphere protects human health. c. Stratospheric ozone absorbs harmful radiation d. Tropospheric ozone is a component of photochemical smog. e. Tropospheric ozone can damage plants.

b. Ozone in the lower atmosphere protects human health.

Which of the following is not true of sunspots? a. More sunspots indicate increased solar radiation. b. Sunspots are brighter than the rest of the Sun's surface. c. Sunspots can be up to 12 times larger than Earth. d. Sunspots are surface disturbances caused by magnetic storms. e. Sunspots can produce flares and prominences.

b. Sunspots are brighter than the rest of the Sun's surface.

Which is true of the December solstice? a. The North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight. b. The Antarctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination. c. The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) d. The subsolar point is at the equator. e. The Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination.

b. The Antarctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination.

Select all of the following statements that relate best to weather: Multiple answers: a. July and August are the warmest months in Florida b. The high yesterday was 82 degrees c. A thunderstorm with hail is forecast for tonight d. There are more ski resorts in Colorado than Mississippi

b. The high yesterday was 82 degrees c. A thunderstorm with hail is forecast for tonight

What were the two components in Los Angeles smog pollution a. ozone and charcoal b. VOCs and Nitrogen Oxides c. Smog and VOCs d. chlorofluorocarbons and fossil fuel

b. VOCs and Nitrogen Oxides

Why are temperature inversions noteworthy in relation to air pollution? a. Mesospheric conditions are replicated in the troposphere. b. Vertical mixing of pollutants is halted, trapping the pollutants under the inversion layer. c. Surface pollution is moderated by allowing surface air to mix with the air above. D) Air pollution is completely inhibited from forming. d. Air pollution is completely inhibited from forming. e. Lack of vertical mixing of air traps pollutants in the upper atmosphere.

b. Vertical mixing of pollutants is halted, trapping the pollutants under the inversion layer.

Earth's axial tilt is 23.5° measured from a. the plane of the ecliptic. b. a line that is perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic. c. the North Pole to the equator. d. the North Pole to the South Pole. e. the North Pole to the Moon.

b. a line that is perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic.

The feedback loop between Arctic ice and albedo shown below is a. a negative feedback loop. b. a positive feedback loop. c. a neutral feedback loop. d. a weak feedback loop.

b. a positive feedback loop.

The Montreal Protocol a. established a framework to address acid precipitation. b. aims to reduce and eliminate all ozone-depleting substances. c. created the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. d. is ineffective because so few countries have ratified it.

b. aims to reduce and eliminate all ozone-depleting substances.

The reflectivity of a surface is known as a. energy balance b. albedo c. the absorption factor d. the conduction factor

b. albedo

The reflective quality of a surface is known as its? a. conduction. b. albedo. c. absorption. d. scattering.

b. albedo.

A geographic information system is a a. a type of satellite used for monitoring the earth's surface b. computer-based processing tool for analyzing geographic data c. method of collecting geologic data d. method of calculating distance on a map

b. computer-based processing tool for analyzing geographic data

Incoming radiation that reaches Earth's surface after scattering is a. direct insolation. b. diffuse radiation c. indirect insolation d. reflective radiation.

b. diffuse radiation

After 2 protons collide they become lighter. What is their mass converted to? a. light b. energy c. speed d. another proton

b. energy

Which of the following types of radiation have the shortest wavelengths? a. infrared waves b. gamma waves c. visible waves d. X-ray waves

b. gamma waves

What can you tell about the air temperature through most of the stratosphere (based on next figure) a. decreases with increasing altitude b. increases with increasing altitude c. remains constant d. increases or decreases with increasing altitude, depending on the season

b. increases with increasing altitude

According to the scientific method, a prediction a. may not be made until an experiment has been performed. b. is a logical consequence that follows from the hypothesis. c. always refers to something that will occur in the future. d. leads to a hypothesis.

b. is a logical consequence that follows from the hypothesis.

Earth's orbit around the Sun a. is perfectly circular. b. is elliptical. c. takes approximately the same amount of time as the orbit of other planets around the Sun. d. has been constant since the birth of the Solar System.

b. is elliptical.

The movement of heat energy from low to high latitudes by water being evaporated, condensed to a liquid, and deposited as a solid is known as a. sensible heat flux. b. latent heat flux. c. atmospheric heat flux. d. evaporation heat flux.

b. latent heat flux.

According to the scientific method, a legitimate hypothesis a. need not be testable. b. must be testable. c. must be understandable by the layperson. d. can never be proven to be incorrect.

b. must be testable.

What type of feedback maintains stability in a system; i.e., what type of feedback keeps a system functioning properly? a. positive b. negative c. neutral d. open

b. negative

A satellite imaging system that records wavelengths of energy radiated from features is a(n) ____ system. a. active b. passive c. photographic d. Direct

b. passive

If increased levels of carbon dioxide lead to further increases in temperature by promoting the release of even more carbon dioxide from the oceans, this means a ____ feedback has occurred and that the planet is ____. a. positive; in equilibrium b. positive; out of equilibrium c. negative; in equilibrium d. negative; out of equilibrium

b. positive; out of equilibrium

What powers Earth and our lives ? a. energy derived from inside Earth. b. radiant energy from the Sun. c. utility and oil companies. d. shorter wavelengths of gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet.

b. radiant energy from the Sun.

Which of the following types of radiation have the longest wavelengths? a. gamma waves b. radio waves c. ultraviolet waves d. visible waves

b. radio waves

Differential transmissivity of shortwave insolation and longwave terrestrial radiation by various atmospheric gases is better known as a. global dimming. b. the greenhouse effect. c. cloud-albedo forcing. d. global warming.

b. the greenhouse effect.

What does the solar wind first encounter when it gets closer to our planet? a. the atmosphere b. the magnetosphere c. Earth's surface d. the lower atmosphere

b. the magnetosphere

What is remote sensing? a. a subjective determination of temperature b. the monitoring of a distant object without physical contact c. an earthbound technique not used in modern satellites d. based on the principle that surface must be physically handled and directly measured for study

b. the monitoring of a distant object without physical contact

Remote sensing is a. a subjective determination of temperature. b. the monitoring of a distant object without physical contact. c. an earthbound technique not used in modern satellites. d. a locational service for determining longitude and latitude.

b. the monitoring of a distant object without physical contact.

Based on function, the atmosphere has a. five regions beginning with the outermost thermosphere. b. two zones that absorb radiation from the Sun. c. one continuous zone that functions as a whole. d. the troposphere and the stratosphere.

b. two zones that absorb radiation from the Sun.

Oxygen represents approximately how much of our current atmosphere? a. 98% b. 78% c. 21% d. 1%

c. 21%

Light travels at a speed of approximately a. 80,500 kilometers per minute (50,000 miles per minute). b. 80,500 kilometers per hour (50,000 mph). c. 300,000 kilometers per second (186,333 miles per second). d. 1,000,000,000 kilometers per second (621,118,012 miles per second).

c. 300,000 kilometers per second (186,333 miles per second).

What is the Earth's average albedo {19}{20} a. 10% b. 22% c. 31% d. 50%

c. 31%

How much is the incoming solar radiation a. 413.3 W/m2 b. 341.1 W/m2 c. 341.3 W/m2 d. 314.3 W/m2

c. 341.3 W/m2

At which latitude is there NO sunrise on December 21? a. the equator b. 23.5° S c. 66.5 ° N d. 90 ° S

c. 66.5 ° N

How does the difference between shortwave and longwave radiation drive the Greenhouse Effect? a. Shortwave radiation passes through greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere more efficiently than longwave radiation. b. Longwave radiation can be absorbed by greenhouse gases and reflected back to Earth. c. All of the above

c. All of the above

Select the CORRECT OPTION a. Cristopher Colombus was the first one to discover that the Earth was round b. Flat earthers use the scientific method in their claims c. Flat earthers claim that you can only trust your own observations but at the same time neglect to see the evidence that does not support their ideas d. The Earth is a flat disk riding on top of a turtle

c. Flat earthers claim that you can only trust your own observations but at the same time neglect to see the evidence that does not support their ideas

Which of the following characterizes Earth's revolution? a. The orbital shape is best described as circular b. It takes approximately 24 hours. c. It determines the timing of seasons and length of the year. d. It is responsible for creating the circle of illumination and, hence, day/night relationships. e. The orbit has been constant since the formation of the Solar System.

c. It determines the timing of seasons and length of the year.

The scientific method is described by which of the following? a. A single, definitive method for doing science. b. The acceptance of supernatural explanations for phenomena until science proves otherwise. c. Organized processes and procedures for analyzing phenomena and acquiring new knowledge. d. Conjecture of how phenomena operate based on cursory observations.

c. Organized processes and procedures for analyzing phenomena and acquiring new knowledge.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox falls approximately on what day? a. June 21 b. December 21 c. September 21 d. March 21

c. September 21

Which of the following is true of chlorofluorocarbons? a. The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release carbon which then destroys ozone. b. The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release fluorine which then destroys ozone. c. The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release chlorine which then destroys ozone. d. Most of the CFC-induced ozone destruction is occurring near the equator, rather than near the poles.

c. The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release chlorine which then destroys ozone.

Which of the following is true of the ionosphere? a. It primarily absorbs harmful infrared wavelengths. b. All radio signals pass through this region virtually unaffected. c. The region principally absorbs gamma rays, X-rays, and interacts with the solar wind. d. It is being depleted through interactions with human-produced chlorofluorocarbons.

c. The region principally absorbs gamma rays, X-rays, and interacts with the solar wind.

Which of the following is true of the ionosphere? a. It primarily absorbs harmful infrared wavelengths. b. All radio signals pass through this region virtually unaffected. c. The region principally absorbs gamma rays, X-rays, and interacts with the solar wind. d. Radio waves from GPS are strengthened in the ionosphere

c. The region principally absorbs gamma rays, X-rays, and interacts with the solar wind.

Why are humans and other living things not crushed by the pressure of the atmosphere? a. Atmospheric pressure increases with altitude and is, therefore, lowest near the Earth's surface. b. While the atmosphere exerts pressure, it is a negligible amount. c. They exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure. d. The pressure exerted by the atmosphere is not great enough to crush them.

c. They exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure.

The shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun is a. an oval b. a circle c. an ellipse d. a sphere

c. an ellipse

In the United States, most anthropogenic pollution is caused by: a. energy production b. burning forests to create agricultural land c. automobiles d. manufacturing

c. automobiles

Ozone in the lower troposphere a. forms acid rain b. is not associated with transportation c. causes lung irritation, asthma, and susceptibility to respiratory illness in humans. d. is considered beneficial in trapping UV radiation.

c. causes lung irritation, asthma, and susceptibility to respiratory illness in humans.

The scientific method may be trusted because a. it led to the invention of the computer. t is an extremely strict process. b. it has several logical steps. c. its value has been proven over centuries of use. d. it is an extremely strict process.

c. its value has been proven over centuries of use.

If Earth warmed up, and more snow fell because of more water vapor in the atmosphere, and that snow then reduced Earth's temperature, which increased snow cover, then the initial increase in snowfall would be ____ feedback, while the continued increase in snowfall would be ____ feedback. a. positive; positive b. positive; negative c. negative; positive d. negative; negative e. open; closed

c. negative; positive

The thermopause is located a. between the mesosphere and the thermosphere. b. wherever -90°C (-130°F) is recorded. c. on average, approximately 480 km (300 mi.) above Earth's surface. d . at the bottom of the homosphere. e. between the homosphere and the heterosphere.

c. on average, approximately 480 km (300 mi.) above Earth's surface.

A mirage is an example of which radiation-matter interaction? a. reflection b. scattering c. refraction d. transmission

c. refraction

When light passes from one medium to another, resulting in a change in speed and direction of insolation, a. transmission happens. b. Rayleigh scattering is the predominant effect. c. refraction occurs. d. albedo increases.

c. refraction occurs.

In the next figure, the Sun radiates most of its energy in which portion of the electromagnetic spectrum? a. infrared b. ultraviolet c. visible d.microwave e. gamma

c. visible

Which two gases are good absorbers of longwave radiation emitted from Earth? a. oxygen and hydrogen b. ozone and dust c. water vapor and carbon dioxide d. nitrogen and oxygen

c. water vapor and carbon dioxide

The high temperature in the upper thermosphere a. is produced by the absorption of UV radiation. b. is more a measure of sensible temperature than kinetic energy. c. would feel cold to humans due to few molecules for heat transfer. d. produces a tremendous amount of heat transfer. e. is produced primarily by the increased molecular activity of argon and helium.

c. would feel cold to humans due to few molecules for heat transfer

Process that involves the transfer of mass and heat energy by means of vertical motions through a fluid substance like air or water.

convection

Geography literally mean a. "place memorization" b. "the study of rocks" c. "map making" d. to write (about) earth"

d. "to write about earth"

Which of the following best describes the range of the visible light spectrum? a. 2.5 cm to 5.8 cm b. 1 m to 4 m c. 40 mm to 70 mm d. 400 nm to 700 nm

d. 400 nm to 700 nm

How much solar energy is reflected by the deserts? a. 55% b. 35% c. 45% d. 65%

d. 65%

Which of the following is NOT true? a. A person at the equator is rotating with the Earth at a speed of 1038 miles/hour. b. The tilt of the Earth (season) and the latitude of a location on Earth affect the amount of sunlight that location will receive during winter solstice. c. Standing at Nome Alaska (64.5 degrees latitude North) you would experience a never-ending day (sun never sets) during the northern hemisphere Winter. d. At the equator days grow longer with the sun's angle increasing following the winter solstice.

d. At the equator days grow longer with the sun's angle increasing following the winter solstice.

On which of the following days can there be 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness everywhere on Earth? a. June 21 b. July 21 c. December 21 d. March 21

d. March 21

Which of the following is not true with regard to Earth as a system? a. Earth represents a vast integrated system. b. Earth represents an open system in terms of energy. c. Earth represents a closed system in terms of matter. d. New resources and matter are being added to Earth's systems all the time.

d. New resources and matter are being added to Earth's systems all the time.

In this video, the type of pine tree prefers to grow on __, sunny ground a. Crowded b. Dry c. Wet d. Open

d. Open

What is the starting location (0 degree location) used for lines of longitude? a. North Pole b. The 0 degree location varies depending on the time of the year. c. Equator d. Prime Meridian e. South Pole

d. Prime Meridian

Which of the following is incorrect? a. Earth represents a vast integrated system. b. Earth represents an open system in terms of energy. c. Earth represents a closed system in terms of matter. d. Systems in nature are generally not self-contained.

d. Systems in nature are generally not self-contained.

Which of these statements about the Earth system is incorrect? a. Earth represents a complex integrated system. b. Earth represents an open system in terms of energy. c. Earth represents a closed system in terms of matter. d. The Earth's systems are adding new resources and matter all the time.

d. The Earth's systems are adding new resources and matter all the time.

Low-latitude energy surpluses and high-latitude energy deficits produce the poleward transport of energy and mass in each hemisphere, through atmospheric circulation and ocean currents. On the average, which of the following is true regarding the distribution of shortwave and longwave energy at Earth's surface by latitude? a. The equatorial zone is a region of net deficits. b. The polar regions are areas of net surpluses. c. The midlatitudes are the area of the largest surpluses throughout the year. d. The distribution shows an imbalance of net radiation from equator to poles.

d. The distribution shows an imbalance of net radiation from equator to poles.

Which of the following is not true of scientific theories? a. They are based on repeated testing of a hypothesis without being rejected. b. They are broad in scope because they unify several known facts about the world. c. They have undergone rigorous peer review by other members of the scientific community. d. They are absolute truths and can never be proven wrong.

d. They are absolute truths and can never be proven wrong.

The scientific method, a framework for answering scientific questions, is essentially a. a way to verify facts that are already known. b. a large collection of facts. c. a strict set of absolute facts. d. a convention regarding what it means to "know" something.

d. a convention regarding what it means to "know" something.

The ozonosphere is critical to life because of it? a. affects temperatures. b. absorbs visible light wavelengths. c. produces the auroras. d. absorbs most ultraviolet wavelengths

d. absorbs most ultraviolet wavelengths

Systems encountered in nature at Earth's surface, such as a forest, are a. open systems in terms of energy. b. closed systems in terms of energy. c. open systems in terms of matter. d. both open systems in terms of energy and open systems in terms of matter.

d. both open systems in terms of energy and open systems in terms of matter.

The molecule(s) mostly responsible for stratospheric ozone depletion is (are) a. carbon dioxide b. nitrogen oxides c. argon d. chlorofluorocarbons

d. chlorofluorocarbons

Three criteria used for classification of the atmosphere are a. structure, origin, temperature. b. structure, origin, evolution c. composition, origin, evolution. d. composition, temperature, and function.

d. composition, temperature, and function.

The scientific method can only disprove a hypothesis because a. they might be accepted as scientific theory. b. the hypothesis must constantly be revised. c. experiments must be performed several times before it is an absolute fact. d. if the prediction is correct, other explanations cannot be ruled out.

d. if the prediction is correct, other explanations cannot be ruled out.

Energy gained or lost when a substance changes from one state to another is a. radiation b. conduction. c. convection. d. latent heat.

d. latent heat.

According to the scientific method, a hypothesis a. must be phrased in highly technical jargon. b. must have already been tested in previous experiments. c. must always be understandable to the layperson. d. must lead to predictions.

d. must lead to predictions.

About half of Earth's crust consists of compounds containing a. nitrogen. b. argon. c. carbon dioxide. d. oxygen. e. ozone.

d. oxygen.

Based on this figure, polar regions are cooler than tropical regions because a. there is less carbon dioxide to trap infrared radiation. b. there are fewer plants to take up carbon dioxide. c. there is less ocean surface near the poles. d. the Sun's energy is spread over a greater surface area and scattered by more atmosphere.

d. the Sun's energy is spread over a greater surface area and scattered by more atmosphere.

Earth's sky is blue because a. red wavelengths are less common. b. scattering of light from the oceans' surfaces occurs mostly in the blue wavelength. c. there is more scattering of the longer wavelengths of the visible bandwidth. d. there is more scattering of the shorter wavelengths of the visible bandwidth.

d. there is more scattering of the shorter wavelengths of the visible bandwidth.

The term "geography" (geo graphein) literally means a. place names. b. the study of rocks. c. map making. d. to write (about) Earth. e. spatial reasoning and cognition

d. to write (about) Earth.

Which two gases are primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect because of their ability to absorb infrared energy? a. oxygen and hydrogen b. ozone and hydrogen c. nitrogen and oxygen d. water vapor and carbon dioxide

d. water vapor and carbon dioxide

What is the highest value a line of longitude will have? a. 360 degrees b. 0 degrees c. 100 degrees d. 90 degrees e. 180 degrees

e. 180 degrees

Which of the following is not true of carbon dioxide? a. It is critically important in regulating the temperature of the planet. b. Present levels are higher than at any time in the past 800,000 years. c. The steady increase of atmospheric CO2 is primarily from fossil fuel burning. d. Overall, atmospheric CO2 has increased by 16% from 1992 to 2012. e. It occurs in large amounts in the atmosphere relative to other gases.

e. It occurs in large amounts in the atmosphere relative to other gases.

Which of the following best describes latitude? a. Latitude values range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. b. The spacing between lines of latitude decreases toward the poles. c. Latitude is used to measure distance east and west of the 0-degree line. d. Lines of latitude converge at the poles. Latitude is used to measure distance north and south of the 0-degree line. e. Latitude is used to measure distance north and south of the 0 degree line.

e. Latitude is used to measure distance north and south of the 0 degree line.

what issues are studied by geographers? a. climate change b. cultural diversity c. economic globalization d. urban sprawl e. all the above and more

e. all the above and more

The three non-variable gases in the atmosphere, in order of abundance from most to least, are a. carbon dioxide, argon, oxygen. b. oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon. c. argon, oxygen, nitrogen d. oxygen, argon, nitrogen. e. nitrogen, oxygen, argon.

e. nitrogen, oxygen, argon.

Relative to the five themes of geographic science, areas that display uniform human or physical characteristics refer to a. location. b. place. c. human-Earth relationships. d. movement. e. region.

e. region

Liquid-in-glass thermometers measure temperature by physically responding to the addition or loss of (1) energy.

heat

A form of energy created by the combined internal motion of atoms in a substance.

heat energy

Direct and diffused shortwave solar radiation that is received in the Earth's atmosphere or at its surface.

insolation

(1) eat flux moves energy globally when solid and liquid water is converted into vapor.

latent

A potent greenhouse gas (1) that is released through agriculture and livestock activities is extremely effective at absorbing infrared (longwave) radiation.

methane

Between 9 and 10 micrometers, (1) effectively absorbs radiation in the atmosphere.

oxygen and ozone

(1) heat flux is the process where heat energy is transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere by conduction and convection.

sensible

Process where heat energy is transferred into land and ocean surfaces on the Earth.

surface heat flux

Is the ability of a substance to conduct heat.

thermal conductivity

(1) is an effective absorber of infrared (longwave) radiation especially between 5 and 7 micrometers.

water vapor