Geography HW Q's
When did our Solar System begin to form?
5 billion years ago
If it is 10:00 A.M. in Miami, Florida (Eastern time zone), what time is it in Los Angeles, California, located 3 time zones to the west in the Pacific Time zone?
7 A.M.
Which of the following is true of chlorofluorocarbons?
The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release chlorine which then destroys ozone.
Which of the following is not true of sunspots?
Sunspots are brighter than the rest of the Sun's surface.
The practice of setting time ahead or behind during the year, out of coordination with the Sun, is termed
Daylight Saving Time
Travelers flying west from Los Angeles (118° W) to Tokyo (139°) will cross the ________ and, as a result, they will ________ when crossing this meridian.
International Dateline; lose a day (Example: Saturday becomes Sunday.)
Who made a significant, early contribution to cartography by dividing the circumference of Earth into 360° with each degree comprising 60 minutes, and each minute comprising 60 seconds?
Ptolemyin the second century A.D.
Earth's equator is an example of
a great circle
If you wanted a map with a lot of detail of a small area, you would want
a large scale map
Which of the following is the most strongly supported by extensive experimental and observational evidence?
theory
Why is the hole in the ozone greatest over Antarctica?
Chlorine freed from CFCs elsewhere migrate to the Antarctic region, where they are trapped by the polar vortex.
What is the dividing line between daylight and darkness?
Circle of Illumination
Which of the following is not true about the Milky Way Galaxy in which we live?
It is the largest galaxy in the universe.
Which of the following is true regarding the depletion of ozone in the ozonosphere?
It results from chemical reactions with chlorine derived from CFCs.
Which of the following nations has the highest number of time zones?
Russia
Which of the following is true of the ionosphere?
The region principally absorbs gamma rays, X-rays, and interacts with the solar wind.
Which of the following is not true of scientific theories?
They are absolute truths and can never be proven wrong.
A hypothesis is best describe as a) observations of particular phenomena. b) the experimental phase of the scientific process. c) the peer review stage of the scientific process. d) an explanation of the natural world based on extensive testing. r) a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon.
a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon.
The Sun's declination migrates through ________ of latitude annually. a) 47° b) 66.5° c) 23.5° d) 30° e) 90°
a) 47°
The top of the Earth's atmosphere is approximately a) 480 km (300 mi) above the Earth's surface. b) 2,000 km (1,243 mi) above the Earth's surface. c) 3,200 km (1,988 mi) above the Earth's surface. d) 1,000 km (621 mi) above the Earth's surface. e) 10 km (6.21 mi) above the Earth's surface.
a) 480 km (300 mi) above the Earth's surface.
With respect to air, water, and material resources, which of the following is true? a) A forest is an open system. b) A forest is an open system in terms of air, but closed in terms of material resources. c) A forest is a closed system. d) A forest is an open system in terms of water, but closed in terms of energy resources. e) A forest cannot be considered either on open or closed system.
a) A forest is an open system.
How did our Solar System begin to form? a) A large cloud of dust and gas began to contract under the force of gravity. b) A large cloud of dust and gas began to contract under the force of magnetism. c) A large cloud of dust and gas began to expand under the force of magnetism. d) A large cloud of dust and gas began to expand under the force of gravity.
a) A large cloud of dust and gas began to contract under the force of gravity.
Which of the following is true relative to insolation at the thermopause relative to latitude? a) Annually, lower latitudes receive more insolation than the high latitudes. b) Insolation can only be measured longitudinally, not latitudinally. c) Insolation variations is governed by elevation, not latitude. d) Annually, insolation is evenly distributed with little change by latitude. e) Annually, higher latitudes receive more insolation than lower latitudes.
a) Annually, lower latitudes receive more insolation than the high latitudes.
The uneven distribution of insolation by latitude is primarily a result of a) Earth's curvature. b) the changing distance of Earth from the Sun. c) variability in the Sun's output. d) sun spot cycles. e) solar wind activity.
a) Earth's curvature
What conditions would one expect to find in Quito, Ecuador, located at 0° 15' N, 78° 35' S? a) Equal daylengths throughout the year. b) 24 hours of darkness during the June Solstice. c) The subsolar point directly overhead at noon on June 21st. d) The subsolar point directly overhead at noon on December 21st. e) Long, dark winter nights.
a) Equal daylengths throughout the year.
Which of the following is true of gases in the heterosphere? a) Hydrogen and helium occur at the top of the heterosphere and oxygen and nitrogen dominate in the lower heterosphere. b) Oxygen and nitrogen occur at the top of the heterosphere and hydrogen and helium dominate in the lower heterosphere. c) Nitrogen occurs at the top, followed in descending order by helium, oxygen and hydrogen. d) Oxygen occurs at the top, followed in descending order by hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen. e) The hydrogen, helium, oxygen and nitrogen are well mixed.
a) Hydrogen and helium occur at the top of the heterosphere and oxygen and nitrogen dominate in the lower heterosphere.
Our Solar System is embedded in the ________ of the Milky Way. a) Orion Spur of the Sagittarius Arm b) Vela Molecular Ridge c) Perseus Arm d) Cygnus X complex e) Scutum-Centaurus Arm
a) Orion Spur of the Sagittarius Arm
________ is a measure of the average kinetic energy of individual molecules in matter. a) Temperature b) Electromagnetic radiation c) Thermal infrared through radiation d) Visible light e) Heat
a) Temperature
Which is true of the June solstice? a) The Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination. b) The subsolar point is at the equator. c) The Antarctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination. d) The South Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight. e) The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° N).
a) The Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination.
Which of the following is true? a)The Sun emits shortwave radiation, whereas Earth emits longwave radiation b) The radiation emitted by the Sun and Earth are roughly the same wavelength. c) Because the Sun is so far away, it is impossible to measure the wavelengths of its radiation. d) The Sun emits longwave radiation, whereas Earth emits shortwave radiation. e) While the wavelengths emitted by the Sun and Earth are mostly the same, Earth tends to emit more shortwave radiation than the Sun.
a) The Sun emits shortwave radiation, whereas Earth emits longwave radiation
Which of the following statements about Earth's shape is correct? a) The equatorial diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the polar diameter. b) The polar diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the equatorial diameter. c) The polar diameter is 10 km (6 mi.) greater than the equatorial diameter. d) Earth is a prolate spheroid. e) Earth is perfectly spherical.
a) The equatorial diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the polar diameter.
Which stable (nonvariable) gas in the atmosphere is inert and unusable in life processes? a) argon b) oxygen c) nitrogen d) neon e) carbon dioxide
a) argon
Which control of temperature accounts for the fact that higher latitudes experience such a wide variation in average temperatures? a) axial tilt b) daylength c) declination d) sphericity e) revolution
a) axial tilt
Based on temperature, the atmosphere is divided into a) four regions, ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere. b) two regions based on composition. c) two functional areas that absorb radiation from the Sun. d) two broad regions. e) four regions based on composition.
a) four regions, ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere.
The region of the atmosphere that is so evenly mixed that it behaves as if it were a single gas is the a) homosphere. b) heterosphere. c) exosphere. d) ionosphere. e) thermosphere.
a) homosphere
Solar radiation that is intercept by Earth is called a) insolation. b) thermal infrared radiation. c) thermopause. d) solar wind. e) solar constant.
a) insolation
The Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice occurs a) on or around December 21. b) during the Northern Hemisphere's equinox. c) at the same time as the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice. d) on or around June 21. e) when the subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer.
a) on or around December 21.
The heterosphere is the layer of the atmosphere in which the gases are ________ because of ________. a) poorly mixed; gravity causes gases of different weight to separate into layers b) poorly mixed; thermal motions (i.e., convection) c) well mixed; gravity causes gases of different weight to diffuse randomly d) well mixed; thermal motions (i.e., convection) e) moderately mixed due to both thermal motion and separation by gravity
a) poorly mixed; gravity causes gases of different weight to separate into layers
Average daily net radiation flows tend to be a) positive at lower latitudes. b) equal at all latitudes. c) negative at lower latitudes d) lowest in the midlatitudes (40° to 60° N/S). e) highest in the midlatitudes (40° to 60° N/S).
a) positive at lower latitudes.
What is the name of the location on Earth's surface that receives the Sun's perpendicular rays? a) subsolar point b) zenith c) azimuth d) sun spot e) solar constant
a) subsolar point
On its way to Earth, solar winds first encounter a) the magnetosphere. b) the lower atmosphere. c) Earth's surface. d) the stratosphere. e) the ionosphere.
a) the magnetosphere
Which of the following is not one of the reasons for Earth's seasonality? a) the moon's rotation around Earth b) rotation of Earth around the Sun c) Earth's daily rotation on its axis d) Earth's axial tilt e) Earth's sphericity
a) the moon's rotation around Earth
The ozonosphere is critical to life because it
absorbs most ultraviolet wavelengths.
A system is best described as
any set of ordered, interrelated components working as a unified whole.
The tropopause altitude is highest ________ because of the ________. a) during the summer; increased atmospheric pressure b) in the midlatitudes; the constant movement of the subsolar point c) during the winter; Sun's direct rays hitting the Tropic of Capricorn d) at the equator; air expansion from intense heating at the surface e) at the poles; diffuse solar radiation
at the equator; air expansion from intense heating at the surface
Which of the following does not accurately describe Earth's distance from the Sun? a) Earth is farthest away from the Sun in July (aphelion). b) Due to Earth's circular orbit, it is always equidistant from the sun throughout the year. c) It takes light an average of 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the Sun to Earth. d) The Earth-Sun distance averages 150 million kilometers (93 million miles). e) Earth is closest to the Sun in January (perihelion).
b) Due to Earth's circular orbit, it is always equidistant from the sun throughout the year.
When do all locations on Earth experience equal lengths of day and night? a) December equinox b) March equinox c) March solstice d) December solstice
b) March Equinox
Which of the following statements about Earth's solstices is correct? a) The December equinox is the time of year when Earth's geographic South Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun. b) The December solstice is the time of year when Earth's geographic South Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun. c) The December equinox is the time of year when Earth's geographic South Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun. d) The December solstice is the time of year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun.
b) The December solstice is the time of year when Earth's geographic South Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun.
Which of the following statements is correct? a) The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox is the Southern Hemisphere's summer equinox. b) The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox is the Southern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox. c) The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox is the Southern Hemisphere's winter solstice. d) The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox is the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice. e) The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox is the Southern Hemisphere's vernal equinox.
b) The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox is the Southern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox.
Which of the following about the Sun is false? a) The Sun and Solar System are part of the Milky Way Galaxy. b) The Sun is the largest star in the Milky Way Galaxy. c) The Sun produces energy through fusion. d) The Sun has average temperature, size, and color when compared to other Stars in our galaxy. e) The principal outputs of the Sun consists of solar wind and radiant energy.
b) The Sun is the largest star in the Milky Way Galaxy.
Which of the following statements regarding the seasons is correct? a) Earth's axial tilt is about 40 degrees. b) The five factors that give rise to the seasons are revolution, rotation, tilt, axial parallelism, and sphericity. c) Alaska is the only U.S. state to receive sunlight at a 90-degree angle. d) The Sun's altitude refers to its distance from Earth. e) The rotational velocity of Earth at the equator is 40,075 kmph (24,902 mph).
b) The five factors that give rise to the seasons are revolution, rotation, tilt, axial parallelism, and sphericity.
Which of the following statements regarding solar wind is correct? a) The auroras always appear as a reddish glow in the upper atmosphere. b) The solar wind consists of electrically charged particles. c) The solar wind is guided toward Earth's equator by the magnetosphere. d) Solar wind causes the aurora borealis over the Southern Hemisphere. e) Sunspot activity varies randomly, but the total number in any year is roughly constant.
b) The solar wind consists of electrically charged particles.
Which of the following statements about the Earth's energy budget is correct? a) The South Pole receives more insolation than the North Pole during their respective summers because the South Pole has more ice. b) The tropics receive 2.5 times more energy than the poles. c) Solar energy that is always traveling from the Sun to Earth is called the solar constant. d) The poles are regions of positive net radiation. e) The latitudinal imbalance in energy is critical because it causes the migration of the sub-solar point.
b) The tropics receive 2.5 times more energy than the poles.
Which of the following is not true of meridians? a) All meridians are the same length. b) They are lines that run in an east-west direction. c) They cross parallels at right angles. d) Every meridian is one half a great circle. e) They are used to measure east-west angular distances.
b) They are lines that run in an east-west direction.
Oxygen (O2) is a) not essential to life on the planet. b) a by-product of photosynthesis. c) now measured at 78.084% by volume in the homosphere. d) one of the gases from Earth's earliest atmospheres. e) a gas which principally originates from volcanic sources.
b) a by-product of photosynthesis.
The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a) those wavelengths of electromagnetic energy greater than 3.00 μm. b) all possible wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. c) only radiant energy within the visible light wavelength range. d) those wavelengths of electromagnetic energy smaller than 0.01 μm. e) thermal infrared through radiowaves only.
b) all possible wavelengths of electromagnetic energy.
Nitrogen (N2) is a) a key component of life, integrated into our bodies directly from the air. b) cycled through the environment via the activity of bacteria. c) a product of the radioactive decay of a form of potassium in the crust. d) now measured at 20.946% by volume in the homosphere. e) the least abundant constant gas in the homosphere.
b) cycled through the environment via the activity of bacteria.
Earth's magnetosphere is generated by a) nuclear fusion in Earth's core. b) dynamo-like motions in Earth's interior. c) gravitational accretion. d) sun spot activity. e) nuclear fission in Earth's core.
b) dynamo-like motions in Earth's interior.
The actual distance on the ground spanned by a degree of longitude is greatest at the a) poles. b) equator. c) prime meridian. d) International Date Line. e) subtropics.
b) equator
The outermost region of the atmosphere, based on composition, is the a) homosphere. b) heterosphere. c) exosphere. d) troposphere. e) thermosphere.
b) heterosphere
The dominant wavelength emitted by Earth is a) visible light. b) infrared. c) microwave. d) X-ray radiation. e) gamma radiation.
b) infrared
The high temperatures in the thermosphere occur because a) high intensity solar radiation causes strong chemical reactions with ozone, and this heats the layer to very high temperatures. b) it is in direct contact with high energy solar radiation. c) methane is such an effective greenhouse gas. d) carbon dioxide has accumulated to very high levels in this layer. e) infrared radiation from the ground heats this layer more than any other layer.
b) it is in direct contact with high energy solar radiation.
How far north you live from the equator is measured as your ________, whereas an imaginary line marking all those places at that same distance north of the equator is called a ________. a) parallel; latitude b) latitude; parallel c) location; place d) longitude; meridian e) meridian; longitude
b) latitude; parallel
The transformation of a spherical globe to a 2D surface is a a) globe. b) map projection. c) cone. d) 0 scale. e) diagram.
b) map projection
The three stable (i.e., nonvariable) gases in the atmosphere, in order of abundance from most to least, are a) argon, oxygen, nitrogen. b) nitrogen, oxygen, argon. c) oxygen, argon, nitrogen. d) oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon. e) carbon dioxide, argon, oxygen.
b) nitrogen, oxygen, argon
The sun radiates ________ concentrated around ________. a) shorter wavelength; 10-8 μm. b) shorter wavelength; 0.5 μm. c) shorter wavelength; 0.001 μm. d) longer wavelength; 3.00 μm. e) longer wavelength; 103 μm.
b) shorter wavelength; 0.5 μm.
Which of the following is an example of a closed system? a) a river drainage basin b) the Earth (in terms of matter) c) a forest d) an automobile e) the Earth (in terms of energy)
b) the Earth (in terms of matter)
The meridian opposite of Earth's prime meridian (0° longitude) is called a) subsolar point. b) the International Date Line. c) the equator. d) secondary meridian. e) the anti-meridian.
b) the International Date Line
Axial parallelism refers to a) the "wobble" of Earth on its axis during its annual revolution. b) the alignment of Earth's axis relative to the plane of ecliptic, Polaris, and other stars. c) the "wobble" of Earth on its axis during its daily rotation. d) variations in the axial tilt over a 41,000 year period. e) the curvature of Earth's surface relative to insolation.
b) the alignment of Earth's axis relative to the plane of ecliptic, Polaris, and other stars.
The Sun's altitude refers to a) the latitude of the subsolar point. b) the angular height of the Sun above the horizon. c) the distance of the sun from Earth. d) the difference between the angles of insolation at the equator and the poles. e) the angular distance from the equator to the latitude to the subsolar point.
b) the angular height of the Sun above the horizon.
The solar constant is measured at a) the Sun's surface. b) the thermopause. c) Earth's surface. d) the edge of the Sun's atmosphere. e) sea level.
b) the thermopause
The December solstice is ____________. a) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun b) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun c) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun
b) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun
The June solstice is ______________. a) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun b) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun c) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun
b) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun
Where does the greatest distortion in a Mercator projection occur? a) midlatitudes b) towards the poles c) the equator d) It varies. e) There is no distortion in a Mercator projection.
b) towards the poles
Systems encountered in nature at Earth's surface, such as a forest, are a) open systems in terms of matter. b) closed systems in terms of energy. c) open systems in terms of energy. d) both open systems in terms of energy and open systems in terms of matter. e) both closed systems in terms of energy and open systems in terms of matter.
both open systems in terms of energy and open systems in terms of matter.
Half of the total mass of Earth's atmosphere lies below an elevation of ________ meters. a) 11,000 b) 14,000 c) 5,500 d) 8,300 e) 25,000
c) 5,500
Which of the following is correct regarding daylength? a) The equator experiences 6 hours differences in daylength between summer and winter. b) The range of daylength is shortest in the polar regions. c) Day length is always 12 hours long at the equator. d) The poles always experience equal hours of day and night. e) Daylength is uniform at al latitudes throughout the year.
c) Day length is always 12 hours long at the equator.
The scientific method is described by which of the following? a)The acceptance of supernatural explanations for phenomena until science proves otherwise. b) Irreproducible results accepted as theory. c) Organized processes and procedures for analyzing phenomena and acquiring new knowledge. d) Conjecture of how phenomena operate based on cursory observations. e) A single, definitive method for doing science.
c) Organized processes and procedures for analyzing phenomena and acquiring new knowledge.
________ refers to changes in daylength and the Sun's altitude over the course of the year. a) Declination b) Eccentricty c) Seasonality d) Parallelism e) Sphericity
c) Seasonality
Which of the following is true of the number of hours of daylight? a) Annually, the hours of daylight varies the most along the equator. b) Annually, the hours of daylight varies the least at higher latitudes. c) The hours of daylight varies depending on the latitude of the observer. d) The poles always experience equal hours of day and night. e) Annually, the hours of daylight is constant at each latitude.
c) The hours of daylight varies depending on the latitude of the observer.
How does the inclination of Earth's axis (relative to the plane of its orbit) change over the course of a year? a) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes steeper. b) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shorter. c) The inclination of Earth's axis does not change. d) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shallower. e) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes longer.
c) The inclination of Earth's axis does not change.
Despite its high temperatures, why would the thermosphere feel cold to humans? a) The atmosphere is denser in the thermosphere and this pressure reduces heat transfer. b) The average kinetic energy is actually less in the thermosphere than the troposphere. c) The number of molecules is not high enough to transfer heat to human's skin. d) Humans would die due to pressure changes before they could experience the intense heat.
c) The number of molecules is not high enough to transfer heat to human's skin.
Which of the following is true regarding the prime meridian? a) The key to measuring angular distances east and west of the prime meridian was the development of accurate compasses. b) The prime meridian is a small circle. c) The prime meridian passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England. d) International agreement regarding the location of the prime meridian was not resolved until the 1980s when a treaty was completed. e) While latitude can be represented as both degrees, minutes and seconds and decimal degrees, longitude is always represented using decimal degrees.
c) The prime meridian passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England.
Which is true of the March equinox? a) The subsolar point is at the South Pole. b) The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N). c) The subsolar point is at the equator. d) The subsolar point is at the North Pole. e) The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S).
c) The subsolar point is at the equator.
What is a nebula? a) a large, concentrated cloud of dust and liquid in space b) a large, concentrated cloud of dust and gas in space c) a large, diffuse cloud of dust and gas in space d) a large, diffuse cloud of dust and liquid in space
c) a large, diffuse cloud of dust and gas in space
The term "net radiation" refers to the a) variations in insolation latitudinally due to solar wind activity. b) variations in insolation latitudinally due to sun spot cycles. c) difference in the amount of incoming and outgoing radiation. d) total amount of energy received by Earth. e) total amount of energy radiated by Earth.
c) difference in the amount of incoming and outgoing radiation.
When are the Sun's rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the equator? a) during the June and September equinoxes b) during the December and March solstices c) during the March equinox and September equinox d) during the December solstice and June solstice
c) during the March equinox and September equinox
The equinox a) occurs only in the Southern Hemisphere. b) occurs four times during the year. c) has 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night for all locations. d) is the longest day of the year at any given place. e) is when the subsolar point is at one of the tropics
c) has 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night for all locations.
The auroras in the upper atmosphere are caused by a) coronal mass ejections entering the atmosphere at lower latitudes (below 30°). b) sun spot activity and gravitational accretion. c) interaction of the solar wind and upper layers of Earth's atmosphere. d) UV and visible light interaction with the asthenosphere. e) stratospheric ozone depletion.
c) interaction of the solar wind and upper layers of Earth's atmosphere.
Which of the following comprise the fundamental duality in the field of geography? a) political versus environmental b) physical versus economic c) physical versus human d) economic versus political e) environmental versus social
c) physical versus human
Scale in the context of examining physical geographic patterns and processes is best described as the a) distance or area on a map relative to actual distance or area in the "real world." b) direct measurements of spatial distributions natural phenomena. c) relative spatial and/or temporal size or extent of some attribute. d) simple, organized steps leading to concrete, objective decisions. e) communication of the findings of scientific research in peer reviewed forums.
c) relative spatial and/or temporal size or extent of some attribute.
The Tropic of Capricorn refers to a) the parallel that is the farthest northern location of the subsolar point during the year. b) the location of the subsolar point on or around December 21. c) the parallel that occurs at 23.5° South. d) the location of the subsolar point on or around September 22. e) the parallel that occurs at 66.5° South.
c) the parallel that occurs at 23.5° South.
The plane of Earth's orbit about the Sun is called a) perihelion. b) aphelion. c) the plane of the ecliptic. d) the great circle. e) the subsolar point.
c) the plane of the ecliptic.
The key idea behind the scientific method is a) an acceptance of other scientists explanations based on their expert knowledge. b) an appeal to supernatural explanations when natural explanations have not yet been found for a phenomenon. c) the testing of ideas through controlled observations and experiments. d) unbridled speculation about the world. e) the use of intuition in testing hypotheses.
c) the testing of ideas through controlled observations and experiments.
Where did the energy of the Sun come from originally? a) ultraviolet energy that was converted from the gravitational energy of the original nebula collapse b) ultraviolet energy that was converted from the magnetic energy of the original nebula collapse c) thermal energy that was converted from the gravitational energy of the original nebula collapse d) thermal energy that was converted from the magnetic energy of the original nebula collapse
c) thermal energy that was converted from the gravitational energy of the original nebula collapse
As viewed from the equator, Earth's rotation is described as a) east to west. b) north to south. c) west to east. d) clockwise. e) counterclockwise.
c) west to east
Light travels at a speed of approximately a) 300,000 kilometers per hour (186,336 mph). b) 1,000,000,000 kilometers per second (621,118,012 miles per second). c) 80,500 kilometers per minute (50,000 miles per minute). d) 300,000 kilometers per second (186,333 miles per second). e) 80,500 kilometers per hour (50,000 mph).
d) 300,000 kilometers per second (186,333 miles per second).
UTC refers to a) Universal Time Circles. b) the International Date Line. c) Universal Time Conference. d) Coordinated Universal Time. e) Greenwich Mean Time.
d) Coordinated Universal Time
Which of the following is not true? a) Throughout the year, Earth's axis maintains the same alignment relative to the plane of the ecliptic. b) Earth's axis is tilted 23.5° relative to the plane of the ecliptic. c) The axial tilt ranges roughly between 22° and 24.5° over a 41,000 year cycle. d) During the winter months, Earth's axis is aligned towards Southern Cross. e) The axis through Earth's two poles points just slightly off Polaris.
d) During the winter months, Earth's axis is aligned towards Southern Cross.
The basis for our global time system is a) the oblateness of Earth. b) Earth moves through 365.25 days a year in its orbit about the Sun. c) rotational speed at each parallel. d) Earth rotates 15° of longitude per hour. e) Earth rotates east to west as viewed from Polaris.
d) Earth rotates 15° of longitude per hour.
Which of the following characterizes Earth's revolution? a) The orbit has been constant since the formation of the Solar System. b) The orbital shape is best described as circular. c) It is responsible for creating the circle of illumination and, hence, day/night relationships. d) It determines the timing of seasons and length of the year. e) It takes approximately 24 hours.
d) It determines the timing of seasons and length of the year.
Which of the following statements is correct? a) On January 3, the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. b) On or about December 21, the Sun is overhead at the equator. c) On or about June 21, the Sun is directly overhead at the Arctic Circle. d) On or about June 21 and December 21, the length of daylight and darkness are most unequal in length. e) On July 4, the Earth is closest to the Sun.
d) On or about June 21 and December 21, the length of daylight and darkness are most unequal in length.
Which of the following relationships is incorrect? a) March equinox subsolar point at 0° b) June 21 subsolar point at 23.5° N c) December solstice subsolar point at 23.5° S d) September equinox subsolar point at 23.5° S e) June solstice subsolar point at 23.5° N
d) September equinox subsolar point at 23.5° S
Which of the following statements about the Sun and its radiation is correct? a) Solar wind travels at the speed of light. b) The Sun creates heat and light through nuclear fission. c) The magnetosphere interacts with solar wind to create auroras over the equator. d) Sunspot activity varies on a roughly 11-year cycle. e) The Northern Lights are the aurora australis.
d) Sunspot activity varies on a roughly 11-year cycle.
Which is true of the September equinox? a) The Antarctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination. b) There are 24 hours of daylight at the North Pole. c) The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° S). d) The circle of illumination passes through both poles. e) The Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination.
d) The circle of illumination passes through both poles.
Why are humans and other living things not crushed by the pressure of the atmosphere? a) The pressure exerted by the atmosphere is not great enough to crush them. b) Atmospheric pressure increases with altitude and is, therefore, lowest near the Earth's surface. c) The tropopause serves as a buffer against the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. d) They exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure. e) While the atmosphere exerts pressure, it is a negligible amount.
d) They exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure.
Air consists of a) primarily oxygen and several trace gases, such as carbon dioxide. b) oxygen only. c) unevenly mixed gases that act independently. d) a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas. e) mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor.
d) a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas.
Sustainable development seeks to a) restrict economic activity in MDCs to foster more economic activity in LDCs. b) meet a growing populations needs now without consideration of the future. c) severely limit human development to protect the environment. d) advance the condition of human society while maintaining functioning Earth systems. e) enforce mandates to strongly curtail economic activities that are environmentally detrimental.
d) advance the condition of human society while maintaining functioning Earth systems.
The three inorganic Earth "spheres" around which Geosystems is designed are the a) stratosphere, magnetosphere, and troposphere. b) atmosphere, magnetosphere, and heterosphere c) thermosphere, lithosphere, heterosphere. d) hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. e) atmosphere, geoid, and homosphere.
d) hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere.
The sun emits radiant energy composed of a) mainly ultraviolet and X-rays. b) only radiant energy within the visible light wavelength range. c) those wavelengths of electromagnetic energy smaller than 0.01 μm. d) mainly visible light and infrared energy. e) thermal infrared through radiowaves only.
d) mainly visible light and infrared energy.
The basic idea behind the planetesimal hypothesis is that a) early in the Solar System's history, a star passed near the Sun and pulled off gases that eventually condensed to form planets. b) cosmic debris from the Big Bang coalesced to form planets as they neared the gravitational pull of the Sun. c) planets form from the remains of super-giant planetesimals that blow apart, thereby creating smaller objectsthe planets. d) small grains of cosmic dust and other solids gradual accrete to form planetesimals that may grow to become protoplanets and eventually planets. e) planets form as a direct result of the nuclear fusion of nebular gases.
d) small grains of cosmic dust and other solids gradual accrete to form planetesimals that may grow to become protoplanets and eventually planets.
at the equator; air expansion from intense heating at the surface a) stratosphere and mesosphere b) mesosphere and thermosphere c) troposphere and stratosphere d) stratosphere and thermosphere e) troposphere and mesosphere
d) stratosphere and thermosphere
One June 21st, the Sun's declination is at a) the Antarctic Circle. b) the Arctic Circle. c) the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S). d) the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° S). e) the equator.
d) the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° S).
Based on composition, the atmosphere is divided into a) two functional areas that absorb radiation from the Sun. b) the troposphere and the stratosphere. c) one continuous region. d) two broad classifications: homosphere and heterosphere. e) four regions based on temperature gradients.
d) two broad classifications: homosphere and heterosphere.
The difference in Sun time between two places located 30° in longitude apart from one another is a) 30 seconds. b) 30 minutes. c) one hour. d) two hours. e) three hours.
d) two hours
Human population growth rates are expected to
decrease with virtually all new population growth in LDCs.
Comparing the three temperature scales, absolute zero is a) 32° C. b) 0° F. c) 32° F. d) -273° K. e) 0° K.
e) 0° K.
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, which of the following is true? a) Daylength decreases from the winter solstice until the vernal equinox, when it begins to increase. b) Daylength becomes increasingly longer during the period from the summer solstice until the winter solstice. c) The longest day of the year occurs on the December solstice. d) Daylength variations are negligible for all locations throughout the year except above the Arctic Circle. e) Daylength is longest on the summer solstice and is shortest on the winter solstice.
e) Daylength is longest on the summer solstice and is shortest on the winter solstice.
Which statement describes latitude? a) Latitudes are usually designated as east or west. b) Latitude lines converge at the poles. c) Latitude measurement starts at the North Pole. d) Latitude measures as high as 180 degrees. e) Latitude lines are parallel to one another.
e) Latitude lines are parallel to one another.
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. e) New resources and matter are being added to Earth's systems all the time.
e) New resources and matter are being added to Earth's systems all the time.
Which of the following statements about energy from the Sun is correct? a) On the average, Earth emits shorter wavelength radiation than the Sun. b) About 4% of the Sun's radiation is in the visible light spectrum. c) Earth acts as a blackbody because of its dark color. d) The surface temperature of the Sun is about 6000°F. e) On an energy distribution curve, the Sun's emissions peak at around 0.5 micrometers.
e) On an energy distribution curve, the Sun's emissions peak at around 0.5 micrometers.
Which is true of the December solstice? a) The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) b) The subsolar point is at the equator. c) The Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination. d) The North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight. e) The Antarctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination.
e) The Antarctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination.
Which of the following sequences is arranged in order from shorter wavelength to longer wavelength? a) radio waves, visible, heat, X-rays b) infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays c) gamma rays, microwaves, visible, X-rays d) visible, gamma rays, radio waves, infrared e) X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared
e) X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared
On June 21, the Sun never sets at Finn's location. Based on this, it can be concluded that Finn is currently a) at the equator. b) between the Tropic of Cancer and Arctic Circle. c) above the Antarctic Circle. d) between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle. e) above the Arctic Circle.
e) above the Arctic Circle
On the March equinox a) all latitudes on Earth except the equator experience unequal daylengths. b) the Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illumination. c) the subsolar point is at the South Pole. d) the Sun's direct rays strike perpendicular to the Tropic of Capricorn(23.5° S). e) all latitudes between the poles experience equal daylength.
e) all latitudes between the poles experience equal daylength.
Where does the length of day remain the same throughout the year? a) within ten degrees of the North Pole b) at the Tropic of Capricorn c) within ten degrees of the South Pole d) at the Tropic of Cancer e) at the equator
e) at the equator
UTC is based on a) very precise pendulum motion in Greenwich, U.K. b) the pulse rate of pulsar stars. c) Big Ben. d) average local times calculated at 300 different locations around the globe. e) average time calculations from atomic clocks collected worldwide.
e) average time calculations from atomic clocks collected worldwide.
At all times during the year, the circle of illumination a) separates spring from autumn. b) separates winter from summer. c) divides Earth between Northern and Southern hemispheres. d) divides Earth between Eastern and Western hemispheres. e) divides between day and night.
e) divides between day and night.
If City A is located 35° west of City B, the time at City A is ________ that at City B. a) the same as earlier in the summer months, later in the winter months. b) later than c) earlier during daylights d) saving only e) earlier than
e) earlier than
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of gases, from most to least, in terms of percentage within the homosphere? a) oxygen, ozone, nitrogen, PAN, carbon dioxide b) oxygen, nitrogen, neon, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide c) carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, argon d) nitrogen, argon, oxygen, xenon, carbon dioxide e) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, trace gases
e) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, trace gases
The thermopause is located a) at the bottom of the homosphere. b) wherever -90°C (-130°F) is recorded. c) between the homosphere and the heterosphere. d) between the mesosphere and the thermosphere. e) on average, approximately 480 km (300 mi.) above Earth's surface.
e) on average, approximately 480 km (300 mi.) above Earth's surface.
The subsolar point occurs a) at all latitudes at least once throughout the year. b) at all latitudes between 60° N and S. c) only within a few degrees north or south of the equator. d) primarily in the Northern Hemisphere to 33.5° N. e) only at lower latitudes between the Tropics (23.5° N/S).
e) only at lower latitudes between the Tropics (23.5° N/S).
Which of the gases listed below has accumulated in the atmosphere as a result of biological processes? a) neon b) xenon c) argon d) water vapor e) oxygen
e) oxygen
Which of the following is characterized by the longest wavelengths a) X-rays b) thermal infrared c) visible d) gamma rays e) radio waves
e) radio waves
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) a) established 24 standard meridians around the globe at equal intervals from the prime meridian. b) is two hours ahead of Zulu time, indicating the single moment when all locations on the planet are on the same calendar day. c) is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). d) is determined using astronomical clocks that rely on Earth's rotation. e) replaced Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and became the legal reference for official time in all countries.
e) replaced Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and became the legal reference for official time in all countries.
The average insolation received by the thermopause when Earth is at its average distance from the sun is known as the a) aurora. b) insolation. c) energy balance. d) solar wind. e) solar constant.
e) solar constant
If you began a trip at 60° west, 20° north and traveled 120° farther west and 50° south, your new position would be a) the Greenwich meridian at 30° south. b) the International Dateline at 70° north. c) 30° north, 120° west. d) the Greenwich meridian at 70° north. e) the International Dateline at 30° south.
e) the International Dateline at 30° south.
The Sun's declination refers to a) the angular height of the Sun above the horizon. b) the distance of the sun from Earth. c) the difference between the angles of insolation at the equator and the poles. d) the altitude, in thousands of feet, of the Sun above the horizon. e) the latitude of the subsolar point.
e) the latitude of the subsolar point.
The word "spatial" refers to a) the organization of human societies in relationship to the physical environment. b) system operations, such as feedback loops, that influence its own operations. 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) the nature and character of physical space and the distribution of things within it.
e) the nature and character of physical space and the distribution of things within it
The Tropic of Cancer refers to a) the parallel that occurs at 23.5° South. b) the location of the subsolar point on or around September 22. c) 0° latitude when the Sun crosses the equator. d) the location of the subsolar point on or around December 21. e) the parallel that is the farthest northern location of the subsolar point during the year.
e) the parallel that is the farthest northern location of the subsolar point during the year.
On the September Equinox a) the Northern Hemisphere's spring officially begins. b) all latitudes on Earth except the equator experiences unequal daylengths. c) the Arctic Circle is completely within the circle of illuminations and experiences 24 hours of daylength. d) the subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° S). e) the sun rises at the South Pole and will remain over the horizon for the next six months.
e) the sun rises at the South Pole and will remain over the horizon for the next six months.
The highest temperatures in the atmosphere occur in the a) stratosphere. b) troposphere. c) homosphere. d) mesosphere. e) thermosphere.
e) thermosphere
Which atmospheric zone supports the biosphere and is the region of principle weather activity? a) exosphere b) thermosphere c) mesosphere d) stratosphere e) troposphere
e) troposphere
The diameter of Earth is largest when measured around the
equator
The science that specifically attempts to determine Earth's shape and size by surveys and mathematical means is called
geodesy
In the scientific method, what is a tentative explanation for a phenomena?
hypothesis
The majority of the world's human population lives primarily
in less-developed countries (LDCs).
Which of the following is not cited as a factor in helping to reduce air pollution?
increased use of coal as an energy source
Earth's orbit around the Sun
is elliptical
An angular distance measured north or south of the equator from the center of Earth is termed
latitude
An angular distance measured east or west of a prime meridian from the center of Earth is termed
longitude
What type of feedback maintains stability in a system; i.e., what type of feedback keeps a system functioning properly?
negative
Predator/prey relationships are an example of
negative feedback, because prey populations tend to achieve a balance with the number of predators.
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 snow fall would be ________ feedback, while the continued increase in snow fall would be ________ feedback.
negative; positive
If a system responds to a change in input by moving further away from its equilibrium condition, what type of feedback has occurred?
positive
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 ________.
positive; out of equilibrium
As we burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide, the temperature of our planet and the oceans will increase. When the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide, further warming the planet and oceans. This is an example of a ________ feedback loop and may result in the crossing of a(n) ________.
positive; threshold
The larger the scale of a map, the ________ the area covered by the map and the ________ detail it can provide.
smaller; more
A surface disturbance on the Sun's surface caused by magnetic storms is called a(n)
sunspot
In terms of incoming solar radiation (insolation), which is the correct order?
thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
The term "geography" (geo graphein) literally means
to write (about) Earth
In which two atmospheric zones does temperature decrease with altitude? a) stratosphere and mesosphere b) mesosphere and thermosphere c) troposphere and stratosphere d) troposphere and mesosphere e) stratosphere and thermosphere
troposphere and mesosphere
Based on function, the atmosphere has
two zones that absorb radiation from the Sun.
The realization that Earth was a sphere
was first made by Pythagoras, 580-500 B.C.
A scale of 1 inch = 8 miles is an example of a
written scale
