MISA Test
Drag the words into the boxes to complete the sentence about the brightness of stars. You may not use all of the terms. response - correct The 1. ________________ magnitude of a star changes with the 2. __________________ between the star and the observer, whereas the 3. ____________magnitude is the measure of how bright each star would be if it were at the same distance (10 parsecs) from an observer. A. Absolute B. Apparent C. Distance D. Mass E. Time
1. B Apparent 2. C Distance 3. A Absolute
What is the main form of energy involved in each of these surface processes? Drag the form of energy that matches each surface process into the box next to the description. 1. Flowing water transports sediment. - 2. An acidic substance breaks down with minerals. - 3. A change in temperature warms lake water. - 4. Loose sediment on a mountain experiences a downward force. - A Solar Energy B Kinetic Energy C Chemical Energy D Gravitational Potential Energy
1. B Kinetic Energy 2. C Chemical Energy 3. A Solar Energy 4. D Gravitational Potential Energy
Wind, moving water in the form of rivers, and ice in the form of glaciers are all agents of erosion. Drag the words into the boxes to complete the sentences that compare the two agents. Of these, 1.___________ alters landforms fastest and most dramatically. Although 2.________ can erode, transport, and deposit sediments, in most cases it is only strong enough to transport sand-sized particles. In comparison, 3._________ can erode, transport, and deposit larger sediments, but it is not the most common of the three agents of erosion. A. Wind B. Moving Water C. Ice
1. C Ice 2. A Wind 3. B Moving Water
Evaporation and precipitation affect Earth's freshwater supply. Select the words from the drop-down lists to correctly complete each sentence about these processes. Evaporation 1. _______ Earth's supply of fresh water by changing 2. __________. Precipitation redistributes fresh water over Earth's surface 3. __________. The majority of the world's precipitation takes place over 4. _____ and is 5. ________ for use as fresh water to meet the needs of people.
1. Increases 2. Salt Water to Fresh Water 3. Unevenly 4. the Oceans 5. Inaccessible
Deformation of rock by forces from plate tectonics as well as from changes of weight due to surface processes can result in folding in the rock. Choose the correct answer from each list to correctly complete the sentences. When rock undergoes deformation during a 1.______________of time, folding occurs. Folds occur 2. ______________ where there is high pressure and temperature. Under certain forces, rock 3. ______ into folds, and stripes appear, which results in 4. 4________ changes in the properties of the rock.
1. Long Period 2. Deep in the Lithosphere 3. Bends 4. Uneven
A scientist is determining ways to increase the sustainability of oil. She is gathering potential suggestions and sorting the suggestions into ways that can increase the sustainability of oil and ways that do not promote the sustainability of oil. Drag the correct label into the box next to each suggestion. 1. promote the use of oil throughout the world 2. lower the standard fuel efficiency of new cars 3. develop alternative fuels to take the place of oil 4. reduce the number of products that require the use of oil 5. encourage ways to reuse oil-based products, such as motor oil
1. activity that does not promote the sustainability of oil 2. activity that does not promote the sustainability of oil 3. activity that increases the sustainablity of oil 4. activity that increases the sustainablity of oil 5. activity that increases the sustainablity of oil
Many areas of Earth are prone to natural hazards that can cause harm on a local, regional, or even global level. Select the words from the drop-down lists to correctly complete each sentence. Most of Central Africa is dealing with a long-term lack of rain. This is an example of a 1. ___________ natural hazard that is taking place at a 2.________ level. In 1980 Mount St. Helens, a volcano in Washington state, erupted, spewing lava across 11 states. This disaster was an example of a 3. _________ natural hazard that took place at the 4. ________ level.
1. climatological 2. regional 3. geophysical 4. regional
By studying the fossils found in different parts of a geological feature, scientists are able to determine which era the fossils belongs to, as well as the sequence of formation. After the discovery of radioactivity, scientists can now determine the absolute age, meaning how long ago a rock or mineral formed. Choose the words from the drop-down lists to correctly complete the sentences. Scientists discovered that the rate at which certain radioactive isotopes decay is unique to each isotope and 1. ___________ over time and place. The unstable isotope that decays is called 2. ___________ isotope, and the isotope it decays to is called 3. _________ isotope. Determining the absolute age using radioactivity is based on measuring 4. ____________ in a sample. Using this number and the unique decay rate as a characteristic of the isotope, calculations are made to determine how long it has been decaying.
1. does not change 2. parent 3. daughter 4. the ratio of parent to daughter atoms
Which statement best describes why these bands of intense snowfall exist so close to the lakes? Choose the correct answer. A. Cold air warms as it passes over the lakes. It picks up large amounts of moisture and then releases it as it heads over the cooler land. B. Alternate pockets of cool and freezing air are able to pull moisture from the lakes. The moisture is released as the air crosses over onto the warmer land. C. Water has a low specific heat, meaning it can hold more freezing water from the lakes. The specific heat then changes as the water crosses into land, causing the precipitation. D. Alternate cycles of condensation and precipitation take place as an air mass moves over the lakes. This causes clouds to fill with more moisture, which will be released over land.
A. Cold air warms as it passes over the lakes. It picks up large amounts of moisture and then releases it as it heads over the cooler land.
For each result, choose the process that produced it. A. Island Arc B. Hotspot Volcano C. Ocean Trenches D. Mountain Ranges Convergence Between Plates or Magma Pushing up Through the Lithosphere
A. Convergence between Plates B. Magma Pushing up through the lithosphere C. Convergence between Plates D. Convergence between Plates
According to the Big Bang theory, during the formation and expansion of the universe, hydrogen and helium were produced. How are the elements that are heavier than helium but lighter than or equal to iron produced? Choose the correct answer. A. Elements heavier than helium but lighter than or equal to iron are produced by nuclear fusion within stars. B. All of the elements were produced during the initial collision of plasma particles before the stars existed. C. Elements heavier than helium but lighter than or equal to iron were already in existence before the Big Bang. D. Elements heavier than helium but lighter than or equal to iron are produced when massive stars reach supernova stage and explode.
A. Elements heavier than helium but lighter than or equal to iron are produced by nuclear fusion within stars.
People require natural resources to help them meet their most basic needs. Select the appropriate cell in the table to show the most important resource that can be obtained at each location. A. the remains of a million-year-old forest - B. rare-earth elements on the eastern edge of Asia - C. the Ogallala Aquifer that underlies the Great Plains - D. rich magma at the base of the Mount St. Helens volcano - E. a temperate area that has moderate precipitation and mild temperatures - Energy, Rocks and Minerals, Water, Rocks and Minerals, Or Climate and Land
A. Energy B. Rocks and Minerals C. Water D. Rocks and Minerals E. Climate and Land
Two stars have the same absolute magnitude, but one is four times the distance from Earth. What will the more distant star's apparent brightness be relative to the closer star as viewed from Earth? Choose the correct answer. A. It will be one-sixteenth of the closer star's apparent brightness. B. It will be one-ninth of the closer star's apparent brightness. C. It will be one-fourth of the closer star's apparent brightness. D. It will be four times the closer star's apparent brightness.
A. It will be one-sixteenth of the closer star's apparent brightness.
What is a direct effect on environmental sustainability if groundwater depletion is not addressed? Choose the correct answer. A. Nonrenewable resources continue to deplete. B. Society continues to struggle after wars and poverty. C. Technology and transportation are used inefficiently. D. There is an unequal distribution of services and products.
A. Nonrenewable resources continue to deplete.
The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been increasing. If this trend continues, what will happen to the temperature of the atmosphere? Choose the correct answer. A. The atmospheric temperature will increase. B. The atmospheric temperature will decrease. C. It will not have an effect on the temperature of the atmosphere. D. It will cause a short-term drop in temperature, before the temperature returns to normal.
A. The atmospheric temperature will increase.
Which statement best describes a way the biosphere supports human development through nutrient cycling? Choose the correct answer. A. The decay of leaves and twigs in garden soil sustains the growth of nearby plants. B. Wind and rain break down rock into small pieces, forming soil that can be used for farming. C. Rainwater that filters through soil is the source of groundwater that supplies water to wells. D. A tree root growing close to rock can cause the rock to break into small pieces that become soil.
A. The decay of leaves and twigs in garden soil sustains the growth of nearby plants.
Earth's water cycle involves interactions between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Which stages of the water cycle increase as a result of temperature decrease? Choose the correct answer. A. condensation and precipitation B. evaporation and condensation C. precipitation and surface runoff D. surface runoff and evaporation
A. condensation and precipitation
Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Between 1994 and 2000 there was a dramatic change in size of the human population on the island. The maps show geologic features of Montserrat and the population in both 1994 and 2000. Which argument is best supported by the evidence in the maps? Choose the correct answer https://assets.learnosity.com/organisations/163/583440.gif A. A strong storm affected the island, depleting food sources and killing thousands. B. A large volcanic eruption occurred, forcing people to move away from the island. C. A virus affected the people of the island, and was fatal to most of the population. D. A shift in climate occurred, causing people to seek a more favorable climate instead.
B. A large volcanic eruption occurred, forcing people to move away from the island.
If a tsunami were to hit both areas with an equal impact, in which area would the loss of human life likely be higher? Choose the correct answer. https://assets.learnosity.com/organisations/163/583441.gif A. Area A because there is a greater population spread out throughout the area, which will cause greater devastation B. Area B because there is a greater population closer to the point of impact, which will cause greater devastation C. Area A because there is more land area to be impacted by the tsunami, which will lead to more devastation D. Area B because there is less land area to be impacted by the tsunami, which will lead to more devastation
B. Area B because there is a greater population closer to the point of impact, which will cause greater devastation
What is the order of the rock layers from oldest to youngest? Choose the correct answer. https://assets.learnosity.com/organisations/163/591109.gif A. D is the oldest, followed by A, C, E, and B. B. E is the oldest, followed by D, B, C, and A. C. C is the oldest, followed by D, E, A, and B. D. A is the oldest, followed by D, B, C, and E.
B. E is the oldest, followed by D, B, C, and A.
During the last ice age, glaciers were known to have covered the North American plate. These massive sheets of ice were thousands of feet thick. The weight of this ice put a tremendous amount of pressure on the land. Which phenomenon occurred after and because the ice melted? A. Crustal rocks were metamorphosed. B. The land started to rebound upward. C. Depressions formed, some up to 900 feet thick. D. Magma was released from the mantle into the crust.
B. The land started to rebound upward.
Which statement correctly describes why the existence of cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) is one of the lines of evidence used to support the Big Bang theory? Choose the correct answer. A. The CMBR is blue shifted to the degree predicted by the Big Bang theory. B. The remnant radiation predicted by the Big Bang theory matches that of the CMBR once red shift is accounted for. C. The CMBR is evidence that the universe switched from transparent to opaque as predicted by the Big Bang theory. D. The microwave radiation composing the CMBR arrives at Earth at the wavelength predicted to result from the Big Bang.
B. The remnant radiation predicted by the Big Bang theory matches that of the CMBR once red shift is accounted for.
About 215 million years ago, the supercontinent of Pangaea began to break apart forming the Atlantic Ocean. Which geologic process caused this formation? Choose the correct answer. A. convergence B. divergence C. earthquakes D. volcanic eruptions
B. divergence
Merrill has attended multiple town hall meetings to listen to politicians address current problems about groundwater depletion. What political decision threatens community efforts toward sustainability? Choose the correct answer. A. accept groundwater from a neighboring state to increase current water supply B. increase funding for land drilling in order to search for more groundwater sources C. consider health impacts from groundwater depletion when drafting a spending bill D. prioritize research funding to examine the strain on aquifers during droughts and wars
B. increase funding for land drilling in order to search for more groundwater sources
Saudi Arabia is a country rich in many natural resources, but it is not rich in one very valuable resource, water. In order to feed its rapidly growing population, a number of farms have been started on land that is part of the desert. These farms get their water from a large aquifer that is replenished from rainfall. The table shows data about the country's water use and the aquifer's rate of recharge. Based on these data, what is most likely the long-term future of farming in Saudi Arabia? Choose the correct answer. https://assets.learnosity.com/organisations/163/583771.gif A. Farming is sustainable because the aquifer's water can be supplemented with nearby ocean water. B. Farming is sustainable because the amount of rainfall will be enough to replace what is used from the aquifer. C. Farming is not sustainable because water is being used from the aquifer at a rate greater than it can be replaced. D. Farming is not sustainable because the combined amount of rainfall and water released from the aquifer will flood the farms.
C. Farming is not sustainable because water is being used from the aquifer at a rate greater than it can be replaced.
Over time, a developing country that has a rich supply of natural resources becomes more industrialized. What will most likely happen to the country's use of natural resources? Choose the correct answer. A. It will decrease because increased extraction will limit resource availability. B. It will decrease because industry will deplete its supply of natural resources. C. It will increase because industry will produce greater need for natural resources. D. It will increase because decreased supplies of natural resources will increase demand.
C. It will increase because industry will produce greater need for natural resources.
People move to a previously uninhabited area where the natural resources they need for survival are widely available. Over time, the population reaches a level at which the rate at which they use the natural resources equals the rate at which the resources replenish.What will most likely happen to the population after this point? Choose the correct answer. A. It will increase until all of the resources are depleted. B. It will decrease until all of the resources are replenished. C. It will remain stable because the resources will be limited. D. It will begin to decrease because the use of resources will decrease.
C. It will remain stable because the resources will be limited.
The amount of fresh water available in an area affects the population. Which statement describes the point at which water becomes a limiting factor for the population? Choose the correct answer. A. People begin to move into the area and use the water that is available. B. As the population in the area increases, the total water usage increases. C. Some people move out of the area because water shortages begin to occur. D. As the population begins to decrease, the total amount of water used decreases.
C. Some people move out of the area because water shortages begin to occur.
What happens to the spectral lines of a star that is moving toward Earth? Choose the correct answer. A. The waves spread out, and the frequency of each line increases. B. The waves spread out, and the frequency of each line decreases. C. The waves compress, and the frequency of each line increases. D. The waves compress, and the frequency of each line decreases.
C. The waves compress, and the frequency of each line increases.
How could ocean warming, as a result of global warming, cause an additional increase in the temperature of the climate? Choose the correct answer. A. Animal respiration would decrease, causing a greater greenhouse effect. B. The ocean would absorb more carbon dioxide, causing a greater greenhouse effect. C. Water vapor in the atmosphere would increase, causing a greater greenhouse effect. D. Photosynthesis would increase with increased temperature, causing a greater greenhouse effect.
C. Water vapor in the atmosphere would increase, causing a greater greenhouse effect.
A reduction in which human activity will help slow down the warming of the climate? Choose the correct answer. A. using solar power B. using wind power C. burning fossil fuels D. walking instead of driving
C. burning fossil fuels
Earth's climate changes by natural and human causes. Which one is an impact made by human activity on global climate? Choose the correct answer. A. changes in solar energy B. changes in ocean currents C. changes in greenhouse gases D. changes in the motion of tectonic plates
C. changes in greenhouse gases
Which would most likely cause an increase in freshwater usage? Choose the correct answer. A. use of an existing dam B. continued use of water for livestock C. establishment of a fracking mining operation D. enactment of water usage restrictions for home uses
C. establishment of a fracking mining operation
What happens to the spectrum of a star that is moving away from Earth? Choose the correct answer. A. unchanged B. loses its color C. shifts toward red D. shifts toward blue
C. shifts toward red
Which process is a type of chemical weathering? Choose the correct answer. A. salt crystals blowing against boulders and rounding them B. sudden freezing and thawing causing cracks in a sidewalk C. water combining with carbon dioxide to dissolve minerals
C. water combining with carbon dioxide to dissolve minerals
Which statement describes a result of the Coriolis effect? Choose the correct answer. A. The easterly winds develop on Earth and tend to propel ships to the east. B. Low-pressure systems form in the tropics and can lead to hurricane development. C. The trade winds can appear in the tropical latitudes and be used to propel large ships. D. A small plane in the Northern Hemisphere traveling northward will tend to deflect to the right.
D. A small plane in the Northern Hemisphere traveling northward will tend to deflect to the right.
What happens to water as it becomes a solid? Choose the correct answer. A. Its density increases. B. It becomes more polar. C. Its kinetic energy increases. D. Its molecules are forced farther apart.
D. Its molecules are forced farther apart.
What has happened to light that has been blueshifted? Choose the correct answer. A. Its amplitude has been increased. B. Its amplitude has been decreased. C. Its wavelength has been increased. D. Its wavelength has been shortened.
D. Its wavelength has been shortened.
Astronomers studying the light spectrum coming from the nearby Andromeda galaxy noticed that it is blue shifted. What does the blue shift of light coming from the Andromeda galaxy imply about its motion relative to Earth, and what implications does this have on the Big Bang theory? Choose the correct answer. A. The blue shift indicates that the Andromeda galaxy is moving away from Earth. This is consistent with the Big Bang theory. B. The blue shift indicates the Andromeda galaxy is moving away from Earth, which means the Big Bang theory needs to be revised. C. The Big Bang theory predicts a red shift for light coming from all galaxies. This blue shift means the Andromeda galaxy is moving toward Earth and that the theory needs to be revised. D. The Big Bang theory predicts that most but not all galaxies are moving away from each other. The blue shift indicates that the Andromeda galaxy is one of the few galaxies moving toward Earth.
D. The Big Bang theory predicts that most but not all galaxies are moving away from each other. The blue shift indicates that the Andromeda galaxy is one of the few galaxies moving toward Earth.
How might adding trees, other plants, and phytoplankton to the biosphere impact global climate change? Choose the correct answer. A. The biosphere will absorb oxygen, and the temperature of the atmosphere will increase. B. The biosphere will absorb oxygen, and the temperature of the atmosphere will decrease. C. The biosphere will absorb carbon dioxide, and the temperature of the atmosphere will increase. D. The biosphere will absorb carbon dioxide, and the temperature of the atmosphere may decrease or the warming of the atmosphere will slow.
D. The biosphere will absorb carbon dioxide, and the temperature of the atmosphere may decrease or the warming of the atmosphere will slow.
Observations of the universe have shown that light from the edges of the universe are shifted red in every direction. What does this mean about the galaxies around us and how does this support the Big Bang theory? Choose the correct answer. A. The galaxies are staying still, indicating that the energy in the Big Bang has been depleted. B. The galaxies are moving toward us, which indicates that the universe continues to get smaller. C. The galaxies are rotating around a central point, indicating a significant gravitational pull from the Big Bang. D. The galaxies are moving away from us, which indicates that the universe was once smaller and more dense and is continuing to expand.
D. The galaxies are moving away from us, which indicates that the universe was once smaller and more dense and is continuing to expand.
If a dense, non-light producing, interstellar gas were to move between a star and Earth, what would happen to the spectra of the light from the star as measured on Earth? Choose the correct answer. A. The spectra would show greater redshift. B. The spectra would become a continuous spectra. C. The number of absorption lines would likely increase. D. The number of absorption lines would likely decrease.
D. The number of absorption lines would likely decrease.
How will the spectra lines recorded on Earth be shifted for a light-emitting object that is moving neither toward nor away from Earth? Choose the correct answer. A. They will have redshift. B. They will have blueshift. C. They will have greenshift. D. They will not be shifted at all.
D. They will not be shifted at all.
Which of these is not a result of climate change? Choose the correct answer. A. global warming B. sea-level changes C. change in precipitation D. change in tidal patterns
D. change in tidal patterns
Geologic features are formed by plate tectonics driven by Earth's internal energy, as well as by surface processes driven by external energy from sunlight. Which of these is the original energy resource for the formation of a rift? Choose the correct answer. A. subsidence B. plate subduction C. rock deformation D. mantle convection
D. mantle convection
What weather effect results when a moving air mass hits a mountain, rises, cools, and loses most of its moisture through precipitation? Choose the correct answer. A. foehn B. chinook C. monsoon D. rain shadow
D. rain shadow
What are two major factors used to identify climate? Choose the correct answer. A. longitude and latitude B. latitude and temperature C. precipitation and longitude D. temperature and precipitation
D. temperature and precipitation
As a river flows through an area, which property of water is most responsible for carving deep grooves in the landscape? Choose the correct answer. A. its high specific heat B. its ability to freeze and thaw C. its capacity to dissolve materials D. the high energy of the flowing water
D. the high energy of the flowing water
Technological advances are allowing humans to study the formation of the universe in ever greater detail. Drag the description of a study that matches the line of evidence for the Big Bang gathered from that study into the box next to it. Some studies may be used more than once or not at all. red shift - cosmic background radiation - the abundance of light elements in the universe - A. Rovers are photographing and chemically sampling rocks found at the surface of Mars B. A reciever detects and measures the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum C. The Hubble Teleoscpoe measures light passing through a distant nebula in order to study its composition D. A telescope is used to record the spectral of light coming from distant galaxies in order to determine their velocites relative to Earth
Red Shift - D. A telescope is used to record the spectral of light coming from distant galaxies in order to determine their velocites relative to Earth Cosmic Background Radiation - B. A reciever detects and measures the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum The Abundance of Light Elements in the Universe - C. The Hubble Teleoscpoe measures light passing through a distant nebula in order to study its composition
